In the 2025 CBC Massey Lecture series, human rights advocate Alex Neve expresses concern over the current state of human rights globally, emphasizing the potential for improvement. Reflecting on the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 following the atrocities of World War II, Neve highlights the ongoing challenges of hate, mass atrocities, and the erosion of human rights principles in today’s world.
Through a series of lectures delivered nationwide, Neve delves into the origins of universal human rights, the areas where progress has fallen short, and the strategies needed to revitalize the universal promise of human rights. Drawing from his extensive experience as a human rights lawyer and former Secretary-General of Amnesty International Canada, Neve stresses the collective responsibility to uphold human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration.
Despite the prevailing challenges, Neve remains optimistic about the potential to reinforce universal human rights principles. His lectures, titled “Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World,” continue the tradition of prominent speakers in the Massey Lecture series and are available in book form through House of Anansi Press.
In the first lecture, Neve explores the core concept of universality in human rights, addressing the discrepancies between the promise of rights for all and the reality of their implementation. He underscores the importance of honoring human rights commitments and ensuring their application to everyone, everywhere.
Subsequent lectures delve into the historical foundations of human rights, the intrinsic nature of these rights from birth, and the challenges posed by selective application by those in power. Neve reflects on pivotal moments in history where grassroots movements have driven significant change, emphasizing the enduring belief in human rights as a catalyst for transformation.
In his final lecture, Neve focuses on Canada’s role in upholding universal human rights, acknowledging both the country’s reputation as a defender of rights and the areas where it has fallen short. He outlines a vision for a more inclusive and proactive human rights agenda for Canada, emphasizing the importance of consistency and accountability in promoting universal rights.
The CBC Massey Lectures, a collaborative effort between CBC, House of Anansi Press, and Massey College at the University of Toronto, provide a platform for thought-provoking discussions on pressing societal issues. The lectures by Alex Neve offer a compelling call to action for renewing the commitment to universal human rights in a constantly evolving world.