Novara Media
Downstream: Does International Law Even Work? w/ Kenneth Roth
Apr 28, 2025
Kenneth Roth, former director of Human Rights Watch, delves into the complexities of international law and human rights advocacy. He shares insights from his journey shaped by a childhood marked by World War II, emphasizing the crucial role of public opinion in holding governments accountable. Roth discusses the challenges surrounding immigration policies, the dynamics of shame in international accountability, and the delicate balance of potential solutions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His reflections underscore the ongoing struggle for human rights amidst shifting democratic values.
01:08:39
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Quick takeaways
- Kenneth Roth emphasizes the hypocrisy of powerful nations manipulating human rights frameworks while evading accountability under international law.
- Roth's personal experiences as a child of a refugee from Nazi Germany significantly shaped his commitment to human rights advocacy and justice.
Deep dives
The Role and Responsibility of Governments in Human Rights
The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of governments in upholding human rights and questions the accountability of powerful nations. It discusses how Western governments, particularly the United States and its allies, can sometimes manipulate human rights frameworks for their own interests, using these standards as tools against less powerful nations. Kenneth Roth argues that this hypocrisy can undermine the very foundation of human rights, revealing how powerful countries often evade the implications of international law. The discussion highlights the necessity for universal accountability, regardless of a government's stature or influence.
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