Opening of the exhibition "Northern Uganda: Africa's forgotten crisis"

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a pleasure to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations for this extraordinary exhibition of photos. James Akena’s images tell clearly and compellingly of the devastating consequences that the conflict in Northern Uganda has had for innocent civilians, particularly children. An estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced by the conflict.

While members of the United Nations family are engaged in the area – including the World Food Programme which has contributed to the organization of this exhibition – there is a relatively small presence of international humanitarian organizations in the north of the country, and the insecurity remains a limiting factor in our efforts.

As the title of this exhibition highlights, despite nearly two decades of crippling conflict, Northern Uganda remains – one of – Africa’s forgotten crises. That is why the United Nations has identified this particular humanitarian emergency for inclusion among the 10 stories of 2005 that we feel the world should know more about. This exhibition is part of our continuing efforts to draw attention to the unfolding tragedy and to stimulate action.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On Wednesday of this week – on 25 May – we will observe the annual Africa Day. As the Secretary-General points out in his message, the Day provides an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s plight but also its prospects. The Secretary-General stresses that 2005 could well be a crucial year for Africa. As world leaders come together for the Millennium + 5 Summit in New York in September, they will review the progress made in implementing the Millennium Declaration and the eight Millennium Development Goals that spring from the Declaration. Addressing the special needs of Africa to enable the continent to fulfil its rich potential will be one of their priorities.

It is my hope that this exhibition will not only highlight the ongoing crisis in Northern Uganda and encourage enhanced efforts to allow stability and peace to return to the region – but that it will also remind of the opportunities that the African continent holds. We owe it to the people in these photos to help them – and people across Africa – to seize those opportunities.

Thank you very much.