Alex Neve

Alex Neve, a seasoned human rights lawyer and former Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, dives deep into the challenges facing universal human rights. He discusses the disturbing realities of refugees losing rights at borders and highlights the Rohingya crisis as a stark example of these failures. Neve passionately addresses the rising threats of disinformation and hate that erode equality. He ultimately emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and civil society in reclaiming accountability to revive faith in human rights.

Alex Neve, a human rights lawyer and former Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, explores the pivotal years following WWII that reshaped human rights. He discusses the origins of these rights and highlights the importance of historical context. Neve examines how concepts like dignity and reciprocity connect diverse cultures and impact current crises. He reflects on the breakthrough of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its contradictions with colonial legacies. The conversation urges a renewed commitment to uphold these universal ideals in today’s world.

In this engaging talk, human rights lawyer Alex Neve explores the idea that our inherent rights are yours from birth, not a privilege to be earned. He shares eye-opening stories from his visits to camps in Syria and highlights the struggles of Canadians caught in geopolitical crossfires. Neve critiques how power creates a 'club' of rights based on race and wealth, while discussing the importance of grassroots activism. His passionate discourse challenges listeners to reflect on the universality of human rights and the collective action needed to uphold them.

In this engaging conversation, Alex Neve, a longtime human rights lawyer and former Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, shares insights from his upcoming 2025 Massey Lectures. He discusses the global crisis of displaced individuals and the necessity of human rights in navigating this turbulent landscape. Using the lifeboat metaphor, he illustrates community support for those in dire situations like Rohingya refugees. He also highlights the power of personal narratives, emphasizing how individual stories can shape the understanding of universal human rights.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Alex Neve, a seasoned human rights lawyer and advocate, challenges Canada's self-image as a human rights leader. He explores the urgent human costs of conflicts like Gaza and the systemic failures that undermine universal rights. Neve emphasizes the necessity to confront colonial legacies and Indigenous injustices, while advocating for a renewed agenda focused on universality and justice. He highlights the impact of global policy shifts on Canada and calls for proactive measures to champion rights and protect defenders for a more equitable future.