To mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh and Drik Picture Library jointly organised a photo exhibition, entitled ‘Rage & Hope’ that was held between the December 14-18.
The 10th of December 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the world's most ground breaking pledge, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), read a press release on Tuesday.
The UDHR enshrines the inalienable rights we have as human beings, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status. As a celebration of freedom of expression, the photo exhibition provided a platform to photographers to highlight their work from across Bangladesh, visually exploring expressions of the fight for the rights of women, Indigenous communities, the LGBTIQ community, students, the rights of climate displaced communities amongst others.
The curator of the exhibition Dr Shahidul Alam has worked on rights issues, with photography as the primary medium, for several years; and has selected a remarkable collection of past and contemporary photos from across the country.
The closing ceremony was held Tuesday, where United Nations Resident Coordinator to Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis was present with other dignitaries.
The Resident Coordinator expressed her appreciation for the extraordinary Bangladeshi photographers and their “depiction and recognition of the inherent dignity of individuals standing up for what they believe.” She added, “The equal and inalienable rights of all is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace, values that are more important than ever before in today’s world.”
The exhibition was open to people from all occupations and provided an opportunity to reflect on what the Universal Declaration of Human Rights means for them.
