Giles Duley, who survived a triple amputation after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan, was designated as the first United Nations Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations on 3 December 2022, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
On this 3 December, the UN will formally express our gratitude and bid farewell to his dedicated service during the “Forward NOT Fragmented” exhibition at UN Headquarters in New York.
In 2011, Mr. Duley survived an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, losing both legs and an arm. He returned to conflict zones to capture the experiences of survivors, highlighting both their suffering and extraordinary resilience.
Through his photography, Duley showcases the long-term consequences of landmines, unexploded ordnance, and improvised explosives, advocating for integrated humanitarian responses that include prevention, victim assistance, rehabilitation, and inclusive recovery.
His photographs draw the viewer to the subject, creating intimacy and empathy for lives differing from ours only in circumstance.
His passion for the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict led him to establish the Legacy of War Foundation, an international charity that provides support to civilians affected by conflict.
Its mission is to help individuals and communities rebuild their own lives after the trauma of war. The foundation also creates awareness of the long-term effects of war on civilians through collaborative art and activism.
The #ForwardNotFragmented exhibition features Duley's photography. He will join the exhibition opening to speak about the human impact at the heart of this initiative.
Invitation:
On 4 December, you are invited to an informal brown bag discussion from 10:30 to 12:00 with Giles Duley to learn more about his experience as the Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations.
