The Godfather of human rights, battling abusive governments

Catalyst Kōrero with former Human Rights Watch global CEO Kenneth Roth, February 23

Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Congo, China – human rights are being trampled across the globe, in the face of global instability and rising right wing extremism, pitting the powerless against the powerful.

But Kenneth Roth, nicknamed the Godfather of human rights after nearly three decades as global director of Human Rights Watch, believes there is reason for optimism – that persistence, creativity and pressure can move even the most despotic governments.

Roth’s recently released book “Righting Wrongs” outlines strategies he and others have used to change governments’ abusive behaviour – from Syria to Cuba, Eastern Europe to China.

Investigation and documentation of human rights abuse, highlighting these to shame governments into stopping or at least curbing abuse, constant communication with other nations’ leaders and officials to apply political pressure on recalcitrant governments, and persistent teamwork are some of the strategies required.

During Roth’s tenure, Human Rights Watch grew from 60 to more than 500 staff, working regularly in some 100 countries to force governments to behave better. He is now a visiting Professor at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, and a media commentator on human rights issues from major powers’ foreign policies to the global contest between autocracy and democracy.

His Catalyst Kōrero will discuss major global challenges of today and what can be done about them, with moderator Brigid Inder, OBE, the Queenstown-raised international human rights worker and former Special Advisor on Gender to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court who spoke with Catalysters in 2021. Come with your care and your questions…

Ken Roth

Monday, February 23, at The Rees Hotel Queenstown’s Ruma Wai Kahu on the fifth floor, 7 -8.30pm, Registration required here to ensure your seat. Please donate online or bring cash for your koha, which will be given to Human Rights Watch New Zealand.

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