United Nations and The Declaration of Human Rights

Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble perform at the United Nations

This year marks the 6oth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I had the opportunity to meet Peace Alliance Activist and UN liaison Anne Creter and Dot Maver, the founder of the Peace Partnership International, when I was invited to their informative panel discussion asking the question; Is Peace a Human Right. The following day, in stark contrast, I attended IIV Gallery's screening of war footage by the leading press journalists on assignment in Baghdad. The real situation in Iraq is tragic, with continued fighting and limited basic facilities for most citizens. My week culminated when I met UN Peace Ambassador Yo Yo Ma, and attended a private rehearsal of his Silk Road Ensemble in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations.
The profound words of the UN peacemakers married with the exotic melodies of the musicians from the Silk Road resonated with me on a cellular level. I came away with a conviction to continue to make photographs that inform, and evoke emotions stronger than the high-energy images of hate and violence that captivates much of our media, news and popular culture.

Panelists include Culture of Peace David Adams,
PPI Dot Maver, His Excellency Ambassador Hilario G. Davide, Jr.,
UN liaison Anne Creter, & Iris Spellings