Children are the most vulnerable, especially in times of armed conflict. War and hostilities deprive them of their lives, families, friends, homes and rights – essentially of their very childhood and future. They become both targets and instruments of war. They are recruited and used by armed forces and armed groups, abducted, maimed or killed and sexually abused. Their schools and hospitals are attacked, and they are deprived of essential humanitarian aid.
Through a collection of powerful portraits at a free of charge exhibition at Bozar from 21 March to 28 April, the globally renowned humanitarian photojournalist and correspondent, Paddy Dowling, hopes to reflect the complexity of the lives of children amidst conflict, emphasizing the tragedy of their stories on the one hand, and their strength and their faith in a better future on the other hand.
In the framework of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this exhibition is organized by the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Office of the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict and the European Commission.
For more practical information: From Despair to Hope: Children Beyond Armed Conflict | Bozar Brussels