Dr. Lydia Gitau, human rights advocate from Kenya, in conversation with Emeritus Professor Stuart Rees about ‘Cruelty or Humanity’

Hosted by the Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MP

Officially launched by Richard Ackland AM
(Distinguished lawyer and journalist, 'Gadfly' of the Saturday Paper)

The Strangers' Room, NSW Parliament
3:00pm for 3:15pm start until 4:30pm

Refreshments served with a book signing to follow
By invitation: RSVP Essential by 27 November (Limited places)

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This dramatic new book identifies the world wide, massive crises facing humanity.

The planet is burning, civil wars continue, authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism are on the rise, refugees’ rights are trashed, yet in democracies, dictatorships and theocracies, leaders are promoting violence and cruelty as a policy priority.

The humanitarian lifebuoy for people, animals and the planet lies in ’A language for humanity’ which displays humane governance, explains the philosophy and practice of non-violence, and promotes human rights in every context and culture.

‘Cruelty or Humanity’ is highly original in linking political analysis with inspiring poetry.

The great US jurist Richard Falk says ‘This is a roadmap for humanity’, Melissa Parke describes the book as a work of ‘inspiration and astonishing breadth’, Professor Joe Camilleri judges the book ‘a work of brilliance and compassion’ and the inimitable Professor Noam Chomsky argues, here is ‘a wonderful guide for the challenges we face.’

Cruelty has long been a feature of states’ domestic and foreign policies but is seldom acknowledged. Governments mouth respect for human rights yet promote discrimination, violence and suppression of critics.

Documenting case studies from around the world, distinguished academic and human rights activist Stuart Rees exposes politicians’ cruel motives and the resulting outcomes. Using his first-hand observations and insights from international poets, he argues for courageous action to support non-violence in every aspect of public and private life for the survival of people, animals and the planet.

"This is a roadmap for Humanity." - Richard Falk
"A work of inspiration and astonishing breadth." - Melissa Parke
"A work of brilliance and compassion." - Prof Joe Camilleri
"A wonderful guide for the challenges we face." Noam Chomsky
"It turns a corner for sanity." - Prof Bob White

Stuart Rees OAM is Professor Emeritus, University of Sydney, recipient of the Jerusalem (Al Quds) Peace Prize and author of the new book “Cruelty or Humanity”, Bristol: Policy Press. A human rights activist, poet, novelist, and Founder Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation.

Read the media release here