Demand accountability: end the reign of terror by violent regimes
AI generated image by © Mirjam Letsch
Addressing atrocities
As a concerned global citizen, I feel compelled to bring attention to a critical issue that affects us all. The Avaaz campaign I'm sharing today focuses on a groundbreaking effort to establish a new global treaty against crimes against humanity. This initiative aims to close a significant gap in international law and provide a framework for preventing and punishing some of the most heinous acts imaginable.
Crimes against humanity, which include widespread or systematic attacks on civilian populations, have long been a dark stain on human history. Yet, surprisingly, there is currently no comprehensive international agreement specifically addressing these atrocities. This campaign seeks to change that by pushing for a treaty that would not only define these crimes but also obligate countries to prevent, investigate, and prosecute them.
I believe this campaign is of utmost importance because it has the potential to strengthen our global commitment to human rights and justice. By signing and sharing this petition, we can collectively raise our voices to demand action from world leaders. Together, we can work towards a future where perpetrators of such grave crimes are held accountable, and where potential victims are better protected.
In this post, I'll share this campaign which I consider so crucial and that’s why I urge you to join me in supporting it. Our collective action today could help shape a more just and humane world for generations to come. [the text continues below the images].
AI generated image by © Mirjam Letsch
AI in advocacy and art: a position
As a photographer with a preference for documenting human stories, I've always hoped to visit Afghanistan at least once to capture the resilience and beauty of its people, especially the women who have faced so many challenges. However, current circumstances make it impossible for me to visit the country safely. This limitation has led me to explore alternative ways to support important causes and raise awareness about critical issues affecting Afghan women.
In light of this, I've turned to AI-generated (Artificial Intelligence) imagery as a creative solution to visually represent the campaign against crimes against humanity that I strongly support. While these images are not real photographs, they serve as a powerful tool to illustrate the message and evoke emotions that can drive change. Using AI to create these images has been an eye-opening experience. It's allowed me to visualize scenarios and portraits that represent the strength and struggles of Afghan women, even though I can't be there in person. However, I'm acutely aware of the ethical considerations surrounding this approach.
I believe it's crucial to be transparent about the nature of these images. They are AI-generated representations, not actual photographs of real individuals. This distinction is important to maintain the integrity of the campaign and respect for the people it aims to support. I've taken great care to ensure that the AI-generated images are culturally sensitive. My goal is to create respectful representations that highlight the humanity and dignity of Afghan women.
By pairing these AI-generated images with the campaign's powerful message, I hope to create a more engaging and shareable advocacy tool. The visuals can help viewers connect emotionally with the cause, providing a tangible representation of the issues at stake. While I recognize that AI-generated imagery cannot replace the authenticity and power of real photojournalism, I believe it can serve as a valuable complementary tool in advocacy efforts. It allows us to visualize and communicate important messages when direct access is not possible.
I encourage you to explore the campaign against crimes against humanity and consider signing the petition. While the images I've created are not real photographs, the issues they represent are very real and urgent. Together, we can raise our voices to demand action from world leaders and work towards a more just and humane world.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of AI in advocacy and art, let's continue to engage in thoughtful discussions about its ethical use and potential impact. By harnessing technology responsibly, we can amplify important messages and drive positive change, even when physical barriers prevent us from being on the ground. Please support the campaign organzized by Avaaz [the text continues below the images].
Dear friends,
The Taliban have stripped away nearly all the rights of women and girls – dragging Afghanistan back by decades if not centuries. It's turned Afghanistan into one of the few countries in the world where more women die by suicide than men. The most infuriating part? This system of gender apartheid isn't even illegal under international law -- but it could be soon. The UN is considering a brand new treaty on crimes against humanity, and insiders tell us that this is a do-or-die moment.
The key committee meets in four weeks. If we can swing a few more countries, we can make sure countries like China and Russia don’t stop it in its tracks! So sign now and we’ll hand deliver our voices to the delegates at the General Assembly.
Afghan women are essentially living under house arrest. Going outside often requires male “supervision”. Millions of girls are being robbed of their education, healthcare, and future. Those who resist are beaten, imprisoned, flogged and even face being stoned to death. But brave Afghan women still continue to lead the movement against gender apartheid - and now may be our best chance to answer their call! A new international treaty won’t solve everything everywhere all at once -- but it could require states to prevent and punish gender apartheid, and make it easier to bring governments that commit these crimes to justice.
Once this petition is massive, we will deliver it to the leaders at the UN and demand they make gender apartheid a crime against humanity.
Ever since the Taliban’s takeover, our movement has stood side by side with Afghan women and girls. We were over a million to denounce the cruel ban keeping girls out of school, and our global outcry helped ensure the international community would hold the line. And small donations from Avaaz members around the world helped power lifesaving aid across the country for people facing their darkest hour. Let’s stand once again with Afghan women – and with women and girls worldwide!
With hope,
Nate, Huiting, Parker, Bieta, Antonia and the rest of the Avaaz team
Could AI-generated images be of help?
As a professional photographer, I've always believed in the power of capturing real moments to tell real stories with my real camera (or sometimes iPhone). But lately, I've been pondering: are there ethical ways to use AI-generated images to support causes we care about? Don't get me wrong – nothing can replace the authenticity and impact of real photojournalism. That's not what I'm after. But what about situations where we can't be on the ground? Like right now, I'd love to document the lives of women in Afghanistan, but it's just not possible for me to travel there safely. Could AI-generated images, when clearly labeled as such, help us visualize important messages and spark conversations? Not as a replacement, but as a complementary tool to raise awareness?I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Where do you draw the line? How can we responsibly use new tech to amplify voices that need to be heard, without compromising the integrity of our craft?Let's discuss!