Art Donation “TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION”

The remarks were presented by Ms. Corinne Momal-Vanian, on behalf of the Director-General.


Ambassador McCarney,
Chief Littlechild,
Mr. Maris,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva, Mr. Michael Møller, who would normally be at this event, cannot be with us today and sends his best regards. He has asked me to present the this message on his behalf.

“Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A warm welcome to today’s event dedicated to the topic of truth and reconciliation, organized by the Permanent Mission of Canada. I would like to thank Canada for their initiative in donating this piece of art by artist and activist David Maris to the United Nation in Geneva.

David Maris is known to be outspoken for the rights of indigenous people in Canada. His paint brush has been fuelled by his anger about the recurrent violence against indigenous people, and women and girls in particular, as you will see. He uses dark red, in contrast with black. With these aggressive colours, the destinies of indigenous women who are victims of domestic violence or trafficking find their way into his art. Their call will now have a new home, on canvas, at the Palais des Nations. The painting will remind us of the plight of the indigenous people at the very place where the Human Rights Council is meeting regularly, advocating for the protection of the most vulnerable.

Just this morning, the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was marked at the annual half-day panel discussion dedicated to this topic. During the discussion, it was made clear, that despite the progress in implementing the Declaration, structural discrimination remains a distinct challenge, with women and girls in particularly vulnerable positions.

Integrating indigenous people is crucial, also here at the UN, and I am happy that thanks to the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights indigenous people have been able to participate in the UN’s human rights bodies and mechanisms; 29 indigenous peoples’ representatives (13 women and 16 men) have benefited from the annual indigenous fellowship programme which took place here in Geneva in June/July 2016. Participants came from 24 countries, including Canada.

Canada, with a population of more than 1.4 million indigenous people has made strong efforts to improve their status, to increase inclusion and guarantee their human rights. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established to facilitate the reconciliation of former students of the Indian Residential Schools, their families and communities with the Canadian Society at large. These schools for indigenous people that existed until the mid-1990s were aimed at assimilating indigenous people into the dominant Canadian culture.

Today, the serious gap in well-being and equal opportunities remains very real for indigenous people not only in Canada but in many, many countries. Reaching inclusive societies and leaving no-one behind are important commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Reaching out to indigenous people will be crucial for achieving these Goals.

I believe that with the energy brought to this topic here in Geneva and beyond, and with our commitment, ladies and gentlemen, we can take this issue forward. David Maris’ work of art will watch over us as we do so. Thank you, Ambassador McCarney, for making this work of art part of our collection and for helping us keep the concerns of indigenous peoples high on the international agenda. Thank you also for making this a very special occasion by generously inviting us to a reception.

Thank you.