On the picture Jianwei Wang, OPCW official answering questions of the visitors. Photography and text by Lyudmila Palamar.
On the 20th of September many international organizations in The Hague opened their doors for general public. This annual initiative is unsurprisingly successful every time, because many people want take an opportunity to have a glance behind the curtains of such recognized institutions as ICC, ICJ, PCA, ICTY etc.
Diplomat Magazine reporter was among lucky ones and attended Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
OPCW is an organization with an honorable mission and the tour on the Open Day was designed in a way that would make visitors understand the importance of this mission. From very beginning of the visit it became clear how dangerous chemical weapons are and why world community need an organization that works on prohibition of them.
An illustrated lecture by Health and Safety branch of the organization has evoked controversial emotions, but resulted into clear understanding of the chemical threat. The lecture was followed by an informative QA session in the Ieper Room, where meetings of the Executive Council take place. All guests also had an opportunity to examine special equipment together with OPCW specialists and even try on some of the outfits that OPCW employees wear during their mission.
Open Day at ICTY impressed with variety of activities and amount of provided information. In addition to a standard tour around the organization, guests had an opportunity to attend lectures given by Judge Christoph Flügge, Principal Legal Counsel Michelle Jarvis, Judge Alphons Orie and other remarkable professionals. Each session was unique and followed by an active dialogue between an official and the audience. Important to mention that in contrast to the majority of other international organizations in The Hague, ICTY is always open for general public due to the fact that anyone can attend sittings of the court.
Contributing to the wellbeing of the humanity for years, international organization in The Hague generously contributed to the outlook and knowledge of The Hague community last Sunday. Community that is lucky to live in the city of peace and justice.
