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John Jonaid embodies lived experience, advocacy insight, and narrative power. Having fled persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, he traversed India, China, and Indonesia before settling in Canada through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program in 2021 idrc-crdi.ca. Now based in Ottawa, his journey fuels a passionate commitment to refugee empowerment, inclusive policy, and amplifying marginalized voices.

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Editorial Leadership & Storytelling Platforms

A seasoned journalist and storyteller, John co-founded two dynamic platforms:

• Archipelago Magazine, showcasing refugee-written global narratives.

• Humans in Flight, an evocative collection of first-hand stories and imagery from refugee communities idrc-crdi.carancanada.ca.

His journalism has featured in major outlets such as BBC, CBC, Al Jazeera, OpenCanada, and Policy Optionsrancanada.caMuck RackOpen Canadaidrc-crdi.ca.

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Civic Engagement & Advocacy Impact

As a fellow in the Parliamentary Centre’s Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar (K4DM) initiative, John helped organize Canada-wide parliamentary briefings in June 2023, leading to petitions urging Canadian support for democracy and Rohingya rights idrc-crdi.ca. Reflecting on this pivotal role, he said:

“I had the opportunity to make a difference by sharing my personal story … raising awareness about the struggles faced by the Rohingya community and inspiring action in Parliament.” idrc-crdi.ca

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Vision & Thought Leadership

John’s insights challenge passive narratives and underscore agency:

“The world must change its perception of Rohingya. They are not helpless victims. They are capable, resilient individuals.” 

He continues both his advocacy and academic advancement as a graduate student in International Affairs at Carleton University.

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Media Features About Him

While John has written extensively, articles that spotlight him include:

• A CBC feature (Aug 2024) profiling his journey, advocacy for a Rohingya-specific refugee pathway to Canada, and reflections on family left behind k4dm.caYahoo News Canada.

• A profile by RAN Canada, describing him as a Rohingya-born journalist, activist, researcher, and former parliamentary fellow—with credits across top-tier media and his co-founding of impactful refugee storytelling platforms rancanada.ca.

These profiles underscore both his lived expertise and his recognized leadership within advocacy circles.

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Select Articles Written by John Jonaid

 

Refugees Deserve a Seat at the TableOpen CanadaAug 11, 2025 Open CanadaMuck Rack

 

Canada’s Call: Leading Justice for the Hazara and Rohingya GenocidesOpen CanadaMay 19, 2025 Open CanadaMuck Rack

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The Rohingya Genocide – An Urgent Call to the Canadian GovernmentOpen CanadaJul 1, 2024 Open CanadaMuck Rack

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Canada must lead in responding to the desperate plight of the RohingyaPolicy OptionsJun 6, 2024 Muck Rack+1