Broken Chair

In 1997, a treaty banning the use of landmines to harm people was signed. It is known as the "Ottawa Treaty", or the Landmine Ban Treaty. At the same time, to encourage countries to sign the treaty and stop using mines, the NGO Handicap International commissioned Swiss sculptor Daniel Berset to create the Broken Chair to attract attention. of mine victims.

Made from 5.5 tons of wood and standing at a height of 12 meters, this impressive work of art has stood in front of the Place des Nations since 1997. Originally, it was only supposed to stay for three months, but now , after almost 20 years, there is little indication that the Broken Chair will ever be taken away, so it is undoubtedly a unique highlight of the International Geneva.

Handicap International did not work alone on the campaign, but in conjunction with many other organizations to ensure the Ottawa Treaty was ratified by UN member states. For its efforts to enact the Ottawa Treaty, the International Mine Action Campaign was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

Standing at the entrance to the United Nations, is a place where peace marches begin or end. There are often protesters and activists from around the world giving reasons and speaking for their direction through songs or silence beside the Broken Chair.

This artistic broken chair is a symbol of human rights activities, historical activities and the result of a long struggle with a lot of effort.

Address: Broken Chair, 1202 Genoa