Description

UNICEF correspondent Amy Bennett reports on the launch of a photo exhibit and film screening to kick off global events in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Transcript

UNICEF's Photo Exhibit and Film Festival Amy Bennett: Arts and film came together to showcase child rights during a special event in the lead up to the 20th anniversary on The Convention on the Rights of the Child at UNICEF headquarters. UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman opened the exhibit of The Art in All of Us based on a book that features children’s photography, poetry and art. She also introduced UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu and filmmaker Guy Jacobson who presented their documentary, Redlight about child trafficking in Cambodia. Ann M. Veneman: Photography and film are a powerful means of shining a spotlight on the issues that are often left in the dark. Amy Bennett: The film Red Light, narrated and produced by Lucy Liu addresses the trauma of child trafficking while showing the complex challenges involved in confronting it. Guy Jacobson: It’s actually a very inspirational story, not of the gloom and doom of how horrible things are but to the contrary how and -- incredible people on the ground have been able to make -- into this problem even in the most difficult situation. Amy Bennett: The issues that affect children can often best be expressed by children themselves through more than language alone. Anthony Asael: Sometimes they fear in some countries to speak out, having cameras or having pencils, using their hands. It’s a lot easier for them to express themselves into very good opportunity that each kid in the wall can grab that opportunity to speak out and give their own opinion and express themselves. Amy Bennett: In the countdown to the 20th anniversary of the convention, the event brought together two important elements, a child’s right to self expression and the power of art as a vehicle for change. This is Amy Bennett reporting for UNICEF Television, Unite for Children.