The ORL’s Salmon Arm Branch and BC Libraries Present invite you to attend an inspiring evening with Alex Neve, human rights advocate, lawyer, and former secretary general of Amnesty International Canada. This in-person and Livestreamed conversation will explore the promise and fragility of universal human rights in a time of global instability.
Alex Neve will discuss his new book Universal and his 2025 Massey Lectures, which trace the history, challenges, and enduring importance of human rights in today’s world. Drawing from decades on the front lines of advocacy, Neve examines both humanity’s progress and its failures, asking how we can still fulfill the promise of universal human rights.
He will be joined by Andrea Crossan, journalist and executive director of the Global Reporting Centre, for a wide-ranging discussion.
This event is part of BC Libraries Present, a province-wide author series that brings compelling voices and conversations to library audiences across British Columbia.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Pacific
In-Person Location: Salmon Arm Library Meeting Room
Virtual Livestream: BC Libraries Present
Pre-registration is available for the free Livestream. For more information on the BC Libraries Present series, please visit their Crowdcast channel.
About the Book and Lectures
In Universal, Alex Neve explores the tension between the bold promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the reality of our world today. Universality was envisioned as a safeguard against future atrocities after World War II and the Holocaust. Yet human rights continue to be applied selectively, ignored by political leaders, and eroded by conflict, inequality, and indifference.
At a moment defined by climate crisis, mass displacement, and rising hate, Neve challenges readers to reimagine what universality can mean, and what each of us can do to uphold it.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of Canada’s most respected voices on human rights. We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.
