Exhibition "I Like Everything Nothing but Union"

Director-General Ryder
Mr. Patin
Mr. Bader
Mr. Richards
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen:

It is my privilege to represent the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Mr. Michael Møller, who very much regrets that he cannot be here with you today. He has asked me to deliver the following message on his behalf:

A very warm welcome to you all for this opening of the exhibition “I Like Everything Nothing but Union” which showcases the theme of workers’ and trade union rights through the artistic lens of contemporary photography. I would like to thank the Permanent Mission of the United States of America, the Centre de la photographie Genève and the Volkart Stiftung, for their collaboration in making this event possible.

We at UNOG are privileged today to learn more about the artistic and political heritage of a renowned American photographer, Fred Lonidier, also famous for his civil activism in promoting labour rights’ in the United States. For over 30 years, this landmark installation has been a permanent fixture in the hall of the San Diego American Federation of Labour – Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) Labour Council. The poignant images and comments on display help viewers to discover the sometimes neglected realities of workers’ personal lives and daily grind.

It is a pleasure to have with us the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Mr. Guy Ryder, who is a champion for workers’ rights across the world. Alongside the International Labour Organization, the United Nations has been at the forefront of protecting and promoting labour rights from the very early years of its existence. Provisions to ensure the exercise of labour rights are an integral part of a wide range of international legal instruments initiated by the United Nations. Throughout the years, from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to the Declaration on the Right to Development, we can see striking examples of social progress and empowerment.

At the United Nations Office at Geneva, too, effective human rights mechanisms monitor and further promote labour rights, such as the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review and mandate holders, among others.

In conclusion, I express my sincere appreciation to the organizers of tonight’s event for choosing the Palais des Nations as its venue. The exhibition will vastly contribute to raising public awareness of this enduring challenge and of workers’ path towards a fairer world.”

That was the end of the Director-General’s message.

I join him in wishing you a very successful event.

Thank you.