Human Rights Day, 10 December 2025

The United Nations released a message of hope saying, “In this period of turbulence and unpredictability, where many feel a growing sense of insecurity, disaffection and alienation, the theme of Human Rights Day is to reaffirm the values of human rights and show that they remain a winning proposition for humanity”.

I was honoured to be part of the “Portraits of Resilience” panel discussion and exhibition as hosted by the British Residency and the EEAS, in Brussels.

“Portraits of Resilience” features photographs of survivors of torture from around the world who fled their homes seeking safety, recovery and dignity. The portraits invite viewers to see the survivors in the fullest measure of their humanity – to look beyond pre-conceived notions they might have about refugees and asylum seekers and see them as individuals with very human connections to place and home.

I always set out to produce an “art campaign” that would provide a voice to tell survivors stories. I wanted each portrait to be uniquely beautiful to captivate the viewers interest, but also to be part of an overall series that would stimulate a wider discussion.

At the event we advocated for a victim-centered approach: putting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of survivors at the heart of prevention, accountability, and rehabilitation.

Thank you to the UK Mission to the EU and British Residency plus EEAS for all your support with a special mention of Andrew Dickie and Linda Ekholm.

I am extremely grateful to our moderator Eugenia Andreyuk, Human Rights lawyer World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), along with the panelists, Kajsa Ollongren, EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Emma Green, FCDO Deputy Head of Human Rights Department Léonce B., Clinical Director, and Lisa Henry – Secretary‑General (International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims). But most of all I would like to acknowledge TASSC International and all of the organisations supporting survivors around the world.