Help create a Canada where exiled human rights defenders find not just safety—but the opportunity to lead, contribute, and thrive. The Resilience Network connects them to Canadian institutions for placements, bespoke mentorship, and robust advocacy channels, turning their lived experience under authoritarian regimes into real impact.
What is the Resilience Network?
The Resilience Network is a Canadian initiative that supports exiled human rights defenders, journalists, and civic leaders who have been forced to flee authoritarian regimes and violent repression.
These individuals arrive in Canada with more than just stories of survival—they bring deep expertise, lived experience, and a commitment to human dignity and justice. The Resilience Network helps them re-engage and lead again.
The Network is an initiative of Resilient Societies, in partnership with Equitas, one of Canada’s leading human rights education organizations.
What We Do
We provide practical, meaningful pathways for exiled activists to continue their work through:
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Placements in Canadian host institutions (think tanks, NGOs, universities, media outlets)
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Capacity-building and mentorship tailored to their goals and context
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Advocacy support to amplify their voices and causes in Canada and globally
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Peer networks to foster belonging, healing, and solidarity
Why It Matters—For Canada
This is more than humanitarian support. It is an investment in Canada’s civic and democratic fabric.
These leaders bring powerful global perspectives that can enrich public discourse, strengthen our institutions, and reinforce Canada’s commitment to human rights, inclusion, and global solidarity.
By supporting them, we strengthen who we are as a country.
How You Can Help
Whether you contribute $50 or $5,000, your support helps activate leadership, build connections, and defend human rights.
✔️ Tax receipts available for Canadian donors
✔️ All donations go directly to program delivery and fellow support
Be part of a Canada that uplifts courage, defends democracy, and backs those who have risked everything to protect it.
Donate today.
This is such an important cause to contribute to as transnational threats to human rights and democracy defenders increase!