[JUST PEACE Open Day 2024] The Asser Institute and HOPE Foundation celebrate 125 years of Peace and Justice with “Voices from Gaza”
Published 30 August 2024
On 22 September 2024, the Asser Institute will open its doors to the public for a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition co-hosted by the HOPE Foundation, titled “Voices from Gaza”. This captivating installation aims to bring attention to the experiences of children and young adults living in conflict, showing artworks created by the children of Gaza, as well as dance performances by breakdancers, and spoken word poetry.
“Voices from Gaza” not only highlights the creativity and artistic expressions of Gaza’s youth, but also serves to foster a deeper understanding of their experiences, resilience, and hopes for the future. In the heart of The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice and this year celebrating the 125th anniversary of the 'First Hague Peace Conference' of 1899, you can witness the heart-wrenching realities of growing up in the midst of conflict and violence.
Increasingly under pressure
“We are honoured to host this impressive exhibition of the HOPE Foundation at the T.M.C. Asser Institute,” says Christophe Paulussen, Acting Academic Director of the Asser Institute. “It's a fitting location, as our institute is named after the famous international lawyer Tobias Asser, who played a significant role in bringing the First Peace Conference to The Hague and thus assisted in establishing The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice. Despite this year's celebrations, international law is increasingly under pressure, as conflicts around the world, including in Gaza, show. However, it is our mission to contribute to the development of international law and not to give up hope. In doing so, we are inspired by the resilience of Gaza's youth, as demonstrated by this powerful installation."
Ingrid Rollema, co-founder and director of the HOPE Foundation, says on the importance of practicing art in conflict: “Art can offer children a shelter for mental survival, offering a perspective beyond wars when reality is failing. It is precisely that glimmer of hope that we are trying to keep alive”.
The installation, designed by KC Bodegom, comes alive while it serves as a backdrop for conversations with legal experts, artists, and with advocates working in the Gaza Strip within conflict-afflicted communities. In a space for learning and conversations, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artworks, the performances, and the practitioners.
Please join us in celebrating 125 years of peace and justice in The Hague, while inspiring hope for a brighter future. “Voices from Gaza” promises to be a moving experience for all.
Event details:
- Location: T.M.C. Asser Instituut
- Opening time: 22 September 2024; 12.00 – 18.00
- Admission: free
Please contact communications@asser.nl for more information.
About T.M.C. Asser Instituut
The Asser Institute’s mission is to contribute to the development of international and European public and private law. We achieve this by:
Independent legal research: We conduct fundamental, policy-oriented, and applied legal research in international and European public and private law.
Knowledge dissemination: We initiate and facilitate academic and expert meetings, (professional) education, and public events aimed at disseminating knowledge of international and European public and private law. We further share our legal knowledge by adding to the public debate.
About the HOPE Foundation
The HOPE Foundation was founded in 1996 with the aim to offer inventive lessons in the fields of art and culture in order to empower children in conflict areas to build a meaningful life for themselves. The driving forces behind this initiative were Fathi Arafat, Jean Calder, Willem Vugteveen, Riekus Feijen and Ingrid Rollema.
HOPE envisions a future where children are able to cope with the effects of war in the best way possible and where the basic requirements for leading a life that is worthwhile are available to all. For the Khan Yunis Open Studio team, Academy for Young Talent, Social Media Lab, Breakdance Academy and many more local organizations and artists, HOPE acts as a source of inspiration and as initiator for projects.