Broken Chair

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Broken Chair is a monumental sculpture located in Geneva, Switzerland, symbolizing opposition to land mines and cluster bombs, and acting as a reminder to politicians and others visiting Geneva of the importance of supporting landmine bans. The sculpture was commissioned by the Handicap International federation to urge countries to sign the Ottawa Treaty, banning the use of anti-personnel mines.

Description

The sculpture, standing at a height of 12 meters, was designed by Swiss artist Daniel Berset and constructed by carpenter Louis Genève. It is made of 5.5 tons of wood and represents a giant chair with one of its legs broken off, symbolizing the impact of land mines on victims. It was unveiled on August 18, 1997, on the Place des Nations, in front of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

History

Originally intended as a temporary exhibit to coincide with a conference on landmines held in Geneva, the impact of the sculpture led to its becoming a permanent installation. The Broken Chair has become an iconic symbol in Geneva and is a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat the use of land mines around the world.

In 2007, the sculpture was temporarily removed due to the renovation of the Place des Nations and was reinstalled in 2008. This event reaffirmed the commitment of both the city of Geneva and Handicap International to the cause of banning land mines.

Symbolism

The Broken Chair stands as a poignant symbol of both the fragility of the human body and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of conflict. It serves as a call to action, urging nations and individuals alike to work towards a world where civilians are protected from the indiscriminate harm caused by land mines.

Impact

The presence of the Broken Chair in such a prominent location in Geneva serves as a constant reminder to diplomats, international officials, and tourists of the devastating impact of land mines on individuals and communities. It has helped raise awareness and support for the ban on landmines, contributing to the broader movement towards peace and disarmament.

See Also

• Landmine
• Ottawa Treaty
• Handicap International
• United Nations Office at Geneva