Archives - Program 2020

When voices expose suffering, they all too often fall on deaf ears. Should we rely on celebrity spokespersons, with the risk of overshadowing the victims?

The use of celebrities to raise the visibility and media profile of a humanitarian crisis has become common practice among major international organizations. By engaging the services of the rich and famous, the United Nations aims to give exposure, a face and a voice to causes that otherwise escape the political agenda and international public debate. But what authority do stars have to address the Security Council after only being on the ground for a photo op? Can we accept this appropriation of the voice of the victims, who live through humanitarian crises and wars on a daily basis? If it is easy to listen to someone who speaks out on behalf of victims who have been silenced, it is also time to question this invisibility.  
 
Lost & Found and What They Took With Them are two short films produced by the Office of the High Commissioner for refugees illustrating how we can reveal or suppress the calls of the voiceless.

Humanitarian WorkMigrations

Co-presented with the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Martin Ennals Foundation