November 29, 2008	Saturday	Ziqa'ad 30, 1429

KARACHI: Thirty photos have been displayed at the Alliance Francaise on Tuesday at an exhibition celebrating the 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a resolution adopted by the United Nations in 1948 calling upon the world to respect and promote the rights and freedom of all nations. The resolution was drafted by Charles Malik (Lebanon), Eleanor Roosevelt (United States) and Rene Cassin (France). Over the years, the declaration has emerged as one of the most important and influential documents of its time.

The French ministry of foreign affairs decided to collect renowned photojournalists’ photos depicting the 30 articles of the declaration on the completion of its 60 years. After their exhibition in France, these photos have been sent to other countries, including Pakistan, to be displayed.

The guest of honour, French Consul-General Pierre Seillan, inaugurated the exhibition and explained the theme.

The photos, beautiful and moving, some extremely heart-wrenching, portray the situations prevailing in different countries and make viewers stop for a moment to think what has gone wrong with the world.

James Natchwey’s photo showing a child swinging on the gun of an armoured tank gives two sides of the same picture: that of a child oblivious of the dangers around him and doing what comes natural to him – playing, and the second, ominous side, the menace of war and sufferings that come with it.

The image, captured by Eric Bouret, of an old woman walking alone with her belongings from her bombed home, deeply disturbs making him\her wonder what happened to those who were in the house. Then, the somewhat reassuring photo that everyday life must go on whatever the cost and that tomorrow is another day, by Alexandra Boulat, shows a teacher and her young students carrying their chairs to a clear area away from the rubble of bombed buildings.

Not all photos are heart wrenching; there are ones that bring smiles as well, such as the one in sepia tone of a man cuddling the mouth of his horse, of a picture gallery where the viewers backsides’ are shown, walking towards the paintings on the wall before them. It appears as if the people were actually walking. Such is the power of the strong ideas behind a photo.

The exhibition will continue till November 30.