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John Jonaid brings lived experience, policy insight and the power of storytelling to his work as a journalist and human rights advocate. Having fled persecution in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, he travelled through India, China and Indonesia before arriving in Canada through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program in 2021.

Now based in Ottawa, John advocates for refugee protection, inclusive policymaking and meaningful opportunities for displaced people to shape decisions affecting their lives. His journey informs a commitment to refugee empowerment and to ensuring that marginalized communities can tell their own stories.

John also serves on the board of the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities as its Rohingya community representative.

 

Editorial Leadership & Storytelling Platforms

A journalist and storyteller, John co-founded two platforms that place refugee voices at the centre of public conversations:

• Archipelago Magazine: A publication featuring stories written by and for refugees, connecting readers with experiences of displacement, identity and rebuilding across the world.

• Humans in Flight: A storytelling initiative sharing first-hand accounts and images from refugee communities, highlighting their experiences, resourcefulness and aspirations.

His journalism has appeared in outlets including the BBC, CBC, Al Jazeera, Open Canada, Policy Options and The New Humanitarian. His reporting and commentary address the Rohingya genocide, refugee protection, statelessness, displacement and the persecution of marginalized communities, including the Hazara.

Through these platforms and publications, John creates space for refugees to contribute their knowledge, challenge assumptions and influence how their communities are represented.

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Civic Engagement & Advocacy Impact

John completed a fellowship with the Parliamentary Centre through the Knowledge for Democracy Myanmar initiative, supported by the International Development Research Centre and Global Affairs Canada.

His parliamentary experience included placements with MP Sameer Zuberi’s office, Senator Marilou McPhedran’s office and the Parliamentary Centre. These roles strengthened his work in advocacy, public communication, intercultural dialogue and engagement with policymakers.

In June 2023, John helped organize Myanmar-related meetings on Parliament Hill, including a panel discussion with the Parliamentary Friends of Democratic Burma. Following that discussion, Canadian lawmakers tabled a petition calling for support for dialogue among pro-democracy and diaspora groups and an inclusive federal democratic future for Myanmar.

Reflecting on this experience, John 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.”

— John Jonaid, International Development Research Centre

In June 2025, John joined the Canadian delegation to the UNHCR Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways in Geneva as a refugee adviser. He contributed insights drawn from lived experience to discussions about refugee protection, resettlement and meaningful refugee participation.

His work has also included supporting diaspora advocacy through the University of Ottawa’s Human Rights Research and Education Centre and mentoring communication skills for emerging Myanmar leaders through the Parliamentary Centre.

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Vision & Thought Leadership

John challenges portrayals that reduce Rohingya people to their suffering. His writing emphasizes their knowledge, capabilities and right to participate in decisions about their future:

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

— John Jonaid, The New Humanitarian

His advocacy connects immediate protection needs with longer-term priorities: education, community leadership, cultural preservation, accountability and opportunities to rebuild with dignity.

Alongside his journalism and advocacy, John is pursuing an M.A. in Migration and Diaspora Studies at Carleton University. His academic interests include refugee protection, statelessness, community resilience, the Rohingya diaspora and the role of media in shaping public understanding and policy.

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Speaking Topics

John brings personal experience, journalism and policy engagement to conversations about:

• The Rohingya genocide and the pursuit of justice and accountability.

• Forced displacement, statelessness and the search for safety.

• Refugee participation in policymaking and international decision-making.

• Journalism, storytelling and the representation of displaced communities.

• Refugee sponsorship, belonging and rebuilding life in Canada.

• Community leadership, solidarity and collective advocacy.

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Media Features About Him

John’s journey and advocacy have been profiled by media outlets and organizations working on refugee rights and democratic participation:

• CBC News — August 2024: “Rohingya man whose mother was abducted calls for refugee pathway to Canada”explores his advocacy for a dedicated refugee pathway and the difficulties facing family members left behind.

• International Development Research Centre — January 2024: “Journey from Myanmar to Canada to advocate for rights and democracy” traces his experience of displacement, journalism and engagement with Canadian parliamentary institutions.

• RAN Canada: A profile describes John as a Rohingya-born journalist, activist and researcher, highlighting his parliamentary fellowship, international journalism and co-founding of refugee storytelling platforms.

Together, these profiles highlight the connection between John’s lived experience and his contributions to journalism, public policy and refugee-led advocacy.

Select Articles Written by John Jonaid

• Refugees Deserve a Seat at the Table
  Open Canada — August 11, 2025
  Why meaningful refugee participation strengthens policymaking, informed by John’s experience with Canada’s delegation in Geneva.

• Canada’s Call: Leading Justice for the Hazara and Rohingya Genocides
  Open Canada — May 19, 2025
  A call for Canadian leadership in advancing justice, international cooperation and accountability.

• Help the Rohingya Help Themselves
  The New Humanitarian — November 6, 2024
  An argument for community-led solutions that support Rohingya leadership, education, identity and independence.

• The Rohingya Genocide – An Urgent Call to the Canadian Government
  Open Canada — July 1, 2024
  An appeal for decisive Canadian action to protect Rohingya lives.

• Canada Must Lead in Responding to the Desperate Plight of the Rohingya
  Policy Options — June 6, 2024
  Recommendations addressing diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, humanitarian access and refugee protection.

• A Rohingya Refugee’s Flight to Canada
  Open Canada — February 23, 2022
  John’s first-person account of persecution, displacement and finding safety through Canadian refugee sponsorship.

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Invite John to Speak

Invite John Jonaid to share his experience and insights with your school, university, workplace, faith community or organization.