steve Coogan Voices Alarm Over Eroding Human Rights, Finds Gratitude in Simple Joys
A growing disregard for international law and a renewed acceptance of extrajudicial killings are deeply concerning to actor and comedian Steve Coogan, who also shared a shift in his personal philosophy centered on appreciating life’s small moments.
Coogan expressed profound worry over what he perceives as a perilous shift in global attitudes toward human rights. “I am worried about the erosion of human rights and viewing the idea of human rights as some sort of impediment,” he stated in a recent interview with The Big Issue. “And how Reform are anti-human rights because they think it’s some red tape bureaucracy.” He further elaborated on his fears, noting a decline in adherence to established norms of warfare.
“I really worry about how the post-war consensus on what constituted the idea of human rights, the Geneva conventions, the idea that you to try and aspire to some sort of decency even in war, seems to be going out the window,” Coogan continued. He described a disturbing trend where nation-states appear increasingly willing to bypass legal constraints, even authorizing the killing of surrendered combatants. “Now it’s like you can do what the fuck you like.And that I find really disturbing. The idea that nation states can say we can just kill people even if they surrender. That it’s an entirely legitimate act of war to summarily execute someone who is not a threat in that moment. And somehow that you justify it by saying they represent an overarching existential threat, therefore I have the right to kill them. It is fucking dangerous. And that bothers me.”
The interview, published in this week’s edition of The Big Issue, also touched on Coogan’s work on the upcoming film Saipan, alongside co-star Éanna Hardwicke, who portrays Roy Keane, and directors Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa. Coogan revealed his deliberate effort to present a more balanced portrayal of the controversial 2002 world Cup incident.
“Early on, [the film’s narrative] was 60-40 in favour of Roy [Keane],” Coogan explained. “And I wanted it to be more even-handed.” He ultimately aimed to champion the outlook of then-Ireland manager Mick McCarthy. “once that happened, I wanted to be on Team Mick for the purposes of the film. I do think there is merit on both sides.” He highlighted the contrasting philosophies of Keane, who rejected the “plucky underdog” narrative, and mccarthy, who embraced it. “The old cliché that it was not the winning but the taking part is something Mick was embracing,whereas Roy Keane was fed up of the idea of the plucky underdog. He wanted to kick against that. And he did.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, Coogan shared a personal evolution toward a more grateful and mindful existence. He described adopting a more epicurean outlook, focusing on finding joy in everyday experiences. “I try to be a bit more grateful and a bit more… epicurean is a word I learned not that long ago, which is living in the moment and life being in small things,” he said. “In this moment, I’m healthy, I’m happy, I’m having a nice cup of tea. So I’m trying to reframe things in a way.”
He even found common ground with the famously intense Roy Keane, noting a shared appreciation for simple pleasures.”Beyond that, I love walking my dog… just like Roy Keane! And I’m very grateful that I’m able to earn a living by expressing myself. That is a privilege and I never take that for granted.”
Saipan is scheduled for release in cinemas on January 23rd. The full interview with Coogan, Hardwicke, Barros D’Sa, and Leyburn can be found in this week’s Big Issue magazine. Supporting The Big Issue through vendor purchases, vendor support kits, or magazine subscriptions directly contributes to its mission of ending poverty.
