Remarks by Ms. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Art Exhibition and Film Screening event commemorating International Human Rights Day

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am very happy to see you and thank you for joining us today. As already explained, today’s event is part of UNAMI’s efforts to mark the 75thanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

And, I think it represents a unique opportunity.

An opportunity to engage with a diverse group of artists and filmmakers who are using their talents to speak out for human rights.

Now, you know better than I do, the exhibits and films on display – they shed light on topics which impact the rights of people, not just in Iraq, but across the globe.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.  And I am convinced that today’s exhibit can help to expand our understanding of persistent human rights challenges.

And importantly, it can inspire us all to do more to place human rights front and centre in our work and daily lives.  Not just us in this room but also beyond, because of course we will publicize this event on Facebook, on other social media, and talk about it.

Talking about the Universal Declaration, I mean, it is undeniable that it was a milestone achievement, which has since, as already explained, paved the way for over 70 human rights treaties at global and regional levels.

Its adoption seems even more remarkable when we remember the context in which it occurred. The United Nations was in its infancy; the world was reeling from a devastating and inhuman war; and the so-called East-West divide was taking clear shape.

Yet, the international community still found a way to agree to this aspirational text. This was no easy feat.

And my message for today is that reminding ourselves of this achievement could, perhaps, act as a modest source of hope in what sometimes feels like an increasingly divided world; a world in which human rights continue to be flattened under the weight of conflict. 

And my colleague just referred to the many conflicts that are out there but today I would in particular highlight that which is happening in Gaza.

Let me, in conclusion, express my deep gratitude to the talented people who have made this event possible.

Personally, I can think of no better way to galvanize our commitment to human rights than to learn from those who use their art to shed light on the dark spots of our living history.

Thank you again, for being with us today.