Background
To encourage and enable the participation of Rohingya in advancing reconciliation efforts and the crafting of the foundations of Myanmar’s inclusive democratic future, the Parliamentary Centre offers two capacity-building fellowships for young Rohingya leaders in Canada. The initiative is possible with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Global Affairs Canada.
Objectives
The Program equips two young Rohingya leaders with in-depth knowledge and experience regarding the functioning of inclusive parliamentary democracies and practical advocacy and leadership skills. It also provides them with the opportunity to amplify Rohingya voices and participation in building Myanmar’s future democratic order by using their newly acquired knowledge and skills to provide inputs to the ongoing federal democracy charter process and other reconciliation and democratization efforts.
2023 Program
Through a competitive process, the Parliamentary Centre selected Mohammad Johnaid, a Rohingya refugee, to spend time in several of Canada’s Federal Parliament and civil society organizations working in the field of inclusive governance.
Before making it to Canada, John was a refugee and lived in Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Through theses experiences, he learned to appreciate diversity and developed a strong desire to advocate for marginalized populations worldwide.
During his time in Ottawa, John completed a two-month internship at the House of Commons with Member of Parliament Sameer Zuberi’s office, a one-month internship at the Parliamentary Centre, and a 3-month internship with the office of Senator Marilou McPhedran.
Throughout this time, John gained in-depth knowledge and experience in the functioning of Canada’s democracy along with practical leadership skills, such as advocacy and communication skills, negotiation skills, intercultural communication, networking, and more.
John is currently focused on creating a platform that brings together individuals from every ethnic group in Burma (Myanmar) to collaborate and advocate for the country. It aims to provide them with relevant information, resources, and opportunities for community involvement.
In addition, John continues building networks with international organizations and democratic actors in Myanmar for increased efforts on issues related to participation of Rohingya in advancing reconciliation efforts and crafting of the foundations of Myanmar’s inclusive democratic future.

“My internship experience at MP Sameer Zuberi’s office was an invaluable and highly impactful experience that allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the political discussion during this vital juncture in the history of Myanmar and its fledging democratic movement. Through my involvement in engaging with policymakers, I played a role in increasing awareness and understanding of the Rohingya crisis. Furthermore, the valuable connections I established and the skills I acquired during my internship have laid solid groundwork for future advocacy and public service engagements.”
To learn more about John and his experiences, check out a selection of his publications below:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/rohingya-genocide-refugees-canada-pathway-1.7288622
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7159269932667404288
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7113501414886105088