On November 13, at the Toronto Reference Library, Amnesty International Canada’s Secretary General Ketty Nivyabandi delivered a moving and deeply grounded reflection on what it means to defend human rights in a world that is undergoing many conflicts, uncertainty, and rapid political changes. Rather than offering simple answers, Ketty directly spoke to the challenges she sees every day; from shrinking civic spaces to rising authoritarianism, and also the impact of these forces on the lives of people.
Drawing from her own experience of being in exile from Burundi’s upheaval, and the stories of the communities she continues to fight for today, Ketty reminded the audience that every human crisis has a human face.
Families who try to stay safe. Activists who refuse to stay silent. Communities demanding dignity despite enormous pressure.
Ketty highlighted the essential role of the civil society and the courage of ordinary people who continue to push for justice even when institutions fail them over and over.
One line resonated with most of the audience in the room:
“It is no longer enough to condemn, to litigate, to advocate! We must make people see and feel what a world where human rights are enjoyed by all feels like.”
