In the latest 2025 CBC Massey Lectures, human rights advocate Alex Neve expresses concern about the current state of human rights but remains hopeful for improvement. Reflecting on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established in 1948 post-World War II atrocities, Neve addresses the ongoing challenges of hate, mass atrocities, and selective human rights application in a fractured global landscape.
Neve, a former Secretary-General of Amnesty International Canada, emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in upholding human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration. Despite the prevailing sense of regression, he urges against losing hope and instead advocates for a renewed commitment to universal human rights principles.
Delivered across Canada, Neve’s lectures delve into the origins of universal human rights, the areas where society has fallen short, and strategies to revitalize the universality of human rights. Drawing on his extensive experience in human rights advocacy, Neve stresses the significance of collective efforts to ensure the preservation and promotion of human rights for all individuals.
Titled “Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World,” Neve’s Massey Lectures aim to inspire a renewed dedication to universal human rights values. The lectures are available in book form, published by House of Anansi Press, continuing a tradition that includes renowned figures like Tanya Talaga, Margaret Atwood, and Martin Luther King Jr.
