Looking for my next graphic novel to read, I discovered some that caught my attention.
While searching, I found out that the United Nations (UN) has created free graphic novels publicly available on their website.
Some time ago, the UN decided to release graphic novels to tell stories of discrimination happening in different parts of the world. The aim is to use this form of visual art to appeal and involve a young audience. Make them aware of discrimination issues while promoting respect for others and different cultures.
Read graphic novels online
Tugire Ubumwe – Let’s Unite!
The first U.N. Graphic Novel I read was “Tugire Ubumwe – Let’s Unite!” with illustrations by Rupert Bazambanza.
This graphic novel focuses on the genocide against Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994. The illustrator, who escaped the massacre, tells us the story through the eyes of teacher Sylvie. She also survived the genocide and her intent is to restore hope and instill reconciliation.
In 1994 I was just a child and clearly unaware of what kinds of my age were going through in Rwanda. Telling those stories is key to making sure they don’t happen again and this graphic novel accomplishes it in a great way.
Daria: A Roma woman’s journey
In 2016 “Daria: A Roma woman’s journey”, by Positive Negatives and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was published. This graphic novel focuses on issues such as discrimination against Roma women and early marriages to which they are often forced.
Rob Davis’ black and white illustrations best represent the context of poverty and frustration in which the story is set. It’s a short but meaningful story. It would be a pity not to take the time to read it.
POSITIVE WOMEN: Living with HIV in Tajikistan
This graphic novel wants to draw attention to the discrimination that women with HIV receive daily in Tajikistan. UNDP and UNAIDS have collaborated in the creation of this graphic novel to raise public awareness of this problem which continues to isolate and stigmatize Tajika women. POSITIVE WOMEN: living with HIV in Tajikistan, tells the story of Madina and Tahmina being isolated and discriminated against only because they are HIV positive. The illustrator, Nicolas Journoud, has collaborated with other bodies such as UNICEF and MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres). I’ll leave you his link here so you can take a look at his work.
Enjoy your reading.
