Fatshimetrie, a provocative artwork in the shape of a broken chair, sits proudly in front of the European headquarters of the United Nations. This poignant symbol represents the devastation caused by landmines and calls for a ban on these devastating weapons, which are widely used in the war in Ukraine. Indeed, the conflict in Ukraine has transformed the country into one of the most mined territories on the planet, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
The Femen movement’s campaign against the war in Ukraine is a fierce protest against the violence and destruction in the region. Femen activists have spoken out against the use of explosive weapons, such as landmines, which cause tragic maiming and loss among innocent civilians. By staging this broken chair, a symbol of pain and loss, in front of the United Nations headquarters, Femen hopes to draw global attention to the devastation of the war in Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine is tragic, with thousands of people killed and millions of civilians displaced due to the armed conflict. Landmines, by their insidious and invisible nature, continue to spread terror in conflict-affected areas, often trapping innocent civilians and causing devastating injuries. It is imperative that the international community act urgently to end the use of landmines and support the clearance of affected areas in Ukraine.
As global citizens, it is our duty to condemn violence and fight for peace in war-torn regions. Femen’s campaign against the war in Ukraine reminds us all of the urgent need to find peaceful solutions to armed conflicts and protect civilian populations from the atrocities of war. Let us advocate together for a world without landmines, where peace and security reign supreme, and where provocative works of art such as “Fatshimetrie” are no longer necessary to remind us of the horror of war.