¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Reflections with Dr. Ayan Zahir & Dr. Robert Williamson

Q: Can you share your perspective on supporting at-risk scholars, particularly in conflict zones like Afghanistan?

Dr. Zahir: My perspective on scholars at risk in conflict zones like Afghanistan is that they are facing a critical and desperate situation. Under the oppressive control of a cruel regime, they are effectively held hostages, compelled to teach and promote extremist ideologies while being stripped of their academic freedoms and personal liberties. Their ability to contribute to academia and society has been severely compromised, as they are forced to serve the regime’s interests. Those who resist this coercion face severe repercussions, including prosecution, detention, imprisonment, and torture. These scholars are in urgent need of support and assistance!

Dr. Williamson: Truth is power. It has the ability to transcend individual and political agendas, illuminating reality even in the darkest corners. Scholars at Risk embody the ultimate courage, risking their liberty, health, and even lives in pursuit of truth—a mission at the very heart of academia. These individuals sacrifice everything for a cause that shapes the world today and tomorrow, serving as a stark reminder of the vital role of truth-seeking in addressing human conflict.

Q: What does Dr. Zahir's appointment mean for the Faculty and the university community? What can we do as a community to support at-risk scholars?

Dr. Zahir: At present, being far away, I believe I can contribute primarily through research and by assisting in the development of educational materials. However, if I were physically present, I could play a more active role in terms of research, academic contributions, bridging connections with the Afghan refugee community, and potentially contributing to the development of education policies aimed at supporting refugees.

I suggest that ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV extend its humanitarian influence by addressing this issue through awareness-raising programs and fostering spaces for dialogue. Additionally, the university could engage in research focused on displaced Afghan scholars and the deteriorating education system in Afghanistan. Providing support for those in urgent need of assistance to escape is essential. Moreover, ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV should leverage its collaborations with institutions both within Canada and internationally to create more opportunities for Afghan scholars.

Dr. Williamson: Welcoming Dr. Zahir to our faculty as an adjunct faculty member reflects the Faculty of Education’s commitment to taking meaningful action in support of our core values. When a colleague’s academic efforts are actively suppressed, it becomes the responsibility of others to creatively and pragmatically counter these suppression efforts whenever and wherever possible.

In this case, ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV and the Faculty of Education have demonstrated their commitment to equity by supporting academic inquiry. An academic affiliation is essential for access to research, publication resources, and professional networks. By providing Dr. Zahir with a new academic home at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV—after an affiliation unjustly stripped from him by the government in his home country—we are helping to restore critical tools necessary for his work. This support has also opened the door for new partnerships with ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV faculty, including discussions on (1) creating a dedicated Afghan Scholars at Risk academic conference, and (2) expanding existing projects focused on understanding and supporting displaced students, particularly addressing the suppression of education for women and girls in Afghanistan.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Dr. Zahir: I urge international human rights organizations and academic institutions to stand in solidarity with Afghan scholars during this critical time. We must ensure that their invaluable contributions to global academia and the common good are not lost as they flee their homeland in search of safety.

Global educational institutions, particularly Canadian universities, should actively seek to attract Afghan scholarly talent by offering them academic/research positions. Their expertise can greatly enrich the Canadian academic community, especially in integrating Afghan refugees and developing policies for culturally inclusive education for Afghan children and youth. Together, we can create an environment of support and growth, fostering resilience and opportunity for those in need.

Global human rights organizations must proactively support at-risk scholars by creating a global network focused on their protection and empowerment. This collaborative effort will ensure that these scholars have access to the opportunities and advocacy they need to seek safety outside their homeland while continuing their vital contributions to academia and society in their host countries.

A systematic investigation is needed to determine how many Afghan scholars have left their homeland and are working in fields outside their areas of expertise to support their livelihoods. The findings from this investigation can inform policy development and decision-making, enhancing the role of global educational institutions and human rights organizations in supporting these scholars. By understanding their experiences and contributions, we can better advocate for their reintegration into academia and the value they bring to the global knowledge community.

Dr. Williamson: Dr. Zahir is currently living at great risk within Afghanistan. His efforts to support the education of all (including women and girls) and his advocacy for true academic freedom have resulted in his dismissal from his previous academic institution. This has brought significant economic hardship upon him and his family. Very credible threats have been overtly made against his liberty and wellbeing. Still, while pragmatic about his movements and voice, he continues to demonstrate remarkable courage and endure the sacrifices required to seek and disseminate truth.

It is a true honour to welcome Dr. Zahir as a new colleague in our Faculty. He embodies the values we profess, and his presence is a testament to the Faculty’s commitment to taking real actions in support of those values. As colleagues dedicated to teaching and learning, we know that the world changes one child at a time… one person at a time. Dr. Zahir’s work continues, and the world is changing because of it.