A WHIRLWIND TRIP FOR OUR SECRETARY GENERAL
Dr Agnes 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 a global human rights figure, Dr Agnès Callamard, concluded a high-impact visit to Aotearoa New Zealand, engaging Ministers, Members of Parliament, allies, activists, members and supporters, while achieving strong national media visibility.
Globally, we are witnessing the spread of authoritarian practices along with the introduction of laws, policies and processes eroding human rights. We see the basis of our humanity, our inherent dignity, our access to fairness, justice and inclusion being steadily eaten away. Our essential right to participation, 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. If you would like to read the report, please see Navigating Injustice.
Agnès Callamard in the media:
Print and video media:
- Stuff (25 min video interview) - 'This kind of discrimination is ruthless': Amnesty International issues call to Govt | Stuf…
- NZ Herald - 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
- RNZ Morning Report - Amnesty International Secretary General visits New Zealand
- Stuff - NZ’s visa rules must change, head of Amnesty International tells Sam Hayes
- Three News – Item 14
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'weet from Tuvalu
We will continue to update this section with recent coverage.
Stay involved:
We will continue to centre people’s dignity and insist on accountability — asking, every time: Is it human? Is it right? If you care enough to question, care enough to act - join us.
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