The inauguration was attended by parliamentarians from the various political groups, representatives of "Misiones Salesianas" and the Salesians in Pamplona (home city of "Misiones Salesianas" in Navarre), representatives of various associations and third sector bodies linked to Salesian work.

In the opening speech, Unai Hualde mentioned the call for grants for Development Education projects such as that of "Misiones Salesianas", with which the exhibition is supported, confirming the "firm commitment of the Parliament of Navarre in the defense of human rights and in the denunciation of any violation. This type of initiative contributes to making it visible and bringing us closer to the barbarity of war. We will continue to encourage, reward and subsidize this type of activity."

In this context, and almost two years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Unai Hualde stressed the "strength and power of photojournalism" to immerse us in this "human drama of deceased, displaced persons or refugees on the borders between Ukraine and Moldova, Poland or Romania." Last year, as the President explained, dozens of people died every day in an attempt to reach Spain, including 384 children. "The tragedy in Ukraine is relatively close and can be compared to other places, such as Palestine, where barbarism and terror are also on display" he added.

President Hualde then concluded by congratulating the authors and organisers of the exhibition, encouraging the public to "come to the Chamber's headquarters" and to "contribute from Navarre, which is a supportive and welcoming community, to the social appeal against the war."

Subsequently, Óscar Pérez, Coordinator of the northern area of "Misiones Salesianas", thanked Parliament for giving them the opportunity to exhibit "La vida en una malta", the result of a meticulous work of observation and denunciation by four artists from four different countries, who are endeavouring to leave a testimony and urge a solution to a war that is likely to be forgotten.

"We wanted to illustrate and recall the situation of the displaced population of Ukraine, most of whom fled across the Polish border to European states, including Spain, also settling in Navarre" explained Pérez. "Faced with the emergence of new bloody situations in other parts of the world, the risk is that we forget. The news is news, but the tragedy of the Ukrainian population remains", he concluded.

The inauguration finally ended with a guided tour led by Edu Léon, who curated the exhibition.

The photographic exhibition consists of 56 images by photojournalists Olmo Calvo, Bruno Thevenin, Ioana Moldovan and Edu Léon (14 by author, plus three by "Misiones Salesianas", measuring 50 x 75 cm), accompanied by a short explanatory text that, in turn, serves as a reflection on the greatest humanitarian tragedy in Europe after the Second World War. "La vida en una malta" is a collective work that tells  the stories of resilience that emerged in the context of the war in Ukraine with depth and sensitivity.

The exhibition will remain open to the public in the Atrium of the Chamber until 2 February, from 09:00 to 20:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and from 11:30 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

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