A colossal question mark stands before us. This sculpture is a poignant symbol within the Jardin des Disparus. The Jardin des Disparus is a memorial garden. It honors those who have disappeared worldwide.
Inaugurated in 2000, the Jardin des Disparus provides a space for reflection. It is a place for families who cannot mourn at a grave. The garden’s creation stemmed from the efforts of Geneva residents. These residents hailed from countries marked by forced disappearances.
The Jardin des Disparus stands in Meyrin. Meyrin is a commune near Geneva. It is a place for the victims of enforced disappearances. It welcomes people of all origins and religions.
From 1982 to 1992, silent protests occurred in Geneva. Women with white scarves gathered. They were mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. They sought justice for those who vanished during Argentina’s dictatorship.
In 1999, Memoria Viva association proposed a garden for the disappeared. Teresa Maschiatti founded and led this association. She herself was a survivor of the La Perla camp. This camp was a clandestine detention center in Argentina.
Émilienne Mukarusagara spoke at the Jardin des Disparus inauguration. She shared the pain of not knowing loved ones’ fates. She also spoke of the banality of evil.
Catherine Haus is the president of the Jardin des Disparus association. She says the garden offers solace. It serves as a place to demand truth about the disappeared. Meyrin’s diverse population includes many affected by disappearances. These people sought a place for remembrance and protest.
Jenny Bettancourt designed a commemorative stele. It was installed in 2000. Later, Anne Blanchet added the sculpture Point d’interrogation. This sculpture complements the stele.
In 2009, a documentary called Tierra de Nadie premiered. Pascal Baumgartner directed it. The film follows Jenny Bettancourt’s search for her missing brother in Chile. Baumgartner met Bettancourt at the Jardin des Disparus in 2003. He was filming a piece on forced disappearances for the ICRC.
The Jardin des Disparus marked its 18th anniversary. The focus was on stolen babies of the Franco dictatorship.
Pascal Baumgartner directed “Le Jardin des Disparus” in 2020. The film celebrated the garden’s 20th anniversary. It featured interviews with key figures. Arta Kryeziu, Marta Suarez and Jenny Bettancourt were interviewed. Catherine Haus and Pierre Alain Tschudi also spoke.
Antonio Hodgers is connected to the garden. His father was murdered by the military junta in Argentina. His mother, Sylvia Hodgers, was a dancer. She joined the revolution. Antonio Hodgers co-wrote a book about his mother’s life.
Sara Osatinsky survived the ESMA camp. Ana Maria Marti also survived it. Sara Osatinsky is buried in Veyrier’s Jewish cemetery.
In 1977, Alexei Jaccard disappeared in Argentina. He was a student at the University of Geneva. He was kidnapped and handed over to Chilean secret agents. An auditorium at Uni Mail was named after him. It is a tribute to his memory.
The Jardin des Disparus stands as a testament. It honors the missing and provides solace to their families. It is a place for reflection, remembrance, and the pursuit of truth.