Handicap International - Restoration of Broken Chair
Handicap International is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1982. It is committed to improving the living conditions of disabled and vulnerable people in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. With an active presence in more than 60 countries, Handicap International works to promote social inclusion, access to healthcare, education, employment, and participation in public decision-making. Through concrete actions and innovative projects, the association strives for a more just and inclusive world for all.
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1. The Origin of Broken Chair
In 1997, Handicap International installed the monumental sculpture Broken Chair in the Place des Nations in Geneva to raise public and international awareness about the importance of protecting civilians from anti-personnel mines. This iconic work, created by artist Daniel Berset, symbolizes the desperate yet dignified cry of civilian populations victimized by armed violence. Initially dedicated to the fight against anti-personnel mines, Broken Chair became a symbol of the campaign against cluster bombs in 2008, and since 2016, it has denounced bombings in populated areas. The sculpture embodies the responsibility of states to protect civilians and provide aid to victims. Owned by Handicap International, Broken Chair reminds governments of their moral and legal obligation to take concrete measures to prevent atrocities and ensure the safety of civilian populations.
2. The Restoration
In 2024, the famous Broken Chair sculpture located in the Place des Nations in Geneva will undergo necessary restoration to ensure its longevity. Last restored in 2016, this intervention is crucial due to the organic nature of the wooden sculpture, which evolves and transforms over time, symbolizing human vulnerability to weapons. This restoration project, scheduled for July 2024, will be carried out by specialized companies, including Louis Genève and Thomas Büchi, who were involved in the creation of Broken Chair 27 years ago. The artist Daniel Berset, who created the work, will also be involved in the process. Since its erection in 1997, with an interruption from 2005 to 2007, this monumental chair made of Douglas wood, with its invisible joints and precarious balance on three legs, has captured the attention of passersby by denouncing the use of anti-personnel mines.
