The Brian Lehrer Show Amnesty International's Work on Gender Justice
Mar 10, 2026
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and human rights expert on accountability and gender justice. She discusses global fights for reproductive rights and access to justice. She explains protection strategies for activists and the pressures on movements in Iran, China, Gaza and beyond. She highlights funding threats and how people can mobilize for women's rights.
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Publicity Can Shield Political Prisoners
- High-profile prisoners like Nargis Mohammadi gain some protection from international attention, which Amnesty leverages through engagement with states and other governments.
- Callamard noted public scrutiny from the Nobel Prize can shield detainees and must be used to press for decent treatment and release.
CSW Is A Crucial Global Norm Setting Moment
- CSW is a key moment for universal norm setting on women's access to justice and combating violence against women.
- Agnès Callamard highlighted a recent vote where all 47 members adopted a strong political statement despite U.S. attempts to weaken it, showing diplomatic pushback works.
US Pushes Back On Sexual And Reproductive Rights
- The United States tried to remove references to sexual and reproductive rights and sanctions from the CSW statement, revealing international friction on these topics.
- Callamard said sexual and reproductive health was the U.S. red line and noted the U.S. is moving backward while most countries advance bodily autonomy.