“Portraits of Resilience” private view

Lidiya Grigoreva, Chief of Staff at the UN on behalf of the Director General

“It is a pleasure to join you at the opening of the exhibition, “Portraits of Resilience” that speaks to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring struggle for dignity and justice.”

“On behalf of the Director General, Tatiana Valovaya, who is out of Geneva on Mission today, I extend my gratitude to the Permanent Missions of France and the United Kingdom for bringing this powerful exhibition to the Palais des Nations as part of the Geneva cultural activities programme. Our appreciation also goes to Jonathan Banks for his compelling photography which shows the stories of survivors of torture.”

“The United Nations stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that the suffering of these people is neither ignored or forgotten and that their pasts are not erased, and their futures are not stolen.

“This powerful exhibition around us shows a very stark reality. While human rights are universal, they are too often denied to those whose voices are silent by fear. Behind every portrait displayed here is a survivor, someone who has endured torture, persecution and exile.” … “So may these portraits serve us as a reminder of what is at stake. Let them inspire us to work harder, to listen more carefully, and to never turn away from those in need.”

“Portraits of Resilience” will be exhibited at the United Nation’s Palais des Nations in Geneva between Monday 25th of March and Friday 4th of April during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.

Thanks to Emma Maury and Eliza for the photos.