Sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN building at Geneva

How to Approach

The question asks about the sculpture of the broken chair in front of the UN building at Geneva. This requires understanding its symbolism, the context of its installation, and its significance in relation to landmine removal efforts. The answer should focus on the artist, the purpose of the sculpture, and its impact on raising awareness. A concise, factual answer is expected given the 5-mark and 50-word limit.

Model Answer

0 min read

Introduction

The sculpture of a giant broken chair, created by Swiss artist Daniel Berset, stands as a stark reminder outside the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Installed in 1997, it serves as a powerful symbol against anti-personnel landmines. The deliberately incomplete chair represents the missing limbs of landmine victims and advocates for a global ban on these devastating weapons.

Symbolism and Purpose

The broken chair is a direct visual representation of the human cost of landmines. Its single leg missing symbolizes the amputations caused by these devices. The oversized scale emphasizes the widespread impact of landmines on civilian populations.

Installation and Context

Daniel Berset created the sculpture specifically for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The ICBL, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, actively campaigned for a treaty banning landmines. The sculpture’s location outside the UN building was strategic, aiming to influence international negotiations.

Impact and Legacy

The sculpture became an iconic symbol of the anti-landmine movement. It helped raise public awareness and put pressure on governments to sign the Ottawa Treaty (Mine Ban Treaty) of 1997, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines.

Key Facts

Artist: Daniel Berset
Year of Installation: 1997
Location: Palais des Nations, Geneva
Symbolism: Represents victims of landmines

Conclusion

The broken chair remains a poignant and effective symbol of the devastating consequences of landmines. It serves as a constant call for complete disarmament and a reminder of the ongoing need for victim assistance and mine clearance efforts globally. Its enduring presence highlights the power of art in advocating for humanitarian causes.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Evaluate your handwritten answer in under a minute

Free trial available • Trusted by 1,00,000+ aspirants

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

ICBL

International Campaign to Ban Landmines, a coalition of NGOs working to eliminate landmines globally. It was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997.

Key Statistics

According to the Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor, in 2022, there were 6,897 casualties recorded from landmines and explosive remnants of war, with civilians accounting for 80% of those casualties.

Source: Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor, 2023

As of 2023, 164 states are parties to the Mine Ban Treaty.

Source: United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (as of knowledge cutoff)

Examples

Cambodia

Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, with an estimated 4-6 million landmines and unexploded ordnance remaining from decades of conflict. This has severely hampered development and caused countless casualties.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What is the Ottawa Treaty?

The Ottawa Treaty, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. It was opened for signature in 1997 and has been ratified by over 160 states.

Back to all GENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II 2011 questions