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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay marked his country’s Independence Day with a grand and festive reception. Held on August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, the event drew over 200 distinguished guests from various sectors of Dutch society.

Ambassadors, chiefs of international missions, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the Uruguayan community, all responded to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Álvaro González Otero’s invitation to celebrate ‘Día de la Independencia’—Uruguay’s National Day, commemorating its independence from Brazil in 1825.

H.E. Dr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay. National Day 2024 The Hague.

After nearly 200 years of conflict and civil unrest under Spanish and then Brazilian rule, Uruguay has emerged as a country renowned for its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, first-class meat production, and high-quality wine. In recent decades, Uruguayans have enjoyed a stable democracy, a steady improvement in living conditions, and overall well-being.

In a packed room with an animated audience, Ambassador González Otero took the microphone to thank all the attendees for their sincere affection for his people and country. He then proudly expressed:

“Two years have quickly passed since I arrived in this lovely kingdom. Since then, we have started to shift the focus of the Embassy, placing more emphasis on our bilateral relations. The Netherlands and Uruguay have more in common than people might imagine. We share international principles, landscapes, agricultural production, developed services, qualified exports, and a progressive lifestyle.

We also share strong commitments to the well-being of our citizens and visitors, the protection of human rights, environmental sustainability, progressive social policies, and significant efforts towards renewable energy and climate action. Both countries also emphasize education, democratic governance, and active participation in international organizations promoting peace and development. So, we will keep working to boost our bilateral relations.”

Uruguay National Day, August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
From the Embassy of Uruguay, Counsellor Pablo Bayarres, Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Hans Akerboom, Deputy Director Protocol and Host Country Affairs from the Netherlands.

Ambassador González Otero then listed some of the most relevant initiatives undertaken by the Embassy over the last few months:

– Uruguayan participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024: Led by the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Ms. Elisa Facio, with over 50 representatives from various sectors of the public and private sectors.

– Active participation in the “26th World Energy Congress.”

– Cooperation Project with Delft Institute for Water Education: Since 2011, Uruguayan professionals specializing in water resources have participated in the Delft Institute program for advanced training. Initially, the program began with 40 scholarships, resulting in 37 professionals successfully completing their studies. This early success led to the program’s relocation and implementation at the Technological University of Uruguay, now featuring regional participation. The program has since had two new editions in 2022 and 2024, expanding to include 17 professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. This development has transformed Uruguay into a regional hub in the field of water resource education.

– Uruguay’s status as one of the 32 signing states of the Ljubljana – The Hague Convention in February 2024.

– Positioning Uruguay as a potential living and working destination for Dutch farmers.

– Interactions with RVO and Port of Rotterdam related to port cooperation.

– Exploring and initiating new cooperation projects with Westland Municipality and Wageningen University.

– Meetings with private sector actors related to agribusiness.

– Preparation for the Capitan Miranda’s visit to Amsterdam: Uruguay’s school tall ship has already confirmed its participation in Sail Amsterdam 2025.

– Multilateral achievements: The Embassy has made progress in multilateral areas, including ongoing contributions and work with international organizations based in The Hague: the ICJ, ICC, OPCW, HCCH, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Additionally, a closer relationship with The Hague Academy of International Law has been pursued. Significant advances have also been made through the coordinated work of the GRULAC Group in relation to various international organizations.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General , Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Mr Arias spouse, Patricia van Oordt.

Following his remarks, Ambassador González Otero invited the audience to watch a short video about Uruguay, which made a great impression on those present. He expressed, “Uruguay is an exceptional country that has developed a dynamic and robust culture, shaped by a fascinating blend of gaucho traditions, European influences, and the unique Rioplatense spirit. Tango, folklore, candombe, and milonga are examples of its rich artistic musical expression. Uruguayan gastronomy, featuring high-quality meat, wine, and dairy products, especially the beloved ‘dulce de leche,’ delights palates and consistently wins prestigious awards worldwide.”

“The work we have done does not mean we are satisfied; we want to continue advancing in a deeper process. The bilateral relationship is already strong, but the potential to strengthen bonds in several key areas is even greater.”

The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana with her husband Mr Gustavo Segovia.

The event was conceived to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Uruguay, a nation with a population of approximately 3,495,527 as of 2022.

The national anthems of Uruguay and the Netherlands were performed by the Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos. After the ambassador’s speech, the Embassy paid tribute to two influential musicians: José “El Sabalero” Carbajal and Jaime Roos, who both lived in the Netherlands. Jaime Roos settled in Amsterdam in 1978, where he played bass in several salsa, rock, and jazz groups. He had a son and remained in the Netherlands until 1984 when he returned to Uruguay.

Carbajal spent his days in the Netherlands with his wife, Anke van Haastrecht, and their two children. Anke was invited to share some special stories from their life together.

Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos.
Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez.

The enthusiastic audience enjoyed an authentic performance by talented Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez. The celebration continued with Uruguayan wine, classic savory empanadas, and dulce de leche, which delighted the crowded room and completed the great celebration.

Ambassador González Otero concluded the event by thanking his Embassy team: Counselor Pablo Bayarres, Chancellor Gustavo Morales, his assistant Juan Diego, and Martha Hernández and Sofía Anastasiou. He then led a warm toast for the people of the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the necessary and desired peace in the world.

China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

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China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

By Mariarosaria Iorio, Political Analyst

I. The post-cold war world  

International relations are nowadays characterised by major changes that started at the end of the 80s with the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Indeed, the end of the cold war was marked by the dislocation of the two main political blocks, namely the Soviet Union and the Western World. Such a dislocation resulted in the marginalization of the post-war multilateral system embodied in the United Nations, and the standstill of the multilateral trade negotiations in the late 90s in the context of the World Trade Organisation.  New lines of political thought have been facing each other since then, while reshaping the post-cold war world in a number of fragmented and variable sub-blocks of countries. 

The United States decided to put itself first by concentrating on its internal affairs, while withdrawing from international affairs.  

Europe, the old continent, looks for an efficient strategy towards autonomy from the United States.  Europe also tries, not without difficulty, to create a more cohesive internal and external political approach.  The reality is however evolving rather more towards fragmentation of Europe in favour of European National fragmented interests. Such a fragmentation is the natural consequence of the decadence of the European Institutional and collective actions to the advantage of individual Sates actions and interests.   In sum, what seemed to be a structured and coherent European Union block fighting for the promotion of its economic and political values all over the world has somehow become an alliance at variable geometry both internally and externally.  The disorganisation of the leadership results in a chaotic and unpredictable European External and Internal action. 

Thereof, the empty influence spaces left on the international relations scene has given new international actors the opportunity to emerge.  

Meanwhile, the fragmentation of the European Institutions has also impacted the EU-USA relations within NATO, and affected the security and peace sphere.  Security issues have been on and off on the European agenda.    

In this context, Russia that has lost its empire in the 80s looks now for a new power game. In spite of the disruption of the Soviet Union, Russia attempts either by influence or by force to exercise power in its ancient affiliate countries.  Russia that was supposed to be defeated with the fall of the Berlin Wall takes back its role of opponent to the Western World on the international scene at least as it concerns the international affairs philosophy.  Thus, creating a tension aimed at restoring its power in the world.   

The group of emerging and developing economies that constitute a new variable block with a large portion of population employed in agriculture have emerged as new actors in the world’s geo-political discourses.  At the head of this block on the international scene, there is China.  The shaky international leadership context has indeed given China a new space. China’s   communist past combined with its market-based economic strategy gives it a particular position.  

China is The One that can communicate to Russia. China is also The One that can have an influence on the Western economic and political scene as China owns a big part of Western Foreign Debt  

China embeds a horizontal strategy in both its trade and development policies, while producing at low wages.  Its production system coupled with its pragmatic political approach has reshaped the international power structure.  The top-down approach of the Western World faces now the competition created by the horizontal win-win approach proposed by China in both developing and industrialized countries.

Indeed, as a result of the decline of the Western World global hegemony based on market access and economic and social liberalism as a means to ensure economic growth and promote economic development, the vision promoted by China’s discourse, centred on the protection of livelihoods and local sovereign choices finds new adepts.  Furthermore, China has successfully attempted to promote a trade-off approach to international cooperation during the last 20 years.  A cooperation that does not interfere in internal affairs of partner countries as it has often reproached to the Western countries involved in international cooperation.  

As the developing countries leader, China positions itself as the spoke country for the poor.  As a new world powerful economic actor China plays as the guarantor of the Western Economic stability.  China positions itself as the bridge between the rich and the poor.  It is representing a different hegemonic game that only changes in its discourse, while still pursuing its own interests and influence zones.  Such a situation poses the question of the values that the international regime wants to embrace.  Indeed, this changing world results in an increased number of conflicts – be new or historical conflicts.  

The dislocation of the traditional leaders of the international relations has definitely created a chaotic and unpredictable scenario.  Chaos has in some cases been chosen as a political strategy to disrupt the post-1945 international regime. Such a disruption has benefitted new actors, and given space to new lines of thought.  These new lines of thought have attacked the existing international framework but has not yet succeeded in creating a new regime.  The increasing unbalance of power and the lack of leadership on the international political scene is risky. 

The reduction by choice of leadership of the United States has indeed resulted in the weakening of the values emerged as a result of the dramatic experience of Second World War, namely freedom of thought and freedom of speech to mention only a few.   We are now facing a much more authoritarian world with force used as a means to manage the political arena.  Dialogue seems to be a rather consuming exercise that has left its place to the use of force.  Force is no longer seen as the last option but rather the opening act for political dialogue.  Nationalism and individual interests are now at the centre of the political game. This trend is taking the world to instability and conflict.  

The peoples of the world are more and more questioning the existing system. People’s needs and expectations are not met.  The new emerged actors, such as China have given the hope of a possible change in the present international system without fundamentally questioning its rationale but rather trying to rip a slate of the cake.  

The struggle for influence among countries has not succeeded in building a peaceful and stable world. Citizens will have to face the challenge of building a new era of peace and stability worldwide.

Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

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Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

S.E. M. Philippe Couvreur est arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982, où il a d’abord occupé le poste d’assistant spécial aux bureaux du greffier et du greffier adjoint de la Cour internationale de Justice.

Il a ensuite exercé les fonctions de Secrétaire, Premier Secrétaire et Secrétaire juridique principal, avant d’être élu Greffier de la Cour en 2000, et réélu en 2007 et 2014. Pour marquer l’anniversaire de ses débuts à la Cour, il y a 35 ans, Diplomat Magazine l’a invité à témoigner de son expérience unique au service de cette institution, des évolutions qu’il a pu y observer, et à partager le regard qu’il porte sur les changements qui ont marqué la Cour et La Haye au cours des trois dernières décennies.
Philippe Couvreur avec le Pape Jean-Paul II prise le 13 mai 1985.
Je suis arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982 — de façon aussi inattendue que j’avais entamé des études de droit treize ans auparavant (mais c’est là une autre histoire…) — pour occuper un poste temporaire à la Cour internationale de Justice. La Cour était alors la seule institution judiciaire internationale existante au plan universel. Son activité, particulièrement faible à la fin des années 1970, ne pouvait en ce temps-là guère laisser présager du succès que rencontrerait la Cour dans les décennies à venir. Mon bienveillant maître de Louvain, le professeur Paul de Visscher, fils du célèbre internationaliste Charles de Visscher, unique juge belge à la Cour, m’avait prédit des jours aussi sereins qu’heureux, écoulés à lire et à écrire des ouvrages dans la solitude des imposants murs de la bibliothèque du Palais de la Paix…
Les mémoires ont été dûment déposés dans l’affaire El Salvador c. Honduras dans la salle Bol le 1 juin 1988, l’affaire du Différend frontalier terrestre, insulaire et maritime.
En rejoignant la Cour, un frais matin d’avril, dont je garde un souvenir très précis, le jeune juriste que j’étais découvrit, non sans étonnement, une organisation de taille très modeste, le Greffe, qui en est l’organe administratif, alors composé de moins d’une quarantaine de fonctionnaires. Le fonctionnement de la Cour reposait entièrement sur cette équipe restreinte de personnel permanent, auquel s’ajoutait, selon que de besoin, un personnel temporaire pour faire face au surcroît de travaux linguistiques et de sténodactylographie lors des sessions (publiques et privées) de la Cour. Je me rappelle avoir été frappé par la personnalité haute en couleur de certains de ces traducteurs indépendants, dont la grande culture littéraire m’émerveillait. Cette structure très économique du Greffe impliquait une grande polyvalence de ses membres, et les Secrétaires de la Cour — ses fonctionnaires supérieurs — étaient appelés, en sus de leurs travaux de recherches juridiques, de préparation des documents de la Cour, et de rédaction de la correspondance diplomatique, à assumer eux-mêmes l’essentiel des tâches linguistiques (traduction et interprétation) et d’information, ainsi que la supervision de nombreuses activités administratives et logistiques.
La Grande salle de Justice, l’affaire Relative au Timor Oriental (Portugal c. Australie) Arrêt du 30 juin 1995.
Il n’était nullement rare qu’un nouveau venu comme moi ait à passer week-ends et nuits blanches au Palais de la Paix à effectuer les travaux les plus divers… allant jusqu’à imprimer et polycopier, sur de vieilles machines à stencils ronéotype, des décisions dont la Cour devait donner la lecture en séance publique le lendemain ! Dès mon arrivée au Greffe, j’ai eu le bonheur et le privilège d’être initié et associé à l’ensemble des fonctions de l’institution sous la patiente supervision de personnalités d’exception, tels que MM. Torres Bernárdez et Pillepich, alors respectivement Greffier et Greffier adjoint. J’en ai retiré le plus grand bénéfice, puisque cette immersion sans préparation dans toutes les facettes de l’activité du Greffe m’a permis d’acquérir de ce dernier une connaissance unique — de l’intérieur — et sous tous ses aspects —, un acquis particulièrement précieux au moment où j’ai été amené, bien des années plus tard, à assumer la délicate responsabilité d’en assurer la gestion au plus haut niveau. Devenir un fonctionnaire du Greffe au début des années 1980 signifiait accepter de se couler sans discussion dans un moule à tous égards exigeant, et se donner corps et âme, avec humilité et discrétion, à l’institution, sans penser à soi ni parler de soi. Depuis ces années d’initiation, j’ai été le témoin de profondes transformations de la Cour, rendues inévitables à la fois pour répondre à l’accroissement considérable de ses activités, avec la disparition du monde bipolaire qui avait relégué le règlement judiciaire à un rôle quelque peu marginal, et pour saisir les opportunités nouvelles offertes, notamment, par le progrès des technologies et de la communication. Entre 1982 et aujourd’hui, le nombre de fonctionnaires a ainsi presque triplé (il a quasiment doublé depuis l’an 2000, année de ma première élection en tant que Greffier). L’organisation du travail a été progressivement spécialisée entre les divers départements, juridique, linguistique et chargé de l’information, qui furent créés en 1997, et les services techniques. Par ailleurs, les Membres de la Cour ne disposèrent pas, pendant longtemps, de « référendaires » — ils s’y sont d’ailleurs longtemps refusés—, et l’assistance apportée aux juges en matière judiciaire était principalement répartie entre les fonctionnaires du Département des affaires juridiques.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur avec la Reine Beatrix photo prise pendant le 50 eme anniversaire de la Cour (18-04-1996).
Les cinq premiers postes de juristes référendaires ne furent obtenus de l’Assemblée générale et créés qu’en 2002, à l’issue de difficiles négociations que je me souviens avoir menées avec beaucoup de plaisir et d’intérêt ; le nombre de ces postes s’est progressivement accru, pour s’élever à quinze aujourd’hui. Les divers développements qui ont marqué le monde au cours des dernières décennies n’ont pas manqué de soulever pour la Cour de nouveaux défis. Comme c’est le cas pour toute institution, elle n’a pu les relever en faisant table rase des enseignements de son histoire ni, à l’inverse, en ne saisissant pas toutes les opportunités offertes par le temps présent. A ces différents égards, la Cour est certainement parvenue, au fil des ans, à assurer un équilibre, toujours délicat, entre changements et continuité. La continuité de la Cour est bien sûr inscrite dans son Statut, qui fait partie intégrante de la Charte des Nations Unies, et reflétée dans ses méthodes judiciaires, qui ont été très largement élaborées par sa devancière, la Cour permanente de Justice internationale, et héritées d’elle. Cette continuité historique était particulièrement présente lorsque j’ai rejoint le Greffe. Ainsi, en manière d’anecdote, divers hauts fonctionnaires alors en poste avaient eux-mêmes côtoyé, au début de leur carrière, d’anciens fonctionnaires de la Cour permanente. Tous nourrissaient à l’égard de cette dernière le plus grand respect. Il régnait d’ailleurs dans les couloirs du Palais de la Paix une atmosphère feutrée et délicieusement surannée, évocatrice de la défunte Société des Nations. Je me souviens en avoir encore utilisé maintes fournitures de bureau ! La continuité jurisprudentielle et procédurale entre les deux Cours constitue pour les Etats une garantie importante de sécurité et de prévisibilité juridiques. Cette continuité, juridique et historique, de même que l’expérience accumulée en plus de quatre-vingt-dix ans d’exercice de la fonction judiciaire, sont pour la Cour un facteur crucial de légitimité.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur vec le Roi Willem-Alexander photo prise pendant le 70 eme anniversaire de la Cour (20-04-2016).
En même temps, la Cour a eu, à l’évidence, à s’adapter aux changements du monde réel dans lequel elle opère, comme aux nécessités et opportunités nouvelles de chaque époque traversée. L’une des transformations notoires auxquelles j’ai assisté fut l’ouverture croissante de la Cour sur l’extérieur : longtemps à l’écart, à dessein, des organes politiques des Nations Unies, la Cour a souhaité se faire plus et mieux entendre de ces organes et des Etats membres. Elle a ainsi rompu avec ce qui était parfois perçu comme un « splendide isolement » au sein des Nations Unies, même si elle défend toujours jalousement son autonomie. La Cour doit en outre désormais également tenir compte des nombreuses autres juridictions, internationales ou régionales, qui ont été créées ces dernières années, et veiller, autant que possible, à assurer l’harmonie du « concert judiciaire » que permet ce foisonnement de cours et tribunaux sur la scène internationale. Davantage ouverte sur la communauté internationale et ses réalités, la Cour s’est montrée de plus en plus attentive, non seulement à sa place dans l’Organisation des Nations Unies, mais aussi à la poursuite des objectifs de celle-ci et à sa mission propre au service du règlement pacifique des différends internationaux. Des différends de plus en plus complexes, tant juridiquement que factuellement, en même temps que politiquement plus denses, lui ont été soumis. En révisant constamment, selon que de besoin, ses méthodes de travail, elle a su les résoudre rapidement et efficacement, à un coût particulièrement modeste pour la communauté internationale, tout en assurant le développement du droit. Enfin, pour conclure sur une note plus prosaïque, mais qui est loin d’être négligeable, je ne peux taire la chance que j’ai eue de connaître l’extraordinaire développement de la ville de La Haye au cours des 35 dernières années. Celle-ci offre aujourd’hui à la Cour, comme aux nombreuses institutions internationales qui s’y sont installées à sa suite, une qualité de vie et un cadre de travail uniques, qui sont très loin de ressembler à ce que j’ai trouvé en y arrivant. A l’image de l’imposante stature du Palais de la Paix où elle siège, symbole mondialement connu de la justice internationale, la Cour est une institution solidement établie. En dépit des périodes de doute ou de désaffection qu’elle a traversées par le passé, son rôle est unanimement salué au sein de la communauté internationale et le recours à ses services par les Etats n’a jamais été aussi soutenu. 35 ans après, je continue de mesurer chaque jour le privilège qui est le mien de servir au mieux de mes capacités l’organe judiciaire principal des Nations Unies. —– Les photos dans l’article sont une courtoisie de la Cour International de Justice.

Naman Systems presented to Indian Ambassador and Mayor of Leeuwarden

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Naman Systems presented to Indian Ambassador and Mayor of Leeuwarden

A meeting at Leeuwarden City Hall focused on further cooperation between India and Leeuwarden in the areas of innovation, education and sustainability.

Hemank Dabhade, founder of Naman Systems, presented his company during the meeting to India’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, and Mayor of Leeuwarden the Honorable Foort van Oosten.

The discussion explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between India and Leeuwarden. The Indian Embassy also highlighted the contribution of Indian talent and entrepreneurship to sustainable solutions in the Netherlands.

Indian roots, Friesland as home

For Hemank Dabhade, the meeting also had personal significance. India is the country of his roots, while Friesland has become his home and the place from which he continues to build Naman Systems.

“Standing there, with Friesland as my home and India as my roots, it felt as though two chapters of my life had come together in one room,” said Dabhade.

From Leeuwarden, Naman Systems develops and builds home batteries, commercial battery systems and custom energy systems, with a focus on energy storage and smart energy management. For businesses, its solutions include three-phase energy storage, mobile battery systems, solutions for peak loads and grid congestion, and systems for larger energy requirements.

One of its distinctive products is the NS-ONE: a movable 16 kWh home battery with an optional integrated Type 2 EV charger. Solar energy stored during the day can later be used in the home or to charge an electric vehicle, for example in the evening or at night. This combines home battery storage and EV charging in a single energy system.

Continuing to grow from Leeuwarden

Mayor Foort van Oosten also reflected on the meeting. It was agreed to further explore opportunities for cooperation and identify useful contacts.

For Naman Systems, the presentation at City Hall marks a special step in the company’s continued development. From Leeuwarden, Naman Systems aims to keep working on technology that contributes to a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

More information: namansystems.nl

Saying Goodbye to a Friend: Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes Castro

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Saying Goodbye to a Friend: Ambassador Arnoldo Brenes Castro

After almost six years in the Netherlands, the time has come to say goodbye to H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

For many in The Hague, however, this is more than a diplomatic farewell. It is also the departure of a dear friend, a respected colleague and an exceptional diplomat who has left a lasting impression on the diplomatic, legal, academic and social communities of the Netherlands.

Ambassador Brenes Castro presented his credentials in December 2020, beginning his first posting abroad as Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Netherlands. During his tenure, he represented Costa Rica with precision, commitment and a remarkable sense of responsibility, ensuring that his country was present and actively engaged wherever its voice could contribute.

His professional background explains much of his approach to diplomacy. A lawyer and notary public, he graduated from the University of Costa Rica in 1991 and obtained an MA in Theory and Practice of Human Rights from the University of Essex in 1994. His early professional life combined legal practice with teaching and work devoted to human rights, peace and security.

During the 1990s, he worked as a consultant and professor at the University for Peace of the United Nations, teaching in programmes related to human rights, peace education and sustainable environmental tourism. He also served with the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, where he worked on security and demilitarisation issues.

In 2000, he joined Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, where his career increasingly focused on international relations, international security and international law. He participated in important international legal cases involving Costa Rica and Nicaragua and served on several commissions dealing with international law, foreign service matters and the extension of Costa Rica’s continental shelf.

Before arriving in The Hague, he had already represented Costa Rica before some of the world’s principal international legal institutions, including the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice. His appointment to the Netherlands therefore brought to The Hague a diplomat whose professional life had been deeply connected with international law, human rights and peace.

During his years in the Netherlands, Ambassador Brenes Castro further strengthened the close relationship between Costa Rica and the Netherlands. The two countries share important interests in areas including peace and security, climate action and environmental protection. With 175 years of diplomatic relations to be celebrated in 2027, the relationship continues to offer considerable opportunities for political, economic and cultural cooperation.

Costa Rica’s commitment to peace and international cooperation was also reflected in the Ambassador’s work on issues of international security and Costa Rica’s support for Ukraine. His involvement in negotiations and international discussions demonstrated his ability to combine legal expertise with practical diplomacy.

At the same time, his work went far beyond formal diplomatic meetings. He became a familiar and respected presence throughout The Hague’s international community, building friendships and professional relationships with ambassadors and diplomats, Dutch government officials, academics, international lawyers, representatives of international organisations and civil society, as well as members of the Costa Rican and wider Latin American communities and many Dutch citizens.

He was consistently present: at diplomatic events, international conferences, academic gatherings, cultural occasions and discussions on the many issues that shape the international community in The Hague. Wherever Costa Rica could contribute, Ambassador Brenes Castro made sure that Costa Rica was represented.

His effectiveness as a diplomat was matched by his personal qualities. He brought to his work extensive knowledge, careful preparation, determination and, above all, a genuine passion for the country he represented. For those who had the opportunity to work with him, having Ambassador Brenes Castro among us has been both an honour and a privilege.

His intellectual contribution is equally notable. An author and editor of numerous publications, he has combined his diplomatic career with a longstanding commitment to research and writing, particularly in the fields of international law, human rights, peace and international relations.

As Ambassador Brenes Castro prepares to leave the Netherlands for his next assignment as Ambassador of Costa Rica to Türkiye, he leaves behind an impressive record of diplomatic service but also a remarkably wide circle of friends.

For the Diplomatic Community of The Hague, saying goodbye to Ambassador Brenes Castro is therefore also saying goodbye to a friend.

We wish him and his family, good health, happiness and every success in his new mission. Costa Rica can be proud of the dedication, professionalism and passion with which he served his country in the Netherlands.

And while we say goodbye to Ambassador Brenes Castro, we also look forward to welcoming him back to The Hague whenever his diplomatic path brings him here again.

Brazil National Day 2026

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Brazil National Day 2026

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 4 September 2026. A diplomatic reception was held to celebrate the 204th Anniversary of the Independence of Brazil, hosted by H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands. The evening brought together representatives of the diplomatic and governmental communities, academia, business, and the Brazilian diaspora.

The 2026 National Day celebration coincided with the 200th anniversary of Brazil–Netherlands diplomatic relations. The occasion therefore provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Brazil’s independence, but also to reflect on two centuries of friendship, cooperation and people-to-people connections between the two countries.

The Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, H.E. Dr Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and Matilde Simas Magalhães.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Simas Magalhães highlighted the broadening relationship between Brazil and the Netherlands, encompassing trade, science, innovation, sustainability, agriculture, renewable energy, technology, culture and education.

The Ambassador also reflected on the cultural links that have developed between the two societies over generations, including connections through music, cinema, art and football.

“Almost every Dutch generation has its own vision of Brazil. For some, it arrived through football; for others, through music, cinema or the Amazon. The opinions held about Brazil in the Netherlands may vary quite considerably, but it is undeniable that we have together forged a constructive and collaborative framework for conducting our multiple interactions.”

H.E. Mr Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil together with H.E. Mr Vicktor Biyagov, Ambassador of Armenia, Matilde Simas Magalhães and the Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Gabriella Sancisi

“For their part, Brazilians have also encountered the Netherlands somewhere else before ever setting foot here: in its glorious painters, its flowers and cheese, or in its multiple deep-rooted links with our own national history. On a personal note, I remember in 1974 being in awe of the way the Dutch national team played its ‘total football’ – in Brazil it became known as ‘Clockwork Orange’. Pelé said of Johan Cruyff, ‘he was such a joy to watch’.”

H.E. Ms. Sally Loo Hui, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Ms Eva Silva Walker, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Ms. Alicia Buenrostro Massieu, Ambassador of Mexico, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba, H.E. Ms. Mildred Schwengle, H.E. Ms Franca Deza Ferreccio, Ambassador of Peru and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop. Santiago de Wit Guzman.

Looking ahead, the Ambassador highlighted several initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. “This October, we will host FAPESP Week here in the Netherlands, bringing a large delegation of researchers from Brazil to advance scientific collaboration with Dutch universities and institutions. And in November, we will hold the first-ever meeting of the Brazilian diaspora working in the Dutch semiconductor sector – a reminder that Brazilian talent also has a fingerprint on cutting-edge innovation.”

H.E. Mr  Greg French, Ambassador of Australia, Judge Tomoko Akane, ICC President, Ms Gabriella Sancisi, Chief of Protocole of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Mr. Seok In Hong.

Ambassador Simas also welcomed the MERCOSUR–EU Agreement, noting: “This year, the MERCOSUR–EU Agreement entered into force. By any measure, it is a landmark, one of the largest trade agreements either MERCOSUR or the European Union has ever concluded.”

Music played an important role in the evening. Femke Smit performed the Dutch national anthem, while Brazilian soprano Carla Maffioletti performed the Brazilian national anthem, with both accompanied by Roda da Holanda. The performances added a strong cultural dimension to the diplomatic celebration.

Guusje Korthals-Altes, Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Representing the Dutch Government, Guusje Korthals-Altes, Deputy Director-General for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address. She underlined the historical depth of the bilateral relationship, noting: “Two hundred years ago, in 1826, the first Dutch Consul-General in Rio de Janeiro was appointed, laying the foundations for our excellent diplomatic relations. But our ties go back even further, of course. In the seventeenth century, Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen served as governor general of parts of northeastern Brazil.”

Korthals-Altes continued: “Brazil is a key economic partner for the Netherlands, and the Netherlands serve as a gateway for Brazil to the European Union. His Majesty the King was able to witness our cooperation at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam earlier this year, where the hydrogen project between the ports of Rotterdam and Pecém was showcased. The Netherlands welcomed the signing of the EU-Mercosur Agreement.”

Addressing defense and security cooperation, she added that “from 2027 onwards, the Netherlands will become the proud owner of new military transport aircraft produced by Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.”

H.E. Fernando Simas Magalhães, Ambassador of Brazil to the Netherlands.

The reception also highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in science, sustainability, low-carbon agriculture, forest protection and renewable energy.

The forthcoming FAPESP Week in the Netherlands was among the initiatives highlighting the growing scientific links between the two countries, while the MERCOSUR–European Union Agreement was identified as creating further opportunities for economic and commercial relations.

Beautiful people from Brazil, on the 200th anniversary of Brazil–Netherlands diplomatic relations.

The reception was more than a National Day celebration; it was also a reflection on 200 years of Brazil–Netherlands relations. The combination of diplomacy, culture, science and business demonstrated the breadth of the contemporary relationship and provided an appropriate setting to celebrate Brazil’s 204th Independence Anniversary.

No Brazilian National Day celebration would be complete without Brazilian food and drinks. Guests enjoyed churrasco, Brazilian wine, açaí, fresh orange juice and coffee, bringing a distinctly Brazilian flavour to an enjoyable evening.

ICC Judges Review Disciplinary Regime and Judicial Ethics

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ICC Judges Review Disciplinary Regime and Judicial Ethics

The Hague, 29 September 2026. Judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held their annual judicial retreat in the Netherlands, focusing on proposals to amend the Court’s legal framework concerning the disciplinary regime for elected officials.

During the retreat, the judges agreed to amend Chapter 8 of the Regulations of the Court, concerning disciplinary measures, to clarify the applicable procedures and align the Regulations with provisions of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence relating to the disciplinary regime for elected officials, as amended by the Assembly of States Parties in 2025. The proposed amendments will be submitted to the Advisory Committee on Legal Texts.

The judges also agreed on several amendments to the ICC Code of Judicial Ethics. Article 12 will be amended to expressly state that non-compliance with the Code may constitute misconduct and that the ethical standards set out in the Code are binding. The judges also finalised an additional paragraph to Article 10 concerning the use of social media by ICC judges. The revised Code will be published shortly.

The retreat further addressed the Court’s internal working practices. The judges updated the Guideline on Trial Preparation and Judgment Drafting, annexed to the Chambers Practice Manual, incorporating lessons learned and additional best practices for trial preparation.

In addition, the judges updated a procedural template for Conduct of Proceeding decisions and agreed to make the template publicly available. The amendments to the relevant annexes of the Chambers Practice Manual will also be published shortly.

The annual retreat provided an opportunity for the ICC judges to review and further develop the Court’s judicial and ethical framework, as well as internal procedures supporting its judicial work.

Teenagers suspected of leading ransomware group arrested

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Teenagers suspected of leading ransomware group arrested

The Hague, 1 October 2026

KillSec has been around since 2024. By exploiting poorly secured access points, particularly those linked to cloud storage, the group was able to gain access to organisations’ systems. Once inside, the KillSec group stole data and copied it to their own infrastructure. They then threatened to make the stolen data public unless the victims paid a ransom. If the victims did not pay, the stolen files were made available for free download. To prove that they possessed the stolen data, victims would get sent samples. In some cases, the group received substantial ransom payments.

Authorities have identified other suspects in different roles, including administrator, developer, negotiator and affiliate. A teenager is suspected of being the group’s administrator and main operator. Other suspects include a developer who recently turned 18 and was a minor when a number of the alleged offences were committed. The group made itself known online by using aliases concealing their true identities. To communicate they used encrypted messaging services.

Eurojust coordinated judicial authorities from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. A joint investigation team was set up at Eurojust between authorities from Belgium, Germany, Greece and Romania. All nine authorities worked together to identify suspects, locate the group’s infrastructure and follow financial trails. The authorities came together at Eurojust to plan an international action day involving the identification of suspects and the seizure of evidence and assets. The action day was run from a coordination centre set up at Eurojust.

Europol produced reports on the group’s activities, connected investigators with private-sector partners and provided specialist support to trace cryptocurrency and examine digital evidence.

The action day resulted in the arrests of three suspects and the seizure of evidence and assets. Eight house searches were carried out in Spain, Greece, the United Kingdom and Romania. They were able to secure at least 110 terabytes of stolen data. During the investigation, authorities seized five servers used by the group to store data from its victims. Authorities also seized domains operated by KillSec.

Authorities will now continue their investigation by examining the seized devices and data and tracing the group’s financial proceeds. This evidence may help to identify other victims, attacks and people involved.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

  • Belgium: Public Prosecutor’s Office Brussels; Federal Computer Crime Unit
  • Finland: National Bureau of Investigation
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor’s Office Hamburg; Federal Criminal Police Office; Hamburg State Criminal Police Office
  • Greece: Judicial authorities; Hellenic Police
  • Romania: Prosecution Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, Directorate for Investigation of Organised Crime and Terrorism – Central Office; Romanian Police – Directorate for Combating Organised Crime
  • Spain: Investigative Court number 20 of Barcelona; Public Prosecutor’s Office Barcelona; Mossos d’Esquadra; Guardia Civil
  • Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG); Federal Office of Police fedpol
  • United Kingdom: Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU)
  • United States: United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico; Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Juan Field Office

Malta voluntary contribution

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Malta voluntary contribution

The Republic of Malta, a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2002, has made a voluntary unrestricted contribution of EUR 20,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute. 

This unrestricted contribution advances the TFV’s mandate to make visible the plight of victims, mobilise resources for their benefit, and implement programmes that serve them – encompassing both ICC‑ordered reparations and assistance programmes that address the physical, psychological, and material needs of victims and affected communities.

H.E. Kevin Kelly, Member of the Board of Directors of the TFV stated, “We warmly welcome Malta’s renewed support to the Trust Fund for Victims. Malta has demonstrated consistent solidarity with victims and this contribution strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful reparative assistance. I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Malta’s continued support, which helps us restore dignity to victims of Rome Statute crimes.”

H.E. Jeffrey Curmi, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the Kingdom of the Netherlands stated: ”Malta remains firmly committed to a victim-centred approach to international justice, promoting accountability for the gravest crimes while recognising the importance of meaningful reparative justice for victims and survivors. To this end, since 2021, Malta has consistently supported the Trust Fund for Victims through annual voluntary contributions. Through this renewed contribution, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that victims remain at the centre of international justice.”

Malta has been providing regular support to the TFV every year through voluntary contributions since 2021, reflecting its sustained dedication to a victim‑centred approach within the Rome Statute system.

For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC, please contact trustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.int or visit www.trustfundforvictims.org.

Ecuador National Day Celebrated in The Hague

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Ecuador National Day Celebrated in The Hague

The Embassy of Ecuador in The Hague hosted a warm and well-attended reception on 6 August to mark the National Day of Ecuador, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations and prominent guests from The Hague’s international and legal community.

Although the reception took place during the summer holiday period, the Embassy was filled with guests who gathered to congratulate Ecuador and meet with Ambassador H.E. Andrés Terán Parral. The welcoming atmosphere, a beautiful summer day and the presence of a broad representation of the diplomatic and international-law community created an occasion marked by friendship and dialogue.

The reception also offered a colourful presentation of Ecuadorian culture. Magnificent Ecuadorian flowers, supplied by Van der Deijl Roses, highlighted one of the longstanding commercial connections between Ecuador and the Netherlands. Ecuadorian gastronomy and wines added to the celebration, giving guests an opportunity to discover and appreciate the country’s rich culinary traditions while exchanging views on current international affairs.

In his address, Ambassador Terán Parral underlined the importance of Ecuador’s relationship with the Netherlands and the wider international community represented in The Hague.

“The friendship between Ecuador, the Netherlands, and the many countries represented here today shows what can be achieved when we work together with trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.

H.E. Ambassador Andrés Terán Parral and H.E. Mr. Fernando Simas Magalhães, ambassador of Brazil.

Ecuador and the Netherlands: cooperation and security

The Ambassador described the bilateral relationship as “a strong partnership built on trust, shared values, and common interests” and noted that political dialogue between the two countries continues to deepen. He announced that a new round of Political Consultations between Ecuador and the Netherlands will take place later this year in Ecuador, providing another opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Security cooperation was also highlighted as an important area of bilateral engagement. Ambassador Terán Parral expressed Ecuador’s appreciation for Dutch support in strengthening port and customs security and in addressing transnational organised crime. He also referred to cooperation between Ecuador and Europol, emphasising the importance of information sharing and coordinated action in addressing common challenges.

The Netherlands and Ecuador have developed practical cooperation in customs and security matters, including through the exchange of information and efforts to strengthen controls around international trade and ports.

H.E. Ambassador Andrés Terán Parral during his speech on Ecuador National Day 2026 in The Hague.

Trade, flowers and economic relations

Economic relations formed another important part of the Ambassador’s remarks. For decades, Dutch ports and logistics networks have played an important role in bringing Ecuadorian products to European markets.

As the Ambassador noted, “Ecuadorian bananas, cocoa, chocolate, shrimp, tuna, and flowers are well known throughout Europe for their quality and sustainability,” The presence of Ecuadorian roses at the reception provided a visible illustration of the commercial links between the two countries.

Ambassador Terán Parral also pointed to growing interest among Dutch companies in Ecuador and to opportunities for further investment and commercial cooperation. He highlighted Ecuador’s biodiversity, entrepreneurial population and ongoing efforts towards economic growth and modernisation. He described Ecuador as a country combining “extraordinary biodiversity, a young entrepreneurial population, and a clear commitment to economic growth and modernization.”

At the national level, Ecuador is currently led by President Daniel Noboa Azín, while Roberto Kury has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility since June 2026. “Under President Daniel Noboa Azín and Foreign Minister Roberto Kury”, the Ambassador said, “Ecuador is working to strengthen security, attract investment, support economic growth and create new opportunities for its people.”

The ambassador of Ecuador and H.E. Dr. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay.

Ecuador: the Land of Four Worlds

Beyond diplomatic and economic relations, the Ambassador invited guests to look towards Ecuador as a destination of exceptional geographical and cultural diversity.

Known as the “Land of Four Worlds”, Ecuador brings together the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands. This extraordinary geographical variety, combined with the country’s cultural heritage and biodiversity, gives Ecuador a distinctive place among international tourism destinations.

Osvaldo Zavala Giler, Greffier de la CPI, H.E. Ambassador Andrés Terán Parral and Zavala spouse, Daniel Arosemena.

Ecuador and The Hague’s international institutions

For an audience in The Hague, the Ambassador placed particular emphasis on Ecuador’s engagement with international organisations and institutions based in the city.

“Ecuador firmly believes that the challenges of today’s world can only be addressed through strong international institutions,” he stated.

He referred to Ecuador’s participation in the International Criminal Court, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and other institutions forming part of The Hague’s international legal landscape. He also highlighted Ecuador’s engagement with the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the International Court of Justice.

The remarks reflected the importance Ecuador attaches to multilateralism, international cooperation and respect for international law—subjects that remain central to the diplomatic community in The Hague.

The National Day reception therefore provided more than an opportunity to celebrate Ecuador’s national occasion. It brought together the country’s cultural identity, economic links with the Netherlands and its engagement with the international institutions of The Hague.

Against a setting of Ecuadorian flowers, cuisine and wine, the reception offered a fitting celebration of Ecuador and its relationship with the Netherlands and the wider international community.

Ecuador’s National Day is observed on 10 August, commemorating the First Cry of Independence in Quito in 1809, a date regarded by Ecuador as a landmark in the country’s independence process.

Uruguay, a Meeting Place for Spanish in The Hague

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Uruguay, a Meeting Place for Spanish in The Hague

The Embassy of Uruguay in the Netherlands, which serves as coordinator of the Group of Friends of Spanish in The Hague (GAEH), welcomed a group of students from Leiden University who are members of CLUSS (Community of Leiden Students in Spanish), for a meeting dedicated to academic, cultural and diplomatic exchange in Spanish.

The Spanish language was the common link among the students, who requested to visit the Embassy of Uruguay precisely because of its role as coordinator of the GAEH. This diplomatic platform, established in mid-2025, aims to promote, defend and consolidate the use of Spanish within international organisations based in The Hague.

During the meeting, the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Álvaro González Otero, highlighted the importance of Spanish within international institutions and congratulated the students on their initiative to create a university space dedicated to the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries.

CLUSS was founded by students at Leiden University with the aim of promoting cultural and academic exchange, creating spaces for meeting, dialogue and interaction, as well as building connections among students and strengthening engagement within the university community. It currently has 84 members, most of whom come from Spanish-speaking countries. The organisation also seeks to welcome Dutch students and students of other nationalities interested in the language, culture, politics and international relations of Spanish-speaking countries. CLUSS is a non-profit organisation and conducts its activities exclusively in Spanish.

Students from CLUSS during their conversation with Ambassador González Otero.

The conversation with Ambassador González Otero gave the students an opportunity to learn more about Uruguay’s foreign policy priorities and guidelines, as well as the country’s active participation in international organisations. The discussion also addressed coordination between the Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Uruguayan government institutions.

The students showed particular interest in the daily work of a diplomatic mission and Uruguay’s contribution to multilateralism and the development of international law. Their questions covered a wide range of subjects, including the preparation of foreign-policy reports, international negotiations, the representation of national interests and the opportunities available to States within the international system, including how a country such as Uruguay can participate and make an impact in multilateral forums.

The meeting provided an opportunity to bring students closer to the workings of diplomacy while highlighting the value of Spanish as a language of communication, study and professional engagement in the international environment of The Hague.

The CLUSS visit to the Embassy of Uruguay also reflected the growing interest among younger generations in languages, international relations and the multilateral world, strengthening links between the academic community of Leiden and the diplomatic community based in The Hague.

Uruguay, sede de encuentros en español en La Haya

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Uruguay, sede de encuentros en español en La Haya

El español como puente entre Leiden y la diplomacia en La Haya

La Embajada de Uruguay en los Países Bajos, que ejerce la coordinación del Grupo de Amigos del Español en La Haya (GAEH), recibió a un nutrido grupo de estudiantes de la Universidad de Leiden, miembros de CLUSS (Community of Leiden Students in Spanish), en un encuentro dedicado al intercambio académico, cultural y diplomático en español.

El idioma español fue el punto de encuentro entre los estudiantes, quienes solicitaron visitar la Embajada de Uruguay precisamente por su papel como coordinadora del GAEH. Esta plataforma diplomática, constituida a mediados de 2025, tiene como objetivo promover, defender y consolidar el uso del español en los organismos internacionales con sede en La Haya.

Durante el encuentro, el Embajador de Uruguay, S.E. Álvaro González Otero, destacó la importancia del español en las instituciones internacionales y felicitó a los estudiantes por la iniciativa de crear un espacio universitario dedicado a la lengua y a las culturas de los países hispanohablantes.

CLUSS fue fundada por estudiantes de la Universidad de Leiden con el propósito de promover el intercambio cultural y académico, creando espacios de encuentro, diálogo e intercambio, así como vínculos entre estudiantes y un mayor acercamiento dentro de la comunidad universitaria. Actualmente cuenta con 84 miembros, en su mayoría procedentes de países de habla hispana. La organización también busca incorporar a estudiantes neerlandeses y de otras nacionalidades interesados en la lengua, la cultura, la política y las relaciones internacionales de los países hispanohablantes. Con carácter no lucrativo, CLUSS desarrolla sus actividades exclusivamente en español.

Estudiantes de Leiden en la Embajada del Uruguay durante el intercambio con el Embajador Gonzalez Otero.

La conversación con el Embajador González Otero permitió a los estudiantes conocer más de cerca las prioridades y lineamientos de la política exterior de Uruguay, así como la participación activa del país en los organismos internacionales. También se abordó la coordinación entre la Embajada, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y otras instituciones gubernamentales uruguayas.

Los estudiantes mostraron especial interés por el trabajo cotidiano de una misión diplomática y por la contribución de Uruguay al multilateralismo y al desarrollo del derecho internacional. Las preguntas abarcaron una amplia variedad de temas, entre ellos la preparación de informes sobre política exterior, las negociaciones internacionales, la representación de los intereses nacionales y las oportunidades que ofrece el sistema internacional a los Estados, incluyendo la manera en que un país de las dimensiones de Uruguay puede participar e incidir en los espacios multilaterales.

El encuentro ofreció así una oportunidad para acercar a los estudiantes al funcionamiento de la diplomacia y, al mismo tiempo, poner de relieve el valor del español como lengua de comunicación, estudio y trabajo en el entorno internacional de La Haya.

La visita de CLUSS a la Embajada de Uruguay reflejó además el creciente interés de las nuevas generaciones por los idiomas, las relaciones internacionales y el mundo multilateral, reforzando los vínculos entre la comunidad universitaria de Leiden y el cuerpo diplomático establecido en La Haya.

Myanmar’s Endless War: Beyond Ceasefires, Toward a Federal or Confederal Future

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Myanmar’s Endless War: Beyond Ceasefires, Toward a Federal or Confederal Future

By Linn Thant

Myanmar’s prolonged conflict is not simply a military confrontation. At its core, it is a political struggle over democracy, federalism, ethnic equality, self-determination, and the distribution of state power.

The attempted coup of 1 February 2021 deepened a crisis that had already persisted for decades. Yet the events since 2021 have also made one reality increasingly difficult to ignore: the Myanmar military is not merely one party to the country’s political crisis. Its continued use of armed force and political coercion remains the principal and continuing source of the threat to peace, and a decisive obstacle to a durable and inclusive political settlement.

Seven Decades of Conflict Without a Political Settlement

Myanmar has experienced armed conflict almost continuously since independence in 1948. Successive governments and military authorities have negotiated ceasefires with different ethnic armed organizations, sometimes reducing fighting for years. But repeated ceasefires have not resolved the fundamental political questions of federalism, ethnic equality, self-determination, and the distribution of political power.

Research on Myanmar’s peace processes records at least seventeen ceasefires negotiated by the military between 1989 and 1997. The long Kachin ceasefire of 1994–2011 provides a particularly important example: it reduced large-scale fighting for many years, but the underlying political and social grievances remained unresolved, and the ceasefire eventually collapsed.

During the same period, the military pursued a controlled constitutional process. Academic research shows that ceasefire negotiations with ethnic armed organizations proceeded alongside a military-led constitution-making process during the 1993 and 2008.

This history demonstrates a fundamental distinction:

  • The absence of fighting is not necessarily the presence of peace.
  • A ceasefire can stop the shooting without resolving the political conflict that produced it.
  • When a Ceasefire Becomes a “Time-Out”
  • Myanmar’s history therefore requires careful scrutiny of every new ceasefire and peace-talk proposal.

A ceasefire can be a genuine first step toward peace. But when offered under severe military or political pressure, it can also function as a temporary “time-out”—creating space to reorganize forces, consolidate positions, reduce battlefield pressure, divide opposing actors, gain diplomatic breathing room, or prepare for the next phase of conflict.

This does not mean that every ceasefire proposal is necessarily insincere. The more important question is whether the proposal is designed to end the conflict or merely manage it temporarily.

Myanmar’s previous experience provides reason for caution. Research has found that repeated ceasefires did not necessarily translate into substantial political reform, and that prolonged ceasefire arrangements could create conditions in which armed and political actors consolidated territorial, economic, or institutional positions without resolving the underlying political dispute. (OUP Academic)

The 2015 Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement was explicitly intended to move from cessation of hostilities toward political dialogue and a lasting political settlement. Its text called for inclusive political dialogue and mutually acceptable solutions for lasting and sustainable peace. (Peacemaker) Yet the process did not produce a comprehensive political settlement before the attempted coup of 2021.

The post-2021 peace landscape has also become increasingly fragmented. A 2026 analysis by ISP-Myanmar describes a shift toward bilateral ceasefires with selected ethnic armed organizations and examines how this has contributed to fragmentation of the broader peace process. (ISP-Myanmar)

In April 2026, the military-backed government again proposed peace talks with armed opposition groups within 100 days. Several major armed groups rejected the proposal, illustrating the continuing gap between ceasefire initiatives and an inclusive political settlement. (Reuters)

Seven decades of repeated cycles—war, ceasefire, negotiation, political deadlock, and renewed conflict—do not prove that every peace initiative is meaningless. But they do provide strong historical grounds for demanding evidence that a new initiative represents a genuine change in political direction.

A time-out is not a peace agreement.
A ceasefire is not reconciliation.
And negotiations are not meaningful unless they address political power.

Political Prisoners Are Part of the Peace Question

The treatment of political prisoners is another essential test of whether a peace initiative represents genuine political change.

Since the attempted coup, thousands of people have been arrested and detained in connection with opposition to military rule. Human-rights organizations and international actors have repeatedly called for the release of people held arbitrarily.

At different moments, military authorities have announced prisoner releases, sentence reductions, or amnesties while political repression has continued. Such measures may create temporary diplomatic space, but releasing some prisoners is not the same as ending political imprisonment.

Political prisoners can become instruments of political leverage when their release, sentence reductions, or continued detention is connected to wider political or diplomatic calculations.

For that reason, national reconciliation cannot be measured simply by the number of prisoners released at a particular moment. The deeper question is whether political imprisonment itself has ended.

A genuine peace process cannot ask society to accept political freedom as a temporary concession.

The Conflict Is Political at Its Core

Myanmar’s crisis is often described through the language of territory, armed groups, military operations and ceasefires. These are important dimensions of the conflict, but they do not explain its fundamental cause.

At its core is a question of political legitimacy and the structure of the Union.

For decades, ethnic nationalities and democratic forces have demanded greater political equality, federalism, self-determination and civilian authority over state institutions. These questions cannot be resolved through military pressure alone.

Nor can lasting peace be achieved simply by asking armed organizations to lay down their weapons while leaving the underlying political structure unchanged.

A sustainable settlement requires an inclusive political process in which the future distribution of power is negotiated rather than imposed.

From Ceasefire to Political Settlement

The lesson of Myanmar’s history is not that dialogue should be rejected. Genuine political dialogue remains essential. But dialogue must not become another mechanism for temporarily managing military pressure. A credible peace process should therefore be measured by concrete outcomes:

  • an end to attacks against civilians;
  • a meaningful and verifiable cessation of hostilities;
  • unrestricted humanitarian access;
  • an end to political imprisonment;
  • inclusive participation by relevant political and ethnic stakeholders;
  • meaningful negotiations on federalism, equality and self-determination; and
  • a political settlement in which no institution can determine the country’s political future through force.

Myanmar does not need another cycle in which a ceasefire temporarily lowers the level of violence, only for the underlying political conflict to return.

The country needs a transition from ceasefire to political settlement, from military coercion to civilian politics, and from centralized power toward a democratic system that genuinely accommodates the country’s diversity.

The Future of Myanmar Must Be Built by Its Peoples

After more than seven decades of conflict, Myanmar’s political future should not depend on what the military is willing to permit.

Whether the people of Myanmar ultimately choose federalism, confederalism, or another democratic constitutional arrangement, that future must be determined through political negotiation and agreement among the peoples of Myanmar themselves.

No military institution should have the authority to grant, withhold, or guarantee the political rights of an entire country and its peoples. A military that has repeatedly intervened in politics and used force to shape political outcomes cannot be the sole guarantor of the political system that follows.

Federalism or confederalism will not become meaningful simply because it is promised in a ceasefire agreement, announced at a peace conference, or permitted by those holding military power.

It will become real only when the peoples of Myanmar themselves negotiate, design, construct and safeguard the institutions and constitutional arrangements necessary to sustain it.

The future of Myanmar therefore cannot be something granted by the military.

It must be built by its peoples.

And lasting peace will not come from another temporary “time-out.” It will come from a political settlement in which the people of Myanmar themselves have the authority—and the responsibility—to determine and build the democratic, federal or confederal future they choose.

About the author:

Linn Thant: is the Prague-based Representative of the National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar and a former democracy activist. He writes on Myanmar affairs, geopolitics, democracy, and international relations.

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