Director-General's remarks for the Opening of the Exhibition "Portraits of Resilience"

Opening of the exhibition “Portraits of Resilience”
organized by the Permanent Missions of France and the United Kingdom

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 1.00 p.m.
Bar Serpent, E Building, Palais des Nations

Remarks delivered by Ms. Lidiya Grigoreva, Cheffe de Cabinet, Office of the Director-General, United Nations Office at Geneva

Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

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 UNOG Director-General, Ms. 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 exhibition to the Palais des Nations as part of the United Nations Geneva Cultural Activities Programme.

Our appreciation also goes to Jonathan Banks for his compelling photography, which shows the stories of survivors of torture.

According to the latest estimates, some 122 million people worldwide who have been forcibly displaced. Among them, more than 47 million are children – children seeking safety and dignity. These staggering numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives disrupted by conflicts, persecution and instability.

The United Nations stands firm in its commitment to ensuring that the suffering of these people is neither ignored nor forgotten, that their pasts are not erased, and their futures are not stolen. Addressing forced displacement requires a comprehensive, human-based approach – one that not only protects the rights of migrants but also tackles the root causes that force people to flee their homes.  

Here in International Geneva, the home of human rights diplomacy, these principles guide our efforts every day. Our colleagues at UNHCR, OHCHR, OCHA, IOM and many others are at the forefront of this mission, assisting millions of people who fled war, famine, and persecution, and supporting solutions for internally displaced persons worldwide.

This powerful exhibition shows an uncomfortable reality: while human rights are universal, they are too often denied to those whose voices are silenced by fear. Behind every portrait displayed here is a survivor – someone who has endured torture, persecution, and exile.

In the words of the UN Secretary-General: “Human rights are our ultimate tool to help societies grow in freedom; to ensure equality for women and girls; to dismantle systemic racism; to end discrimination of all kinds; and to advance inclusion, ensuring that everyone without exception can enjoy lives with dignity, opportunity, and respect”.

May these portraits serve 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.

Thank you.