gt a finalist in OSCE international photography contest
6 July 2010 11:03
“There is still much work to be done in building democratic and pluralistic societies, where diversity is fully protected and respected in practice…Freedom and tolerance must be taught and practised.” OSCE Summit Declaration 1992
Last Tuesday saw the winning entries of the ‘Tolerance, Transparency, Tradition, Trust: OSCE photo contest 2010’ unveiled at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) High-level Conference on Tolerance and Non-Discrimination in Astana, Kazakhstan. The international photography competition had over 100 entrants from 35 OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation.
global tolerance was a finalist selected by an international jury, with Simon Clark’s captivating photograph ‘The Imam and the Pastor’ (London, 2006). The photograph depicts former adversaries, now friends and partners championing peace and interfaith work in Africa and across the world.
In the 1990s, Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa led opposing, armed militias, dedicated to defending their respective communities as violence broke out in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. In pitched battles, Pastor James lost his hand and Imam Ashafa’s spiritual mentor and two close relatives were killed. Now the two men are co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre in their city, leading task-forces to resolve conflicts across Nigeria.
gt’s photograph is a powerful expression of this moving story of forgiveness and a testimony of the ability to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict.
The full list of the contest winners and finalists, and a gallery of their inspiring photos can be found at the contest page.
