“We will carry out projects on human rights and gender equality to combat school dropout and bullying.”
Read RFKHR President Kerry Kennedy’s full interview in Il Mattino here.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Italia opens its second Italian office in Naples today. This is a significant and symbolic decision, as it will be hosted in the Foqus spaces, chaired by Rachele Furfaro and directed by Renato Quaglia, which have built their mission around rights and change. The office will be inaugurated by Kerry Kennedy, president of RFK Human Rights.
President Kennedy, why did you choose Naples?
“I know and love Naples deeply. The first time I came here was in 1977; I’ve returned many times, more than I can count. It is a cultural and historical capital, at the center of the Mediterranean, and in this historical moment, it plays an even more crucial role. Issues related to human rights are global themes, and Naples is perfect as a gateway to Southern Italy and the entire Mediterranean. It is the ideal place to carry out a project like the one we are about to start, which aims to raise awareness and generate real change.”
And why did you choose to collaborate with Foqus?
“Foqus is located in the Spanish Quarters, a place that represents our philosophy: the closer to the problem, the closer to the solution. But it’s also a place where people are less likely to have the power needed to bring about change. These areas align with our approach, which aims to engage the local community and create positive synergies.”
What projects will you implement here?
“We will carry out projects on human rights, gender equality, combating school dropout, and bullying. We will work with the universities l’Orientale and Federico II, international NGOs, the school system, the Third Sector, and the business community. We would also like to expand our scope by offering temporary residencies to activists working in crisis areas of the Mediterranean and war zones, so we can address the challenges that affect us all together.”
What values did your father leave behind, and how do they live on through RFK Human Rights?
“My father, who was the equivalent of the Italian Minister of Justice, had two priorities: fighting organized crime and strengthening civil rights. These are issues I find particularly relevant here in Naples as well. He strongly believed that for a justice system to succeed, it must earn the people’s trust, and that the government should protect the freedom of every individual. These values are still current and extremely important in any democratic society.”
As an American citizen, not as the president of a non-profit organization, you endorsed Kamala Harris, while your brother Bob Jr. supports Trump. Is the Kennedy family divided?
“Absolutely not. All the members of my family, both those from my generation and the younger ones, support Harris. There’s only one exception.”
Why won’t you vote for Trump?
“He undermines democracy. I find his statements very troubling: he said he would be a dictator from day one if elected. He has stated he would suspend the Constitution to pursue those he considers enemies. He explicitly said that the IRS, the U.S. tax agency, should go after his critics, and he has mentioned using the military against opponents like Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff. These are extremely alarming signals for democracy, not just in the United States, but globally.”
Do you believe the United States is ready for a female president?
“Yes, the U.S. is ready. Kamala Harris has demonstrated the strength and determination necessary for such an important role. As a prosecutor in California, she fought against gangs and human traffickers, protecting the young and vulnerable. As a senator, she was relentless in putting pressure on big corporations, fighting for the American people. She is deeply committed to public service, and I believe she would make an excellent president. However, we cannot ignore the racism and sexism that still persist in our society, which could affect her election.”
Recently, the Washington Post chose not to endorse any candidate for the first time. What’s your opinion on this decision?
“I see it as a failure of leadership, and it could have consequences for the credibility of journalism in the U.S. The absence of an endorsement at such a critical moment undermines the legitimacy of one of the most authoritative media institutions, leaving a dangerous gap. Many journalists are leaving the profession, and the lack of a clear stance during such a delicate phase could further erode public trust in the media.”