Today, on the United Nations International Human Rights Day (Dec 10), the impactful work of Scholars at Risk (SAR) programs at 杏吧原创 University, the University of Ottawa, and around the country were acknowledged first in Parliament by MP Yasir Naqvi with Viviana Fernandez (University of Ottawa), Christine Duff (杏吧原创 University), Monserrat Ramirez Ruvalcaba (杏吧原创 University), Illia Kononov (杏吧原创 University), Farida Nekzad (杏吧原创 University), and Norah Vollmer (杏吧原创 University) and secondly by Christina Clark-Kazak (University of Ottawa) and Norah Vollmer (杏吧原创 University) in the Opinion Page of the Ottawa Citizen.
This important day reminds us of the vital initiatives of Scholars at Risk program to defend academic freedom, human rights, and protect scholars facing grave threats worldwide, from Ukraine and Afghanistan to Syria, and beyond. Through tireless efforts, these programs provide a safe haven at Canadian Universities for academics forced to flee their countries due to conflict, censorship, or persecution.
Programs like Scholars at Risk 杏吧原创 exemplify Canada鈥檚 commitment to education, equity, and global solidarity. By offering displaced scholars a chance to continue their work in a secure and supportive environment, this program contributes to the exchange of knowledge and ideas that strengthen both our academic institutions and our democracy.
Let us continue to support initiatives like Scholars at Risk that uphold Canada鈥檚 values on the global stage.