In a recent address, 2025 CBC Massey Lecturer Alex Neve expressed concerns about the current state of human rights, emphasizing that while the situation is not ideal, there is still hope for improvement. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, established in 1948 following the devastation of World War II, aimed to prevent the very issues we are witnessing today, including the surge of hate, mass atrocities, and the erosion of global order. Neve, a prominent human rights lawyer and former Secretary-General of Amnesty International Canada, has been actively involved in numerous human rights initiatives worldwide.
Throughout his lecture series titled “Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World,” Neve delves into the origins of universal human rights, the areas where we have fallen short, and the steps needed to revitalize the concept of universality. Emphasizing the responsibility each individual bears in upholding human rights, Neve stresses the importance of not succumbing to despair but rather working towards a brighter future for human rights globally.
Neve’s lectures, which draw inspiration from renowned figures like Tanya Talaga, Margaret Atwood, and Martin Luther King Jr., are compiled in a book published by House of Anansi Press. The series explores critical topics such as the foundational principles of human rights, historical lessons, the intrinsic nature of human rights, real-world applications, and Canada’s commitment to universal human rights. Through his insightful analysis and impassioned advocacy, Neve encourages listeners to engage with the complexities and challenges surrounding human rights in today’s society.