On the occasion of World
Refugee Day (20 June 2017), the United Nations Office at Geneva opened an
exhibition by Israeli artist Orna Ben-Ami entitled "Entire Life in a
Package". The opening gathered more than 130 diplomats, NGO representatives, and UN staff.
The exhibit, which includes welded iron sculptures combined with
Reuters’ photographs of refugees in various situations, focuses on the plight
of refugees and migrants around the world. "I was shocked and moved by
the view of the refugees over the past few years and I wanted to bring this sad
and painful subject to the forefront of world opinion," said Orna
Ben-Ami. "Iron expresses the will of the displaced to hold on strongly
to their identity and renders them eternal and meaningful, like metal
monuments," she continued.
According to UNHCR, we are
now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented
65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are
nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. “Orna
Ben-Ami’s work shows us the reality behind those staggering numbers.”, said
Jason Mack, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN
Human Rights Council.
Art plays a key role in raising awareness and in making
concepts and numbers accessible to all. Mrs. Kelly Clements, Deputy
High-Commissioner for Refugees highlighted that the “stories [of the
refugees] are much easier to communicate when they are visual, when they are
seen, when they touch you, when the emotion seizes you.”
“Here at the United Nations,
the words “refugee” and “migrant” are at the center of so many discussions…” added
Israel's Ambassador to the UN and other Organizations in Geneva, Aviva Raz
Shechter, “But these discussions are void if we forget the individuals
behind them, their stories, and their physical and practical needs.” Hosting this exhibition at the UN headquarters
in Geneva therefore carries special significance.
Mr. Michael Møller, UNOG
Director-General, mentioned that if you “Ask people in refugee camps about
their most fundamental needs. […] They will tell you it’s their cell phones
that help them stay in contact with their families and loved ones, reassuring
them that they are alive and healthy and waiting for them somewhere. That’s our
modern version of a life in a small box.”
Communities are enriched by
the strength, the diversity, the experience that refugees bring with them. The
State of Israel has absorbed hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants
since its establishment, 69 years ago, and is an inspiring example of this
integration. “They have made the desert bloom, and this melting pot of our
society drives our creativity and innovation, and safeguards the well-being of
our people.” Ambassador Raz Shechter concluded.
Selection
of photos: http://bit.ly/2smghEV
Transcript of Remarks - Mr. Michael Moeller (United Nations)
Transcript of Remarks - Ambassador Aviva Raz Shecther (Israel)
Transcript of Remarks - Mr. Jason Mack (United States)
Transcript of Remarks - Mrs. Orna Ben-Ami (Artist, Israel)