What are our rights on this earth?
Exhibition ‘Human Issues’ — Cité Miroir, Liège
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is celebrating its 75th anniversary on the 10th of December. Therefore, the Cité Miroir of Liege shows an exhibition about Human Issues (Enjeux humains) in the form of journalistic cartoons, which are questioning the current state of human rights in the world.
People have rights, but not all over the worlds these rights are respected. The exhibition gives us a glimpse into the journalistic way of depicting cartoons and how these very serious and deep issues can be presented in a humorous way. However, the European Press cartoonists from Belgium, France, Switzerland, Canada, United States, Iran and much more countries have managed to take emotional and important issues to illustrate them in art.
The UDHR includes democracy, gender equality, social rights, freedom of press, peace, migration, education and health. In all these aspects we humans have rights and in some countries in the world people are getting killed or getting into prison for fighting for these rights.
The UDHR were written in 1948 of the United Nations, the representation should appreciate and ensure the listed rights. The exhibition shows to every right a couple of cartoons which reflect the issues which are going on in a specific country or in general in the whole world. For example, various countries are at war right now and in other armed conflicts, serious human rights violations are committed: war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, … The civilian population is always the first victim in armed conflicts.
What about the future?
Technology is advancing, the possibilities of use are multiplying, it has become part of our everyday life. But how can we guarantee the human rights that already exist, for example, the protection of privacy? Is the access to internet a fundamental human right? Are we getting replaced by machines, like Artificial Intelligence? These are questions for which are answers are needed, because our world becomes more and more digital.
Education and Awareness
Recognizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting positive change, the Human Issues exhibition includes educational components. Difficult and very touching topics can sometimes be better conveyed in a humorous way. So, we can laugh and in the same time we can think about what the meaning is behind it. Obviously, there is nothing funny about the climate crises, environmental pollution, Injustice and war, but it definitely raises the attention if we can laugh about it.
The exhibition is definitely worth a visit, by exploring the often-unseen and underappreciated aspects of life, it encourages empathy, understanding and action. Human rights are essential, because they are the foundation of our society. They protect individuals from discrimination, injustice, abuse, ensuring that every person regardless of their background is entitled to dignity, freedom and equality.
Human rights promote social harmony, foster economic development, and provide a framework for democracy and the rule of law. They serve as a moral compass, guiding us toward a world where all individuals can live with respect, freedom, and the opportunity to pursue their aspirations.
