Meet the activists

Skip to Videos
  • Yasser Essa

    Yasser Essa

    Yasser Essa is a Sudanese peacebuilder, governance practitioner, and human rights advocate whose life has been shaped by the enduring legacies of conflict, marginalization, and exile — and whose work is dedicated to building just and inclusive societies from the ground up.

  • Fahima Hashim

    Fahima Hashim

    Fahima Hashim is a prominent Sudanese feminist activist who co-founded the Salmmah Women’s Resource Centre, championed women’s rights, and faced governmental suppression. Now living in Canada, she continues her advocacy, research, and mentorship, significantly impacting feminist causes and women's rights in the MENA region and beyond.

Podcast

A Voices in Exile podcast, hosted by Trent Radio, amplifying stories of displacement, resistance, and justice across borders.

Commentary & Resources

Meet the team

Professor John Packer
Co-Director

Professor John Packer is an Associate Professor of Law and Director of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) at the University of Ottawa. He was appointed the Inaugural Neuberger-Jesin Professor of International Conflict Resolution in April 2018.

See Prof Packer’s full profile page here.

Professor Nadia Abu-Zahra
Co-Director

Professor Abu-Zahra is an Associate Professor in the School of International Development and Global Studies at the University of Ottawa, and a member of the Human Rights Research and Education Centre. Prof Abu-Zahra is the Joint Chair in Women's Studies at Carlton University and University of Ottawa.

See Prof Abu-Zahra’s full profile page here.

Dr. Philip Leech-Ngo
Coordinator

Philip Leech-Ngo is a skilled researcher, analyst and communicator with more than ten years of experience as a consultant and academic with a focus on international affairs.

See Dr. Philip Leech-Ngo’s full profile page here.

Our partners