An exhibition to further understanding the importance of humanitarian principles
Bern, 04.12.2019 - Humanitarian action is centred on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Together with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is hosting an exhibition and forum for debate on humanitarian action and its founding principles. The art installation will run until March 2020 at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva.
The principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence, which have deep roots in Swiss history, are more relevant than ever. In an increasingly complex and polarised world, these principles ensure the optimal effectiveness of humanitarian action, for example in securing access to those in need. In order to alleviate suffering around the world, Switzerland has consistently reaffirmed the value of these principles, promoted understanding of them and helped a broad range of actors to put them into practice.
That is why the SDC is hosting, together with the Musée de l'Elysée and the International Committee of the Red Cross, the 'Humanitarian Principles. Here & Now' exhibition. The exhibition is a travelling art installation that has already been shown in Caracas/Venezuela and in Kyiv/Ukraine. After a three-month run at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva, it will travel on to Madrid.
The exhibition revolves around a series of shorts film and photographs that invite visitors to reflect on a range of complex issues surrounding humanitarian operations. Humanitarian crises make daily headlines. Images of the suffering, hunger, despair, loneliness, separation and desolation that these crises produce leave us feeling helpless. The universal and striking language of photography encourages reflection without serving up ready-made solutions.
The exhibition also features #DialoguesOnHumanity, an interactive platform that encourages visitors to explore the responses, emotions and memories the images evoke in them. Visitors can discover the stories and challenges behind each of the featured photographs.
In parallel, a workshop with experts from the humanitarian and arts communities will be held from 4 to 12 December 2019. The workshop is part of Geneva's Humanitarian Trail – an open-air museum featuring two walking trails with stops at various humanitarian landmarks – that will allow participants to meet SDC experts and immerse themselves in the rich history and symbolism of the city that gave birth to humanitarian action.
In addition, the 33rd International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, running from 9 to 12 December in Geneva, will be accompanied by temporary exhibitions and events on humanitarian action. The featured topics will include ways to strengthen international humanitarian law and use new technologies to make humanitarian aid more effective.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
