Founded in 2016 by three Montreal lawyers, For the Refugees is a port of last resort for those whose circumstances make them too hot to handle by traditional means.
Our mission is to mobilize the resources needed to save their lives. We provide free legal support, media relations, and raise funds to provide for living expenses and relocation costs.
Our philosophy is to pay it forward. Refugees who receive our help have the opportunity, once settled in Canada, to help improve the lives of other refugees.
For the Refugees is a registered not-for-profit in Canada and a government-approved refugee sponsor.
Marc-André is a Partner and co-founder of Exeo Attorneys, a Canadian immigration law firm.
As a former journalist, he covered legal issues in Canada for many years. Marc-André is an experienced lawyer specializing in Canadian immigration cases, working with international solidarity and cooperation organizations for nearly two decades. Member of the Quebec Bar and of the New York State Bar, Marc-André is a frequent speaker around the world on Canadian immigration issues.
Cristina Rogov is a lawyer, member of multiple Canadian bar associations, practicing exclusively in Immigration Law.
Following a Civil Law degree and a Juris Doctor degree, Cristina spent two years completing her Master of Laws degree, studying credibility evaluations of asylum seekers and its impact on refugee determinations in Canada. Cristina has a passion for human rights and Refugee Law and is always interested in being involved with organizations furthering civil liberties as well as participating in advocacy initiatives globally. Cristina is a Board Member of the Quebec Association of Immigration Lawyers and of For the Refugees. She is fluent in English, French, Spanish, Russian and Romanian.
Ethan Cox is a journalist, editor and digital strategist based in Montreal.
He is an award-winning investigative journalist, a co-founder and editor with Ricochet Media, a bilingual and crowdfunded national media outlet, and appears weekly on radio and TV in Montreal. A former union organizer, political operative and communications advisor to national campaigns, Ethan brings over ten years of experience in media, politics and digital and communications strategy.
Samya Lemrini is a lawyer member of the Quebec Bar and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Applied International Policy.
Passionate activist about human rights, she is a member of the Young Leaders Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – Quebec Section.
In her quest for social justice and equal opportunity for all, Samya has focused her research on the topic of migration and has become involved in various organizations working to protect marginalized people. She joined the board of directors of For Refugees to give back to her community after having immigrated to Canada herself.
Samya has also focused her research on the issue of climate-induced migration, which has led her to work directly on the issue of refugees.