Serisha Iyar

Serisha is a former Public Justice Intern at CPJ. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Leading in Colour, an organization dedicated to peer-to-peer knowledge sharing amongst racialized youth. Serisha also sits on the Board of The Solidarity Library. She is a graduate of McGill University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in World Religions. As the child of refugees, Serisha has been a lifelong activist. She has been actively involved in refugee rights advocacy since her selection as a 2017-18 UofMosaic Fellow with The Mosaic Institute and furthered this interest while serving as an executive on several student-led advocacy groups.

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Posts by Serisha Iyar

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Becoming Agents of Change: Youth Leading the Charge

We often see changemakers as those with immense power that can shift societal norms. From politicians to civil society, to activists, we tend to view change through the eyes of social capital. However, more and more youth are being looked to for their leadership and expertise, as we seek to build a better future. And…

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Continuing the Fight to Uphold Refugee Rights

Like many others, I was shocked, saddened, and at a loss for words when I heard of Stephen’s tragic and sudden passing. Alongside my former colleagues at Citizens for Public Justice, I continue to grieve this loss of life amongst the ongoing inequities and injustices of the COVID-19 pandemic. While working together at CPJ, Stephen…

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#Waive Repayment

Call on your MP to #waiverepayment for all resettled refugees in Canada!

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The Most Vulnerable

“The Most Vulnerable” examines how the federal Government, Churches, and Advocacy Groups can apply an intersectional approach to their respective areas of policy making and advocacy efforts.

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Christians are Called to Advocate for “The Most Vulnerable”

The Church has long been a defender of those who we consider to be the most vulnerable members of society.

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Book Review: All Our Relations – Finding the Path Forward

Acclaimed author of Seven Fallen Feathers, Tanya Talaga’s newest work, All Our Relations: Finding the Path Forward is a product of the CBC’s Massey Lectures Series.

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Christians Must Rise Up Against Islamophobia

It is imperative that we uphold the right to migration and advocate for the rights of refugees in the face of this radicalism. These events will not deter us from welcoming those who seek safety at our borders and embracing those who are in need of a new home.

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There is no “loophole” for refugees

Tune into Question Period in the House of Commons and you will periodically hear the words “close the loophole” being thrown around in heated debates concerning refugee claimants. It is a catchphrase used by some Members of Parliament to describe the changes they wish to see in the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA). Its usage has become increasingly popular in the House and has yielded headlines across the country. Yet, it remains unclear what supporters of the loophole narrative are trying to propose.

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The Christmas Story: Displacement and Migration

Believers are called to not simply welcome refugees, but to love them as God does; to defend, shelter, clothe and feed them.

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On International #MigrantsDay, let’s keep welcoming refugees

This Dec. 18 we acknowledge International Migrants Day and reaffirm CPJ’s commitment to standing up for the rights of refugees.

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