Amnesty International Leader Calls on Europe to Stand Up to Trump's 'Bully' Tactics
The head of Amnesty International made a strong appeal to European nations on Monday. She urged them to resist pressure from US President Donald Trump and other global "bullies." Agnes Callamard, the Secretary-General of the rights organization, issued this warning during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Europe's Credibility Faces a Critical Test
Callamard spoke directly to AFP on the sidelines of the forum. She stated clearly that Europe must show much more resistance. "Europe's credibility is at stake," she emphasized. Her comments come as tensions rise over Trump's repeated threats to take control of Greenland. Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark.
The Amnesty leader argued that European countries need to stand firm. They must reject coercive tactics like tariffs and military threats. She believes continued appeasement could seriously damage the rules-based order established after World War II.
Trump's Greenland Ambitions Spark European Backlash
Callamard's intervention follows Trump doubling down on his plans to seize Greenland. The US President claims this move is necessary for world security. However, European powers have reacted strongly. Germany and France have both denounced his threats. They label his warnings of new tariffs against opposing countries as "blackmail."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned Trump's approach. Yet he also stressed Europe's desire to avoid escalation. This comes ahead of his planned meeting with Trump in Davos on Wednesday.
A Clear Message: "Say No" to Bullies
Amnesty's chief urged governments to demonstrate courage. She called on them to reject one-sided deals that favor powerful nations. "Stop thinking you can make deals with bullies," Callamard said firmly. She warned that agreeing to the rules of predators only leads to becoming their victim.
She framed the Greenland dispute as a symptom of a larger problem. Callamard sees a broader global trend that is destructive to international norms. "The US bid to seize Greenland is only one indication," she warned. "The world is facing the destruction of the rules-based order."
The Global Order Is Under Serious Threat
Callamard criticized multiple world powers for undermining the international system. This system was carefully built after the devastation of World War II. "Superpowers seem intent on destroying what has been established," she observed. These structures were dedicated to finding common rules for our common problems.
She pointed to several examples as evidence of the system's erosion. Trump's actions over the past year are one part. Russia's aggression in Ukraine is another. Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Gaza also contributes. "The fact that it is now being destroyed without any plan B should send shivers to all of us," she added. The alternative, she warned, is "falling down into an abyss."
European Values and Human Rights Must Be Defended
Callamard stressed that Europe's mission goes far beyond economics. "The European project was not just about economics," she reminded leaders. "It was also about values, humanity, and the rule of law." She expressed hope that current leaders will recall this history.
She sees the current challenges as an opportunity. They provide a way to re-insist on the European project. They demand stronger human rights protection for the sake of all humanity. Callamard urged an immediate end to what she calls "appeasement politics" toward Washington. Her final words were a direct plea: "Please stop it. Resist. Resist."
