If not me, who? 

In the course of human rights work that has taken me to the frontlines of conflict, persecution and discrimination all over the world, no four words have perhaps so clearly framed for me what is at the core of both the vision and promise of universal human rights.  

Violah, a labour organizer and opposition politician, was in hiding when I met her during a volatile and fearful time in Zimbabwe. She was at great personal risk, and living apart from her family, simply because she was a determined human rights defender. But despite that peril, she was still determined to lend her support to others.  

If not me, who? She pointed out to me that we are all in it together when it comes to the human rights struggle; a responsibility that can never be set aside. 

Today, as I move on from the honour of twenty humbling years as Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, I carry Violah's words with me. For the world has, perhaps, never been so divisively pulled in opposite directions when it comes to respecting and upholding human rights. And the time for all of us to step forward for human rights therefore never more urgent.  

If not me, who? 

These have been two decades of triumph and sorrow, of exhilarating moments of justice and agonizing waves of injustice. And my heart is full of reflection and certainly of appreciation, which I share in full in a final blog post here.

First, I am so thankful for the precious gift of learning over these years, from hundreds of mentors and teachers; and of the essential lesson that we all must continuously rise to our own responsibility to both change ourselves and effect change around us. 

Second, my immeasurable respect runs so very deep for the courage and conviction of human rights defenders – particularly women and young people – at the frontlines of struggle across our country and around the world.  

Third, I am in awe of the power of the collective – of our joined-up power – and all that is possible when we come together in solidarity and common purpose. 

Fourth, I am lifted up by all that has been achieved. Prisoners of conscience who have been freed. Refugees who have been protected. New treaties that have been agreed. Cruel laws that have been overturned. Steady moves towards abolishing the death penalty. And struggles for equality that have come far. 

Fifth, though, I mourn all that was lost and am chastened by all that remains. Atrocities that have devastated so many countries and peoples. Racism that remains entrenched. Violence against women that still runs deep. The shameful failure to advance true reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. And the mounting global climate crisis. 

Sixth, I am propelled by all that is necessary and all that is possible. The power of people, protest and the street is unstoppable. The need for transformative change that tackles society's glaring inequalities, laid so bare by the COVID-19 pandemic, is in front of us. The urgency of defending truth has never been so paramount. And we have a tremendous opening to truly embrace feminism, reconciliation and a commitment to anti-racism, at the core of our approach to human rights. 

Finally, above all I am filled with gratitude. 

I cannot begin to express how deep lies my appreciation and admiration for the incredible people – staff, members and supporters – who make up the Amnesty International movement, in Canada and everywhere.  

I have climbed upon your shoulders. I have followed in your footsteps. We have held each other's hands. I have been bolstered by your generosity. I have been encouraged, energized and challenged by you, no matter what has come at us. I think also of dear Amnesty friends and colleagues who have, sadly, left us over the years; their example and legacy are lodged in my soul.   

These are not easy times for human rights. But I look around our movement and I see nothing but hope and possibility. I see that in the millions of Amnesty supporters who take Violah's words to heart, every day, as a rallying cry.   

And I am filled with such hope and possibility as I pass the candle on to the brilliant and inspiring Ketty Nivyabandi, our new Secretary General. 

With you I know that she will take our human rights work to new heights. As we must, together. 

Thank you dear friends, for everything. Onward we go.  

If not me, if not us, who?  

With deepest gratitude and hope,  

Alex 

Alex Neve 
Outgoing Secretary General 
Amnesty International Canada