“Dr. Axworthy has spent a lifetime fighting and winning on the right side of history” says Bret O’Bannon, political science director and conflict studies director.
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy spoke at DePauw University yesterday evening for the fifth annual Compton Address. His lecture was titled “The ‘Responsibility to Protect’ Principle and the Syrian Refugee Crisis.”
Dr. Lloyd Axworthy is a champion of human rights across the world. He is a Canadian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Cabinet. He worked at the University of Winnipeg for a decade as well, and made a large effort to incorporate more aboriginal students into the University.
O’Bannon suggested that the University bring Axworthy to speak because his work represented everything that a good Compton lecturer should be.
“He most graciously accepted,” said O’Bannon. “He was generally interested in meeting with students, and he has been quite keen.”
Just enthusiastically O’Bannon described Axworthy began his speech by comparing his work in politics to that of a plumber.
“Being a plumber after a while you see leaks form in more places and with more frequency, and you realise there is something wrong with the architecture” said Axworthy.
He then discussed the Right to Protect, an international set of principles that was created to help people who are in danger, especially those who are suffering mass atrocities.
“The problem is that most Americans don’t know what that is” said Axworthy.
This conversation also lead into the concept of human security, which is security with a focus on an individual.
“Most of us are looking for security and protection to live a normal life, and do things that increase our happiness” said Axworthy.
Axworthy believes that as an international community it is essential to work to save individuals who are struggling and need sanctuary.
“It’s not Europe’s problem, or Jordan’s, or Turkey’s, it’s our problem” said Axworthy.
“I know what it is to be stateless,” said Axworthy. “You’re not recognized as a person.”
Axworthy also stressed that governments that allow or cause atrocities need to be held accountable and stopped.
“Being sovereign is not a divine right, it is an earned right” said Axworthy.
Axworthy’s words obviously had a profound effect upon the audience.
“Most people aren't aware of what's going on and happening and this is going on on a mass scale and we're doing nothing” said first year Courtney Smith.
Despite all of the atrocities that have occurred in the past and are occurring now, Axworthy is still hopeful that the international community will be able to do something to help the many people who are suffering.
“We will not tolerate this kind of atrocity” said Axworthy.