A WHIRLWIND TRIP FOR AMNESTY'S SECRETARY GENERAL
Dr Agnès Callamard recently visited Aotearoa New Zealand, reminding us that, as authoritarian practices spread, we must keep asking: “Is it human? Is it right?”
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard in Aotearoa New Zealand
Amnesty International’s Secretary General and global human rights expert, Dr Agnès Callamard, concluded a high-impact visit to Aotearoa New Zealand, meeting with Ministers, MPs, activists, members, supporters and allies, alongside interviews on nearly every major media outlet.
Globally, we are witnessing the spread of authoritarian practices and the introduction of laws, policies and processes eroding human rights. The basis of our humanity – our inherent dignity, access to fairness, justice and inclusion – is being steadily eaten away. Our essential right to participation and our collective entitlement to democratic consultation are being repeatedly undermined. No country is immune, not even Aotearoa.
Responding to this erosion of rights, and guided by “Is it human? Is it right?”, Dr Agnès Callamard delivered a sold-out public lecture at the University of Auckland. When severe weather struck, the Victoria University of Wellington lecture was moved online, enabling supporters from across Aotearoa to participate.
Before arriving in Aotearoa, Agnès met decision makers in Fiji and leaders and climate activists in Tuvalu, contributing to the launch of our climate displacement report, Navigating Injustice. The same question that framed her lectures, “Is it human? Is it right?” also frames this report, keeping dignity front and centre in Amnesty’s work.
Agnès Callamard in the media
TV, radio, digital and print
- TVNZ – Amnesty chief says NZ 'failing Tuvalu' amid climate crisis
- RNZ Morning Report – Amnesty International Secretary General visits New Zealand
- 30 With Guyon Espiner (RNZ) – Government has 'Trumpian accent' - human rights activist
- ThreeNews – NZ's immigration system is 'ruthless' - head of Amnesty International
- Stuff (4 minute and full 25 minute interview) – NZ’s visa rules must change, head of Amnesty International tells Sam Hayes
- Herald Now – New Zealand's place in climate change and escalating global conflicts
- NZ Herald – Amnesty International's Agnes Callamard on the impact of sea-level rise in Tuvalu
- NZ Herald (Premium) – Amnesty International chief Agnes Callamard calls on New Zealand to lift its game
- NZ Herald (Premium) – Amnesty report criticises New Zealand response to climate crisis in the Pacific
Blogs
- University of Auckland – 'The rule of law is under attack': Amnesty director
- The Daily Blog – Amnesty International are right to criticise NZ
From the field
- Agnès' post from Tuvalu
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