John Jonaid

08/09/2024

I will be live on CBC Radio at 7:10 a.m. and the TV coverage will be broadcast sometime on Monday. Stay tuned!

07/10/2024

In case you wonder about the Rohingya's history, here is who we are and where we belong!

“Yes, Burma is our country, but for Rohingya, Arakan has always been our homeland.”

Thank you Greg Constantine, for your hard work and dedication in collecting our history and helping us see our past through the lens of this artwork.

They may deny their identity, but they cannot erase our history, for history has a habit of repeating itself.

Ekkhale is collecting of Rohingya history in Arakan. Here is the link :

Portraits of the past challenging the present. Rare and never before seen family photographs from Rohingya show community, identity and place in Burma.

06/20/2024

The Arakan Army, like all groups fighting for change in Myanmar, must understand that true democracy cannot be achieved through violence and division. It requires unity, respect for human rights, and a commitment to justice for all. The path to democracy is fraught with challenges, but it is only by standing together and upholding our shared values that we can hope to overcome them.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/struggle-democracy-myanmar-unity-over-individual-agendas-john-jonaid-ny9ge/?trackingId=vGafQPIZT4GZsY9wHcmLqQ%3D%3D

06/07/2024

We must not allow political complexities or historical divisions to dilute our commitment to justice and compassion. The international community can rewrite the narrative of suffering into one of resilience, compassion and lasting change.

In Myanmar, the Rohingya are now totally vulnerable with no escape route from a deadly civil war. There are steps that urgently need to be taken.

06/06/2024

Canada must lead in responding to the desperate plight of the Rohingya

In Myanmar, the Rohingya are now totally vulnerable with no escape route from a deadly civil war. There are steps that urgently need to be taken.

05/21/2024

The Rohingya people in Myanmar's Rakhine State face a dire humanitarian crisis. Entire villages have been burned, and countless lives lost.

How You Can Help:

1. Share a Fact:
- Example: Over 700,000 Rohingya have been forced to flee due to violence. hashtag

2. Show Support:
- Example: Post a photo with a sign saying, “I stand with the Rohingya. hashtag

3. Tag Friends:
- Example: I challenge , , and to join the hashtag

Together, we can raise awareness and inspire action.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rohingya-awareness-challenge-john-jonaid-bdcse/?trackingId=HdLDyrJBQBqDnQUimS4zJg%3D%3D

03/21/2024

Join us MSF live event on Rohingya crisis.

03/07/2024

I will be speaking about how Canada can support Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and Rakhine state.

Join us!

As an MSF supporter, you are part of a global movement committed to providing care for people who need it most. We want to extend this opportunity for you to learn more about how MSF is supporting the Rohingya people facing humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh and Myanmar and what you can do to help. V...

02/24/2024

Refugee stories are usually told by external bodies such as media and organizations. However, Nhial Deng said that refugees should tell their own stories in their voices, and their words. Refugees also should be part of the decision-making that affects their lives.

Video 1 : https://shorturl.at/moDL7
Video 2 : https://shorturl.at/djILV

We are honored to have Nhial's story featured in humans_in_flight Be inspired by his voice and consider yourself a part of the change-makers with the steps he suggested.

02/12/2024

In Toronto, Hazara women and their allies recently gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to protest the ongoing atrocities committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The rally, titled “No to the Taliban: Call to Action Against Hazara Genocide and Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan,” shed light on the dire situation faced by Hazara women. These women have become targets for kidnapping, violence, and widespread repression by the Taliban.

A recent protest in Toronto took direct aim at the Taliban’s ongoing brutality

02/02/2024

Thank you, IDRC / CRDI Parliamentary Centre Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada. Sameer Zuberi and Marilou McPhedran for giving me this incredible opportunity.

It not only changes my life for the better but also provides a platform for the people of Myanmar to advocate for democracy.

https://idrc-crdi.ca/en/research-in-action/journey-myanmar-canada-advocate-rights-and-democracy?fbclid=IwAR2ARSvarpsMaPse0dIkrpBE-4R6cvqYKHY9BWccn5MUKbyfRC_fqkwfJ-4

02/02/2024

A successful yet challenging journey lies ahead for a better future for all.

A joint parliamentary discussion was held to reflect on three years of military brutality after the illegal takeover that plunged the people of Myanmar into devastation and damaged the country at its core in 2021.

The Myanmar military, similar to the Taliban in Afghanistan, has been persecuting the people of Myanmar for nearly 60 years, especially minority groups such as the Chin, Karen, Kachin, Mon, and Rohingya.

Diverse ethnic leaders and activists shared their experiences of persecution and oppression by the military in various forms. This is a reality that democratic actors should acknowledge.

These minorities have been there since the beginning, resisting against the military. Today, the world is aware of Myanmar due to their hard work and sacrifices they have made.

The new democratic initiative in Myanmar should represent the years of suffering that these people have endured, transforming it into resilience and inspiration for democracy.

Therefore, it is not solely about overthrowing the military and establishing democracy, but about creating a country that is empathetic and recognized for the people who have suffered, fostering inclusivity and equality for all in all forms.

02/01/2024

Dans le cadre de l’initiative du savoir au service de la démocratie au Myanmar (K4DM), nous soutenons, avec Le développement international du Canada - Affaires mondiales Canada, 51 boursières et boursiers universitaires de la diaspora du Myanmar.

Lisez comment le boursier John Jonaid basé au Canada a utilisé son stage avec le centre parlemtaire | Parliamentary Centre pour plaider en faveur d’un avenir pacifique et démocratique pour le Myanmar.

12/29/2023

As the people of Myanmar struggle for democracy while fighting a war with the brutal military, Canada's support is needed more than ever.

Canada can make a difference. Besides providing humanitarian assistance, Canada can help prepare Rohingya and other ethnic minorities with civil knowledge and practical experiences necessary for integration into the new Myanmar.

As a solution to the Rohingya crisis lies in the democratic development of Myanmar, Canada can take a further step by recognizing the National Unity Government (NUG) as the legitimate government of Myanmar

Read Full artilce on The Hill Times

Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada IDRC / CRDI Parliamentary Centre Jaivet Ealom Sameer Zuberi Justice for All Canada Inter Pares

12/27/2023

Aceh was the most welcoming city for Rohingya. I have witnessed their kindness and compassion for Rohingya. I still use Aceh as an example of humanity; it was the only city that rescued Rohingya when everyone else rejected them. I even wrote an article on this. But it's really heart-breaking to see such a huge number of students protesting against the world's most vulnerable people.

It has broken every brick we built on humanity. I don't know who conspired against them. One thing I could tell the people of Aceh is that Rohingya are not what you are told they are.

It is not easy to handle such a number of refugees, and with concerns over the growing numbers of refugees, but for them, as of now, Aceh is the only closest safe haven.

They are leaving Bangladesh not because they are seeking better lives, but they are literally facing another genocide there, and they have zero to nothing to feed their families.

Also, Rohingya believe that Aceh people are the only ones who really understand them and are the most compassionate people.
Although it is concerning at the moment to see a growing number of Rohingya arriving in Aceh, their situation might be temporary as the situation in Myanmar is developing faster, which will allow Rohingya to return home earlier than we could imagine.

It is a matter of time to test the humanity of Aceh people and remind the world that humanity can still prevail regardless of adversity and conspiracy.

We are proud of the people of Aceh and believe that they will continue to make a difference in the face of this challenging moment.

12/02/2023

It's a great honor to have the opportunity to share my experiences as a Rohingya fellow in the Canadian Parliament, aiming to facilitate solutions to the Rohingya crisis and contribute to the development of democracy in Myanmar at the conference in Thailand, focused on Rohingya in a Future Democratic Myanmar.

Thank you, IDRC / CRDI, Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada and Parliamentary Centre for your continued support in helping my people and the people of Myanmar achieve freedom from brutal military rule.

10/05/2023

“In the depths of adversity, I’ve learned that hope and resilience can reshape even the harshest realities. My journey showed me the power of compassion and unity to create change. I’m dedicated to giving voice to the silenced and believe that together, we can forge a future where justice and freedom prevail for all in Myanmar.”

One million Rohingya are stranded in dire refugee camps in Cox Bazaar, Bangladesh.

06/16/2023

In a world that thrives on unity and compassion, the Rohingya crisis stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges we face.

Imagine an entire community uprooted from their homeland, enduring unimaginable atrocities, and seeking refuge in a foreign land.

Let's join hands to shed light on their struggle, raise awareness, and strive for justice and a brighter future for the resilient Rohingya people.

For the first time in Canada, a Panel discussion will be held in Parliament Hill organized by MP Sameer Zuberi in partnership with the Parliamentary Centre and Parliamentary Friends of Democratic Burma group co-chaired by Adam Chambers and Garnett Genuis

The panel is on 19 June from 4 to 6 pm. RSVP is required to attend the Panel.

Here is the registration form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhteBF1pdsFKjwv1MZQZOT39AG_6xw8vmReIVJdRHnCo7KPg/viewform?pli=1

If you can’t make it in person, the panel will be live-streaming on Parliamentary Centre's page and on this page.

06/11/2023

JFA Canada and Saifullah Muhammad from the held an encouraging discussion with MP on the situation of Rohingya refugees. Our team expressed concern over the lack of global funding for food, basic supplies, and long-term education for refugee youth. Thank you MP Zuberi for expressing concern and proposing viable solutions for our advocacy team to pursue under the leadership of Rohingya activists in Canada.

“JFA Canada and Saifullah Muhammad from the held an encouraging discussion with MP on the situation of Rohingya refugees. Our team expressed concern over the lack of global funding for food, basic supplies, and long-term education for refugee youth.…”

06/07/2023

The Rohingya Crisis: A Call for International Action and Canada’s Leadership in Resettlement

“I don’t even know what my human rights are in Myanmar,” continued Ro Ziya. “I was not even sure if I was ever treated as a human being. I was called an illegal immigrant in my own land. I could not even travel within my own country, nor can I apply for a job. All I can recall is the hatred and discrimination against us.”

Although faced with genocide few Rohingya refugees are now in Canada

06/07/2023

I had the honour of meeting with distinguished members of the Canadian parliament, representatives of University of Toronto, Parliamentary Centre, and IDRC / CRDI to discuss potential solutions for ending the Rohingya crisis and supporting a federal democratic government for Myanmar.

The Rohingya crisis is urgent and ongoing and requires immediate attention and action.

We can make a difference through humanitarian aid, protection and security measures, political reforms, diplomatic negotiations, advocacy, and support for organizations dedicated to the welfare of the Rohingya.

Let's work together towards a brighter future for Rohingya by joining hands.

11/02/2021

‘In May, I even tried to burn myself in front of the UNHCR. Can the world understand why I want to commit su***de and why many refugees are committing su***de in Indonesia?’ asked Fouzia Taj, a thirty-thee-year-old female Afghan refugee who has been stranded in Indonesia for the last eight years. She continued:

As members of a vulnerable refugee population, we, the refugees of Indonesia, seek the intervention of the international community to bring us a safe future. Failing this, refugees in Indonesia will continue to be trapped within harsh systems and condemned to slow death by attrition.

08/02/2021

FMR 67 Public health and WASH / Non-signatory States and the international refugee regime

The latest issue of Forced Migration Review, now online, includes two features. In the Public health and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) feature, authors discuss challenges, responses and innovations across a wide range of settings, and identify learning which could help inform future public health and WASH work with forced migrants. Meanwhile, in the second feature, authors explore the status of protection in non-signatory States, examining, in particular, the role of UNHCR, civil society and legal actors in facilitating access to protection for refugees and asylum seekers. This issue is available in two formats: a 68-page magazine and a 6-page Editors’ briefing, both online at www.fmreview.org/issue67. It will also be available in Arabic, French and Spanish. FMR is Open Access and free of charge. For print copies, please email [email protected]

You can read my article on page 65: The challenges we face in a non-signatory country.

07/29/2021

07/14/2021