Universal: Renewing Human Rights in a Fractured World

by Alex Neve

The 2025 Massey Lectures delivered by human rights activist and former secretary general of Amnesty International Canada Alex Neve.


Universality is the core promise of the human rights order born out of the devastation of World War II and the these rights extend to everyone, everywhere, at all times, without exception. But the cruel reality is that the word universal also screams of our profound failure to keep the promise. Too often, human rights are applied selectively, withdrawn on the whims of political leaders, or ignored altogether, and the broken promise is palpable in humanity’s darkest moments, not only in violent conflict, but also in the economic, political, and social structures of our fractured world.


This is not universality’s finest hour. At a time of immense global challenges, including the climate crisis, mass atrocities, and the rise of hate, the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is deeply contested and frayed, even as people demand and embrace their rights as never before.


Weaving together law, history, and stories from decades on the front lines of the struggle for human rights, Alex Neve investigates where we went wrong, how we have progressed, and what we can do to fulfill the promise that human rights are inherent, inalienable, and applicable to all people.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Adrian Burger · Rating 5 out of 5]

not an easy read emotionally, nor a light one, but you'd be hard pressed to argue there is anything more important in the world than its subject matter, fighting for the universality of human rights, which touches upon not just all the peoples of the world but the environment too — the climate crisis is just as much of a human rights issue as are (the many) humanitarian ones we face today as a world

the author alex, the former secretary general of amnesty canada and CBC/UofT's massey lectures speaker for 2025, provides compelling, heartwrenching firsthand encounters from and stories about human rights crises globally; historical context, failings and progresses; and an inspiring number of potential solutions for each of these crises both in canada and abroad

a worthwhile read for any and all!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a bit tough in the beginning. With a litany of examples, Neve clarifies just how broken our world is. But he follows through with a profound articulation of hope that is informed, encouraging, and empowering,

And now the challenge — what action will I take?

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may be unfair criticism, but this wasn’t strong enough for me. It feels like we are heading down an abyss at the moment, where principles like the universality of human rights are being so egregiously ignored and unapplied, and with such blatant racism, that a way forward feels impossible. The current powers have no interest in universal human rights, or in the deference to democracy and public service that would make public pressure an incentive to move on this principle. I appreciate that Neve is trying to bring hope into the equation. It’s just so hard to move past the cognitive dissonance and heartbreak of Gaza, Sudan and the Congo, the rollback of women’s rights all over the world, and the pointed attacks on and scapegoating of the trans community.

[Scott Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say for the first third of this I was incredibly engaged and fired up to do more to try to advance universal human rights. As I kept reading, there were just too many horrific incidents shared. I could feel myself shutting down. I think that happens to many of us. We become paralyzed when we realize the enormity of the work needed. This is excellent — just too much for me.

[H Wesselius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I try to make the point to read the yearly Massey lecture as they are usually quite well written and have some unique and new to say. Universal was well written focusing on human rights with the right blend of anecdote and argument. However, there was nothing unique and new to read. I'm glad he addressed the need to regard human rights as universal and not as a western liberal value. He did make mention of opposing views that see universal human rights as a western concept but he did not address the challenge non western voices have made to it nor did he address the disillusionment suffered by non-westerners when the west ignored human rights for those outside the West. To be fair, there was some discussion but it could have been more forceful. Secondly, he did mention in passing the material concrete rights to food, water, shelter, etc but focused mainly on the traditional idealistic rights of religion, speech, press, etc. The former is often needed prior to the latter being expressed.

[Béla Gyarmati · Rating 4 out of 5]

"How is it that the billions of tears of the millions of lives ripped from us by seemingly endless genocide have not been enough to bathe our world in goodness and compassion for the rest of time."

That is the quote that stuck with me throughout reading this. Neve presents many first-hand anecdotes and lifts up the voices of those who would not be heard otherwise throughout his book. I really appreciate the simplicity of universality regarding human rights. An important read and helpful for those wishing to explore this topic further.

A part of me felt some of the themes were becoming repetitive and it felt as if I was reading the transcript of a speech (which, based on this being my first reading of a Massey Lecture, that may be what they're all formatted like.) Neve is a very important thought leader in this space and has truly done the work of human rights. In a world where polarization and divisiveness feel stronger and the gap wider than ever, these are the perspectives we need to have to create a better world for us all.

[Neil Haave · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good. I would award it 3.5 stars if half stars were available on GRs. What I found interesting but heartbreaking were all of the stories of people’s rights being violated. Often in the name of economics or out of fear. Neve makes the good point that making human rights personal, close to home, makes it easier to understand the need to fight and to be empathetic to those marginalized by the powers that determine who will be granted rights and who will not. This entire book, Universal, is an argument that human rights is not a club where only some are admitted. Human rights are for everyone all the time everywhere.

[Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible yet extensive call to action. Importantly, it highlights personal testimony and experiences of those who have had their human rights violated.

[Joyce Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking and heartwrenching at the same time. We have so far to go!

[Casey Hewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening. Very well written!