Rebuilding Gaza: Amnesty’s Callamard on Ceasefire, Justice, and the Path Forward
In a timely and resonant discussion, Dr. Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, joined Dean Safwan Masri at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) to unpack Amnesty’s latest report on Gaza in light of the recent ceasefire agreement. The event brought together hundreds of students, faculty, and members of the public for an in-depth examination of the report’s findings, its broader implications, and the path forward for Palestine.
The conversation delved into Dr. Callamard’s unique career journey and the courage required to maintain strength in the face of the controversy surrounding the report, provocatively titled “‘You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza.” She also discussed Amnesty’s 2022 report “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians,” and the role of the global community in advocating for sustainable peace.
According to Dr. Callamard, the collective efforts of many international organizations doing similar work, and the careful report rollout across Amnesty’s 72 national chapters around the world contributed to the report’s widespread dissemination. “The preparation that goes behind that report internally is extensive…in an era where there is so much division, polarization, misinformation and disinformation, we are able to work through that by speaking, by dialoguing, by reaching out, creating training, and translating everything,” she said, adding: “It is important to understand that if we want to change hearts and minds, it takes a lot of effort.”
The conversation included a reflection on current events, including recent changes in political support for freedom of speech. Dr. Callamard highlighted the advent of a new era today both in the United States and around the world. “We need to acknowledge that for about a decade we have seen a progressive infringement on freedom of expression, and in particular on political expression of dissent,” she said.
Building on her conversation with GU-Q’s students of international affairs earlier in the day, Dr. Callamard offered advice and a word of caution for young people interested in advocacy work, in today’s polarized world, saying: “Be part of a collective.” She went on to say: “This is the most beautiful profession and undertaking, you are going to meet the most inspiring people, the bravest individuals, you are going to be blown away by what they have done, how they think, do become one of them, be part of that collective and community, but be smart.”
The event concluded with a dynamic Question and Answer session, where attendees engaged with Dr. Callamard on topics ranging from how to implement the report findings, to the mechanisms of international law.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary in Qatar, GU-Q continues to serve as a hub for timely dialogue on global issues, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and the promotion of international understanding.