Broken Chair, Geneva

Standing prominently in front of the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland, the Broken Chair is a towering sculpture that serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of landmines and cluster bombs on civilian populations. This monumental wooden statue reaches a height of 12 meters and presents a striking image with one of its legs shattered, symbolizing the suffering and permanent harm caused by such weapons.

Erected in 1997, the Broken Chair was designed by Swiss artist Daniel Berset and constructed by carpenter Louis Genève. It was commissioned by the organization Handicap International to urge nations to sign the Ottawa Treaty, which aimed to ban the use of landmines across the globe. The statue's imposing presence and its location in the Place des Nations make it impossible to ignore, reflecting the urgent call for action it represents.

While the chair itself is a powerful symbol of non-violence and peace, its broken leg also speaks to the resilience of landmine victims and their determination to overcome injuries and disabilities. The sculpture's significance has only grown over the years, and it has become an enduring symbol in the fight against the use of indiscriminate weapons.

Visitors to Geneva often stop by the Broken Chair to reflect on its message and to take photographs of this unique piece of public art. It is not just a statue, but a call to conscience, inviting onlookers to consider the ongoing efforts for peace and the protection of civilians in conflict situations.