In this episode of the JHR Podcast, host Lisa LaFlamme travels to Juba, South Sudan with Journalists for Human Rights to meet the man everyone calls when digital disaster strikes: Nelson Kwaje.

From battling life-threatening disinformation to helping victims of online abuse reclaim their accounts and their dignity, Nelson is the force behind South Sudan’s most trusted digital safety tools, 211 Check and SafetyComm. Whether it’s a hacked account, a viral lie or an attempt to silence women online, the answer is always: "Call Nelson". 

This is a story about the extraordinary impact of one man’s mission to protect information and lives in the world’s youngest country.

In this special Pride Month episode recorded live at the Allied Music Centre, host Lisa LaFlamme joins Kenyan journalist/activist Kevin Mwachiro and Xtra Magazine Managing Editor Tara-Michelle Ziniuk for a powerful conversation about LGBTQ2S+ media representation across continents.

With honesty and humour, they explore media’s role in shaping public understanding of LGBTQ2S+ rights -- examining where it falls short, how it can do better and why that progress matters. From their personal journeys of growing up queer in Kenya and Canada, to the challenges of telling LGBTQ2S+ stories in countries where same-sex relationships are still criminalized, the conversation unpacks the real-world impact of anti-queer rhetoric. They also highlight the importance of celebrating queer joy and resistance beyond trauma narratives.

This episode is brought to you by CUPE, NAV Canada and TD Bank.

In this episode of the JHR podcast, Lisa LaFlamme speaks with award-winning investigative journalist Maura Ajak in Juba, South Sudan. Maura shares the story behind her powerful BBC documentary Poisoned Floods, which exposes the devastating impact of oil pollution in Unity State’s Bento displacement camp where contaminated soil and water have led to severe health crises, including birth defects.

At great personal risk, Maura brought global attention to a story many would rather ignore. She reflects on what it took to report from the front lines, the emotional toll of the work and the family roots that shaped her career. This conversation is a masterclass in courage, resilience and journalism’s critical role in defending human rights.

On a recent trip to Nairobi, Lisa LaFlamme sat down with journalists Patricia Andago, lead researcher for the Silencing Women Project that has tracked femicide in Kenya since 2016, and Janet Mbugua, a renowned media personality, host of Fixing the Nation, and founder of the Inua Dada Foundation.
Together, they painted a stark picture of Kenya’s ongoing fight against femicide. In 2024, the country recorded its deadliest year for women. And 2025 is on a similar trajectory.
Protests have forced the crisis into the headlines, but what happens next? Awareness must lead to action, from challenging the normalization of misogyny and dismantling victim-blaming culture to strengthening safety mechanisms and ensuring government funds are properly allocated. The fight for justice is just getting started.

In this special International Women's Day episode, host Lisa LaFlamme speaks with two inspiring Journalists for Human Rights team members – Winnie Syombua from Kenya and Mary Goch from South Sudan – who defied deeply patriarchal systems to become powerful champions for women's rights. Mary recounts her remarkable journey from a refugee camp where girls walked 10 kilometers to school after completing domestic duties, to becoming a voice for the voiceless in conflict-torn South Sudan. Winnie describes how her grandmother's defiance of gender norms inspired her life's work combating teenage pregnancy and advocating for girls' education in Kenya. In their conversation, they reveal how they're transforming media coverage of gender issues, challenging harmful cultural practices, and creating spaces for women's voices where they were previously silenced. Their stories exemplify how women across Africa are not just participating in revolution – they're leading it.

On this special Valentine’s Day episode of the JHR Podcast, we shine a light on a bold movement defying societal norms in India -- the India Love Project. Launched on Instagram by journalists Priya Ramani, Samar Halarnkar and Niloufer Venkatraman, this initiative documents and celebrates inter-faith, inter-caste, and LGBTQ+ love stories in a country where such relationships often face intense scrutiny and resistance.
JHR Executive Director Bill Killorn hosts this episode. He sits down with Priya Ramani to discuss the project's origins, its impact amid rising Hindu nationalism, and how storytelling has become a powerful tool for challenging prejudice and promoting inclusivity. From viral social media posts to an Amazon Prime series, the India Love Project has grown into a beacon of hope and inspiration for couples daring to love beyond cultural constraints.
An uplifting conversation about the power of love, the role of journalism in shaping narratives, and why standing up for choice matters now more than ever.

In this powerful episode of the Journalists for Human Rights podcast, host Lisa LaFlamme speaks with veteran Palestinian journalist Walid Batrawi about the immense challenges of reporting from Gaza. With over 30 years of experience, Walid shares firsthand accounts of the dangers journalists face – from targeted attacks to media repression – and the devastating loss of colleagues on the frontlines. He also discusses the Gaza Project, an investigative initiative documenting the killing of journalists in Gaza, and reflects on the future of journalism in the region. A gripping conversation about press freedom, resilience, and the urgent need to protect those who risk everything to report the truth.

In this episode of the Journalists for Human Rights podcast, Belarusian pro-democracy activist, former Deputy Foreign Minister, and 2010 presidential candidate Andrei Sannikov shares his insights on the fight for democracy and press freedom in Belarus. This timely discussion, recorded ahead of the January 26th presidential election, unpacks the enduring challenges posed by Alexander Lukashenko’s authoritarian regime.

Joined by JHR’s Janine Devries and Marcus Kolga, Sannikov reflects on his imprisonment following the 2010 elections, the intensified crackdown on independent journalism, and the growing threats faced by those advocating for human rights. The conversation also highlights the vital contributions of exiled journalists, the pivotal role of women in the 2020 protests, and the power of international solidarity in addressing global authoritarianism.

With candid observations on the global implications of Belarus’s struggle, Sannikov calls for stronger international leadership and support to champion democratic ideals. This episode offers a powerful exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the unyielding pursuit of a brighter future for Belarus.

In this special live-recorded episode of the Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) podcast, Lisa LaFlamme hosts an extraordinary conversation marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Joined by Hanna Liubakova, a Belarusian journalist and Kiran Nazish, founder of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, this episode explores the increasing violence and targeted attacks against women journalists worldwide.

From Hanna’s firsthand account of covering protests in Belarus to Kiran’s insights on documenting and advocating for women journalists in over 145 countries, this discussion delves into the systemic challenges women face and the critical role they play in exposing corruption, inequality and human rights abuses. The episode also highlights the importance of public awareness and international support in protecting press freedom.

As Syria embarks on a new chapter following the collapse of the Assad regime, journalists and human rights advocates reflect on the nation’s path forward. In this episode, JHR’s President Rachel Pulfer sits down with Zein Almoghraby, JHR's Director of International Programs to discuss the journey of Syrian journalists during the civil war, the impact of media in shaping democracy, and the hope for a future rooted in justice and freedom. JHR’s impactful work with Syrian journalists since 2015. From supporting independent media to amplifying voices in exile, they explore how these efforts have laid the foundation for accountability, democracy, and hope in Syria’s rebuilding process. Discover the resilience of Syrian journalists and the vital role of media in creating a brighter future.