Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and The Walrus welcome Mostafa Al-A’sar as the second writer in their joint Contributing Writers program. Launched in 2024, this initiative gives internationally trained journalists who are based in Canada an opportunity to write in-depth stories on issues about their home countries, their diaspora, and the impact on the global community. Soraya Amiri, an Afghan journalist based in Toronto, was the first writer selected for the program.
Mostafa Al-A’sar hails from Egypt and brings with him over fifteen years of experience as an award-winning journalist, researcher, and human rights defender. After relocating to Canada, Mostafa has been part of PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile group and certified as a Human Rights Defender by Front Line Defenders; he also founded the non-profit organization REDWORD.
As part of the program, Mostafa will be mentored by The Walrus editorial team to produce long-form journalism about Egypt and the Egyptian diaspora. “I’m extremely excited to begin a new journey with JHR and The Walrus,” said Mostafa Al-A’sar, The Walrus/JHR Contributing Writer.
“I feel the professional and ethical challenge and responsibility to produce stories and investigative journalism capable of capturing the world’s attention and influencing minds and consciences. I carry on my shoulders the voices of the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the oppressed in my homeland. I hope to rise to the responsibility and be a powerful voice for the voiceless communities in the Canadian media landscape.”
The Contributing Writers program is an integral part of how The Walrus is expanding its international coverage. News from countries that are in crisis or have limited press freedoms is often not available to people in Canada, including those who are part of the diaspora. The Walrus, with the support of JHR, looks to fill the gaps with this program.
“We are thrilled to announce that Mostafa Al-A’sar, a distinguished journalist and rights defender, is joining this program so that his vital work may continue to have a wide audience in Canada and beyond,” said Jordan MacInnis, Domestic Programs Director at JHR.
Mostafa will begin the program in May 2025. You can read more about this program here. Read Soraya’s interviews with the Afghanistan women who continue to resist the Taliban here.
Mostafa Al-A’sar
Mostafa Al-A’sar is an award-winning Egyptian journalist with over fifteen years of experience, a researcher, and a human rights defender with more than ten years in the field. He endured four years in detention in Egypt as a prisoner of conscience for his work before fleeing to Lebanon and later relocating to Toronto. Mostafa was a 2024/25 CJFE/Massey College journalism fellow. He is also part of PEN Canada’s Writers in Exile group and certified as a Human Rights Defender by Front Line Defenders. Mostafa founded REDWORD, a nonprofit promoting freedom of expression while combating misinformation, fake news, and hate speech.
Soraya Amiri
Soraya Amiri is an experienced media professional and women’s rights advocate with over five years of journalism experience in print, radio, and television in Afghanistan and Canada. In 2022, Soraya received a one-year fellowship from The Walrus as a Journalist-in-Residence under a Journalists for Human Rights and Meta program. Soraya holds a master of international relations and a bachelor of political science. Since moving to Canada, she has continued to advocate for women’s rights through her work and writings. Soraya is fluent in Dari and English.
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About The Walrus
The Walrus provokes new thinking and sparks conversation on matters vital to Canada. As a registered charity, we publish independent, fact-based journalism across platforms; produce national, ideas-focused events, including our flagship series The Walrus Talks; and train emerging storytellers through our fellowship program. The Walrus is invested in the idea that a healthy society relies on informed citizens.
About Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)
Journalists for Human Rights is Canada’s leading media development organization. JHR trains journalists to report on human rights and governance issues in their communities and has been at the forefront of supporting displaced and at-risk journalists globally.
