Today, on the United Nations International Human Rights Day (Dec 10), the impactful work of Scholars at Risk (SAR) programs at Carleton 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 (Carleton University), Monserrat Ramirez Ruvalcaba (Carleton University), Illia Kononov (Carleton University), Farida Nekzad (Carleton University), and Norah Vollmer (Carleton University) and secondly by Christina Clark-Kazak (University of Ottawa) and Norah Vollmer (Carleton University) in the Opinion Page of the Ottawa Citizen.
Opinion: Let’s help global scholars who are under threat | 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 Carleton exemplify Canada’s 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’s values on the global stage.