The General Assembly of the United Nations described the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948 as the common ideal of all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms.
The cultural project “FACING NATIONS – culture of humanity” has made commendable efforts to express and promote this ideal.

Painted with consideration and sensitivity, faces of people from UN member states are the core of this exhibit. The idea of “giving nations a face” is not only an interesting artistic approach to the issue of “human rights” but also a clear signal to observe the Declaration.

[show whole text]

The Vienna International Centre’s 30th anniversary offers us an excellent occasion to celebrate. Austria is proud to host numerous important UN-organizations in Vienna. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) rank among the most important organizations and offices to be hosted by Austria.

The Austrian Host Country Policy is a pillar of the Austrian Foreign Policy. Situated in the heart of Europe and throughout its history at the crossroads of different cultures, religions and political systems, Austria has developed a specific culture of dialogue, as well as an active participation in international organizations and multilateral diplomacy. As a host country, Austria appreciates the important role the international organizations based in Austria play in fostering Vienna as a platform for peace and dialogue.

[show whole text]

The Vienna International Centre, situated on the River Danube, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It was inaugurated on 23 August 1979 and handed over to the international organizations. The striking building has since shaped the skyline of new and modern Vienna.

The international organizations based in Vienna have considerably contributed to Austria’s reputation. But what is even more important is the cultural aspect: The people who come from all around the world to work in the Vienna International Centre enrich our city and our society every day.

[show whole text]

The imaginative project “FACING NATIONS – culture of humanity” reflects the origin of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights more than 60 years ago. The very first right emphasized by the Declaration is the right to life – a right denied to tens of millions during the horrors of the Second World War.

During the same period, a new menace to life on Earth emerged: the looming threat of nuclear annihilation. The obliteration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will always remain vivid in our minds. Today eight countries have conducted over 2000 nuclear tests in total and have amassed over 20,000 nuclear weapons, each one dwarfing the Hiroshima bomb in destructive power.

Working towards the elimination of these weapons is therefore a profound moral and humanitarian obligation. It gives me hope that in recent years, the vision of a nuclearweapon- free world has been embraced by an increasing number of international leaders.

[show whole text]

The International Atomic Energy Agency was created in Vienna in 1957, four years after President Eisenhower called for the creation of an organization which would put nuclear science and technology at the service of mankind and ensure that nuclear energy is used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

After nearly 20 years in the Grand Hotel, the Agency took up residence in the Vienna International Centre in 1979. Our membership has grown steadily and now comprises 150 States.

Our dual security and development mandate is unique. The Agency is most associated in the public mind with our work to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. But we do much more than that.

By making nuclear techniques available to developing countries, we help to improve access to food, water and health care for the poor. The IAEA’s nuclear safety standards have become the international benchmark and are being incorporated into European Union law. We have a significant nuclear security programme which has helped to reduce the likelihood of extremist groups getting hold of nuclear or radioactive material.

[show whole text]

The world was a very different place thirty years ago, when the people of Vienna first peered up at these impossibly tall and futuristic buildings, giant arcs cupped together along the banks of the Danube. In those days, not many ventured much further beyond this side of the river. Indeed, the Vienna International Centre stood like a sentry post between competing groups of States and systems: from the highest of its twenty eight floors, the human eye could scan the line dividing East from West.

But this new construction was not born to cement division. On the contrary, it took the germ of an Austrian tradition of discussion, conciliation and mutual understanding that dates at least as far back as the Congress of Vienna in 1814, and breathed new life into it. It refused to accept that Vienna’s geographical position was peripheral, but rather defined it as a neutral space at the heart of the world. A new term rapidly gained currency in international relations: the “Vienna spirit”, a readiness to seek consensus that often evaded the efforts of those in other hubs of multilateral diplomacy.

[show whole text]

For thirty years, since 1979, the United Nations has had its third Headquarters (after New York and Geneva) in the Austrian capital, situated in the landmark Vienna International Centre (VIC).

In the past three decades, the VIC has become an international hub for human security issues. The range and depth of expertise is a reflection of how the United Nations family in Vienna is well-positioned and well-equipped to deal with some of the world’s most salient challenges.

The Vienna International Centre also moves with the times. In this anniversary year, we celebrate the opening of a state-of-the-art conference facility, the “M” building. We are also intensifying our efforts to make the VIC more environmentally friendly by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, recycling and reducing waste.

[show whole text]

When UNIS Vienna supported the launch of FACING NATIONS in December 2008 in Graz, we knew that this would be the beginning of an impressive and momentous journey. At that time, the exhibition was launched to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with which FACING NATIONS shares the basic message of dignity and human rights for all.

Building on the success achieved in Graz, we were certain that the exhibition would be a great addition to the 30th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre (VIC) and we are very grateful to all those who made it possible to bring FACING NATIONS to the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna where more than 4,000 people work and tens of thousands visit each year.

[show whole text]

In 2008, 60 years after the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation-Studio Styria reminded us of the origin of this UN Declaration of Human Rights with the unique artistic and cultural project “FACING NATIONS – culture of humanity” by the artist Oskar Stocker. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre, this impressive work is now on display in the nation’s capital.

The project “FACING NATIONS – culture of humanity” with portraits of 124 people from 124 nations is an impressive representation of cosmopolitanism, internationalism, tolerance and humanity.

[show whole text]

“In my years with the UN, I have been fortunate enough to have worked on all continents and with many nations. This has enabled me to experience the vital role we play in each others lives, as countries, institutions, communities – and as individuals. In my personal life as well, rooted in Islam, Asia and the Middle East, married into the proud Austrian tradition of central Europe, and based in Vienna, I know what it means to integrate into a different world. It is not always easy, but it is possible, with goodwill and effort on the part of those who arrive and those who receive.

[show whole text]

The 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights offers once again a reason to consider how well human rights have been put into practice. The state of Styria stands for the enforcement of human rights, without exception, and has, in this sense, implemented extensive actions within its own area of influence. Among others, these include the appointment of a variety of representatives as human rights observers, and also the presen-tation of the Human Rights Award of the State of Styria to persons who have rendered a ser-vice in maintaining or achieving human rights. In addition, accents are set on the implementa-tion and maintenance of human rights in other fields of activity, such as supporting projects for cooperative development.

[show whole text]

FACING NATIONS is an exciting concept to make the correlation between artistic creation and human rights visible. The portraits of people with a migrant background show their face, and their inviolable personality. For those who – for whatever reason – have lost their home, we all too lightly also deny them their identity.

The cooperation of the artist Oskar Stocker with the ORF increases the chance that the socio-political message will be spread far and universally. High-ranking personalities have accepted patronage of the project. The success of this artistically and socially meaningful project is desirable, and certainly only a question of time. It proves the political power of artistic work and, conversely, the influence of the current political position of society on the artistic work taking place within it.

[show whole text]

For eight years, the city of Graz has been the only city in Europe to be recognized as a “Human Rights City” and as such, it has been especially committed to fundamental human rights. This is one of the many reasons that is a special honour for us to experience the presentation of FACING NATIONS in the state capital of Styria. This project, which was initiated by ORF Styria in commemoration of the 60-year anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, presents the spirit of the Declaration and its meaning for our society in a sensitive, ambitious manner.
People from over 150 nations live in Graz and influence and enrich the city through their various lives, nationalities and destinies, as well as their cultural and religious identities. A proverb says, “A face tells the story of a whole life!“. In FACING NATIONS, the oil portraits created by Oskar Stocker unite the faces and the variety of the world in an impressive work of art in our city. For Graz, this project is a great honour and an artistic  monument to freedom, equality, tolerance, and respect!

Our special thanks are due to the artist, Oskar Stocker, and to all who contributed to the success of this project!

Mag. Siegfried NAGL, Mayor of Graz
Lisa RÜCKER, Vice-mayor of Graz

Human dignity is the core concept of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which celebrates its 60th anniversary on 10 December 2008. The preamble of the UDHR begins with the statement that, “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world …” and Article 1 determines that, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Thanks to Oskar Stocker’s portraits, in fulfilment of an idea by Gerhard Draxler, this common human dignity of people of all nations living in Graz, and representative of people all over the world, was made visible. Human rights are violated everywhere – even in Graz, which, in 2001, declared itself to be a Human Rights City, thereby putting itself under the obligation to be guided in its dealings by the principle of human rights. Here in our city, these dealings are often not loud and spectacular, but are, instead, quiet and inconspicuous. Someone ends up in poverty and cannot be caught by the social net; children cannot learn enough German because there are not enough teachers; a man cannot find an apartment because his skin is the wrong colour; a woman cannot find work because she wears a scarf on her head … The list is easily continued. In autumn 2008, following the initiative of the Mayor of the city of Graz, Siegfried Nagl, the Human Rights Commission of Graz drew up a Human Rights Report for the first time. This report gives a good overview of the problems, but it also gives many examples of positive experiences.

[show whole text]

Immigrants are an essential factor in the contact between cultures. Immigrants enrich Graz. These are trivial comments, but they are true. Nevertheless, only very few realize what it really means to be an immigrant. Immigration means that you had to leave your home. Even if this was a voluntary decision and someone has become well-established in Graz, a feeling of being torn apart often still exists for a long time. For immigrants, extremely negative experiences and very positive experiences often lievery close together.
Almost all of the people from the 124 countries of the world who are pictured in this catalogue were also interviewed. The interviews, conducted by Eva Bravc and Simone Schumann, were taped and then transcribed. Here, a very small excerpt of the answers of the interviewees is given – answers which were often fascinating, tragic, touching, and amusing. In this excerpts, primarily the interviewees are given a chance to speak.

Why does one come to Austria, to Styria, or to Graz? Several reasons are heard repeatedly: love and marriage, to study, for professional reasons, purely by chance– or maybe several of these reasons at once.“ In 1982, I was on vacation, following completion of my university studies… that was always our dream, to visit Europe some day. And then on the way from London to Amsterdam, I met an Austrian…” explains the 53-year-old language teacher, C., from Brazil. A. from Somalia, 43 years old, fled his country to escape the war there: “It was a long journey – from Somalia to Kenya, from Kenya to Yemen, from Yemen to Budapest, and from Hungary to Austria. Actually, I wanted to go to Australia. I confused Austria with Australia…”

What was needed to become socially integrated? More important than anything else– to speak the language. This is heard again and again. “Integration begins with the language,” is the opinion of the 33-year-old Venezuelan I., “My first thought when I arrived here was, I want to learn the language as well as possible, and quickly, so that I can understand the people and the culture, the music…” Command of a language demands openness and a liking for the new surroundings. I. says he just “jumped right in. I just always talked – with or without mistakes [laughs]. It was all the same to me if I confused ‘der’ with ‘die’.” Command of the language, social identity and social integration are tied closely together. For T. from Kosovo, today 46 years old, it was very difficult at the beginning because, “of course, as soon as it becomes obvious that you can’t speak the language, people look at you strangely. I found it very unpleasant…”. This problem exists to the present day, and in a new form. For her eleven-year-old daughter, the mother’s lack of language command is “not only unpleasant. She was sad. She cried over and over again because people think if you can’t speak German then you are stupid...”. For the 26-year-old A. from Togo, command of the language is virtually an existential problem. “Because if you can’t speak the language, then you become frightened … The Austrians are frightened of us or to get close to us, and then we’re afraid to get closer to them, and each side retreats into itself… Language is important. You can’t live without language…”.

Knowledge of the language is a prerequisite, while music and sports “open the door” to integration. When asked how well he was accepted in Graz, 44-yearold J. from Uruguay answers, “Wonderfully, actually. Everything was new for me. Everything was lovely. I got to know some very nice people, right at the beginning... I played right from the beginning, in the Herrengasse – just practicing really and earning money… that’s where I met most of the people who are still my friends today.” Music was also a big help for the 43-year-old Cuban S. He started the band“Cuba Libre”, with which he has appeared in many large cities in Austria. For F., 35, from Columbia, it was sports which helped, during an integration language course, when he began playing volleyball in Hartberg. Today he plays the typical Austrian sport of curling. The 34-year-old Moroccan A. has had “no problems with people”, primarily because he found a position as a teacher of sports. He also runs a project,“Movement and Impulse”, in primary schools.

Religion and church are further institutions which can promote integration. When asked which social contacts he had, the 35-year-old F. from Columbia answers,“Well, that was very positive. We are Catholics… the priest helped us a lot and through him we met a family in Hartberg.” Religion was also the most important anchor point for the 24-year-old Albanian R., “My luck was that I was in the church, the Methodist church, where it’s easier to start a conversation with someone, and I was never lonesome…”

These examples show how immigrants can enrich the culture of Graz and even contribute to the social solidarity between the people of Graz. Here are a few more examples: The 44-year-old guitarist, I., from Venezuela played with several bands throughout Austria, recorded 70 CD’s together with other musicians, founded a concert series “Latin Jazz Night” and brought artists from around the world to Graz. He organized drum workshops throughout Austria and “travels from one student to the next… By now, half of Styria plays the drums [laughs]”. The Brazilian woman, C., founded the Latin American Institute in Graz. The 67-year-old Greek, G., founded and runs a dance club, to which now 170 members belong.

But many of the interviewees also experienced discrimination in Graz. I. from Venezuela, 44 years old, is a successful musician (percussionist) in Austria. During his 25 years in Austria, he has had “very many wonderful experiences, but also a few negative ones.” After one sold-out concert in the ‘Orpheum’ in Graz, a group of musicians and friends went to the Theatercafé to celebrate. “I arrive last… and the minute I walk in, some guy, who I had never seen before, begins to swear at me in the worst, primitive, racist manner... after that I had a crisis, I cried a lot… Once, in 1986, I was beaten up by three guys in the Keplerstrasse … once the police also treated me like a criminal.” J., a 42-year-old nurse from Malaysia explained, “My first experience in Graz, that was an old lady. I went to her house as a nurse but she refused to have anything to do with me … That was a shock for me.” At the beginning, T., a 44-year-old from Chile, had the feeling that everything functions like“a closed society… there’s not a willingness to accept the other person, or to help make his life easier.” Black Africans, in particular, experience true discrimination. The 26-year-old refugee, A., from Togo, has lived in Graz for 10 years. He explains,“Actually, you’re caught in the different skin colour...” It wasn’t until he learned the language and found some friends that “it became easier to not see myself so much as black, but as a person, among whites…”. He has been sworn at on the street, as a ‘foreigner’, “again and again. I can’t say how often…”.

Is Graz home now? This is also reported by many of the interviewees, especially if they have lived here a long time and have become successfully integrated professionally. The 44-year-old musician, I., from Venezuela says, “… I love Styria more than anyplace else. I feel very much at home here… And interestingly, when I’m in Venezuela – on vacation or whatever – I’m homesick for Austria… and viceversa, of course, also… [laughs].” “Yes, the homesickness is always there…, even now, after 25 years,” says the 53-year-old language teacher, C., from Brazil. But she tries to spend vacation every year in Brazil. “Yes…, that’s very important for me, to be there once a year.” J. the 49-year-old man from China, says, “… the Austrians are very nice… Yes, when I’m riding the streetcar, especially on my way to the university, I’m often get asked, ‘Where do you come from? And can I help you?’ Especially older people. And I’m often even given a telephone number. They say, if you ever need any help, just call this number…” Real integration is most often possible when someone has come to Graz voluntarily – or was even asked to come. The 34-year-old South Korean woman, H., came to Graz because she got a job as an opera singer – even though she also liked Paris, where she had studied, very much.“I think that I can say that today Graz is my own personal promised land. My move here was a turning point in my life, both privately and professionally. But just the same, some day I would like to return to my roots – where my family is…” The 55 year-old Kurd, P., feels that it’s “wonderful to have two cultures.” He is Muslim, but it doesn’t bother him when his son likes best to sing Christian songs. A 26-year-old man from Togo had such horrible experiences in his home land that he doesn’t want to talk about them. He “likes it better in Graz [than anywhere else in Austria]. If I go anywhere outside of Graz, then I miss it… It has happened often, that I just happened to meet someone in the city, and we had a conversation... Graz is almost like a house where everyone knows everyone …”.

University Professor Dr. Max HALLER
Professor of Sociology, Karl Franzens University Graz

[hide text]

To learn to form a nation, you hope, Germans, in vain.
Learn instead, you can, more freely to become humans.

Many may heartily agree with Schiller’s famous definition of the German national character, imagining themselves to be literally on the safe side in the camp of Humanity, while the concept of Nationality since Grillparzer has entered into an unholy alliance with Bestiality. Even if they feel confirmed in this by the history of the 20th century, it must still be emphasized that this ethic will not take us far. Nations have forfeited less of their historical importance – and its continued effect up to the present day – than many are willing to accept.

[show whole text]

For more than sixty years, the United Nations has devoted itself to the maintenance of peace and international security, based on the recognition of the sovereign equality of all peace-loving countries. In many cases, the UN has been successful in eradicating threats to peace, preventing breaches of peace, and rectifying international disputes by peaceful means, based on the principles of justice and of international law, as formulated in their Charta.

[show whole text]