CSO thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
CSO thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution

Statement by ICC Prosecutor Karim AA Khan KC 

From 23-24 May 2023, my Office was delighted to welcome civil society organizations (CSOs) from 11 countries to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to participate in a thematic roundtable meeting on the crime of gender persecution.

A year ago I announced an initiative aimed at renewing and deepening our dialogue with civil society partners globally, and in particular strengthening our cooperation with local CSOs on the ground in Situation countries. This second thematic roundtable reflects progress made on this commitment, building on our first CSO thematic roundtable held in November 2022 on crimes against and affecting children.

This event also underlines the Office of the Prosecutor’s (OTP) renewed commitment to systematically address sexual and gender-based crimes and take a more focused approach to investigating and prosecuting gender persecution.

During our sessions together, I have been delighted to see civil society representatives share their expertise and insight with each other and with OTP staff, building together a comprehensive approach to accountability for gender persecution crimes. This included discussions on how we can now work together to effectively implement the Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution, launched by my Office in December last year. We were also able to consider together the Guidelines for Civil Society Organizations on documenting international crimes and human rights violations for accountability purposes, jointly launched by my Office and Eurojust last year.

We value the practical and insightful inputs we have received that will allow us to move forward more effectively in this field with our civil society partners. These included ways to improve investigations and prosecutions of sexual and gender-based crimes; adopting a victim–centred approach; and enhance reporting. My Office also benefitted from useful ideas on how to enhance capacity-building support and cooperation with CSO’s working in the field.

In my opening remarks, I underscored that there is perhaps not a Situation addressed by the Office that does not involve gender persecution in some form. To address this challenge we have to work collectively and we must build on the tremendous, courageous work being frequently undertaken by civil society organizations in this field.

The outcomes of this roundtable will feed into the ongoing work of our Office to strengthen and further enhance our policies and practices with respect to investigating these crimes. My Office will also continue to build on its commitment to deepen our engagement with civil society actors, including through a further thematic roundtable to be held in November this year. I look forward to working with all partners in continuing the dialogue on this important initiative, including through future OTP events and meetings.

I am particularly grateful to my Special Adviser on Gender Persecution, Professor Lisa Davis , who effectively led the organization of this event. This two-day roundtable event was made possible by voluntary contributions from States Parties to the OTP’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity. We are tremendously grateful for this support.

The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
The Ambassador of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba

H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba is the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He presented his credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on May 24th, 2023. 

Before his career in diplomacy, Mr. Diarrassouba’s background lies in business and finance. He is well-versed in the field, having obtained multiple degrees and diplomas. Mr. Diarrassouba first acquired a University Diploma of Technology (DUT) in Management: Commerce at the National Higher Institute of Technical Education (INSET) in the capital city of Yamoussoukro. In 1991 and 1992, he obtained a Bachelor of Private Law and Master of Private Law: Business at the National University of Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr. Diarrassouba continued his studies to acquire a Graduate Diploma in Treasury at the National School of Administration of Côte d’Ivoire (ENA-Abidjan) in 1995 and a Diploma of Higher Banking and Financial Studies (DESBF) at the West African Center for Banking Studies and Training (COFEB/BCEAO) in 2001. 

H.E. Mr. Diarrassouba Mifougo Youssouf, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

It is natural that Mr. Diarrassouba’s profession in economics, specifically finance, spanned over ten years. This experience was mostly tied to civil service, which he first entered in 1996 via the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Since then, he has held a variety of roles, including Representative of General Finance Revenue and Main Customs Revenue in the General Directorate of Public Accounting and Treasury (1998-1999, 2001-2003).

He was also the Director of Administrative and Financial Affairs under the Ministry of Communication, and the Ministry of Reconstruction and Reinsertion Programs (2003-2006, 2006-2007). Afterward, Ambassador Diarrassouba was the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the Prime Minister for three years. Following this, he briefly returned to his financial roots as a Member and Treasurer of the Central Commission under the Independent Electoral Commission from 2010 to 2011. 

In 2011, Ambassadord Diarrassouba made the transition to diplomacy. He embarked on his first mission abroad as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea. His long service period earned him the title of Doyen (Dean) of the Diplomatic Corps since 2019. To complement his new professional path, Mr. Diarrassouba obtained an Executive Master’s in Development Policy and Management at Sciences Po Paris in 2018. The Netherlands is now the place of his second mission abroad as an Ambassador. 

Throughout this time in civil service, Ambassador Diarrassouba occasionally held other roles, including but not limited to, Member of the Management Board of the National Identification Office (ONI), Member of the Board of Directors of the National Society of Land Transport (SONATT), and Chairman of the National Committee for the Coordination of Community Reintegration and Rehabilitation Activities (CNCARE-RC). 

He has been awarded some honorary titles for his work, including Officer of the National Order of Côte d’Ivoire (2014) and Commander of the National Order of Merit of the Republic of Guinea (2023). 

The diplomat community in The Hague sends a warm welcome to Ambassador Diarrassouba and wishes him all the best in his new term. 

Tunisian Gastronomic Days 2023  

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Tunisian Gastronomic Days 2023  

Gastronomic diplomacy

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Tunisian Embassy in The Hague have jointly organized a gastronomical event in partnership with the Tunisian National Tourist Office (ONTT) and Diplomat Magazine. It is the 2023 edition of the ‘’Tunisian Gastronomic Days’’.

This annual event promotes Tunisia as a tourist and cultural destination and introduces Tunisian gastronomy and music. The Tunisian Gastronomic Days took guests on a journey to savour the rich culinary art of Tunisia.

The Event was on 12 and 13 May 2023 at Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam. May 12th was by invitation only.

Mrs. Insaf Ghanemi, spouse of the Moroccan Ambassador, Mrs. Amel Ghariani and husband the ambassador of Tunisia Slim Ghariani and the Ambassador of Morocco H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri during Tunisian Gastronomic Days in Amsterdam.

Speaking at the occasion H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia expressed his delight in organizing “The Tunisian Gastronomic Days” for the second consecutive year in Amsterdam. The Ambassador bid all guests a warm welcome.

He thanked the Tunisian National Tourism Office Representation in The Netherlands, Diplomat Magazine, and the Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam for jointly organizing the evening.

Ambassador Slim Ghariani  went on to express thanks to the stakeholders, the three famous Chefs who prepared the Tunisian dishes for this event and La Troupe féminin TARAB, under the acumen direction of Lamia Ktata.

H.E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama winner of a Tunisian original painting.
The Ambassador of Rwanda with his Tunisian painting, in the picture with his wife together with Ambassador Ghariani and spouse.

The gastronomic spectacle was attended by Dutch officials, Heads of Diplomatic Missions: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, France (Cons), Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, OPCW (Rep), Panama, Rwanda, UAE. business community, Tour Operators, bloggers, media and other invitees. Also present was Dutch TV. personality Ms Kysia Hekster 

The internationally acclaimed Tunisian Chefs Wafik Belaid, Haykel Ben Zayda, and Mohamed Ali Ben Abouda introduced a specially conceived four-course gourmet menu paired with a selection of Tunisian wines.

These three Chefs are members of the Tunisian Association of Culinary Arts Professionals. They have participated in several international culinary competitions. They also run famous cooking TV shows in Tunisia.

Master chef Wafik Belaid, Tunisian Gastronomic Days.

The Appetizing Menu: 

  • Cold starters, assorted Tunisian salads
  • Main course 1, couscous Borzguene with lambs meat
  • Main course 2, sea bream fillet in kerkennaise sauce
  • Desert, assida zgougou, Tunisian green tea.

The musical animation was by the orchestra “TARAB”.  They performed classic pieces from the Tunisian heritage. The group is well known for its traditional and contemporary music and performed several times in Europe.

A Tombola with many prizes including the grand prize of a roundtrip Brussels-Tunis, paintings and Tunisian ornaments.

In a walkabout, the Ambassador and his spouse friendly chatted with the guests.

Indeed, a fabulous Tunisia promotional evening, showcasing the real Tunisia.

Poland Celebrates Constitution Day  2023

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Poland Celebrates Constitution Day  2023

Poland National Day of May 3, 1791

The day serves as a reminder of the unity and courage behind the 1791 Constitution.

Many friends of Poland gathered in The Hague on 11th May 2023 to celebrate the two hundred and thirty-second (232) anniversary of the adoption of the first Polish constitution. Among the many guests of the evening were the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps (Angola, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Ireland, Apostolic Nuncio, Vietnam and others) representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of international organisations, NATO, and friends of Poland.

H. E. Ambassador Margareta Kassangana expressed how delighted she was to see a large number of guests responding to her invitation. Ambassador Kassangana went on to deliver her welcome remarks containing a plethora of interesting historical details.

 “ In May seventeen ninety-one (1791), Poland became the cradle of European constitutionalism. The Grand Sejm– Polish Parliament – passed the Government Act of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth known as the Constitution of the Third of May.

Poland became the first country in Europe, in which a  comprehensive, written constitution was adopted. It was a progressive and courageous legal act, initiating a number of  visionary reforms, which laid the foundations of the modern democratic system of the Polish state. 

H.E. Ambassador Margareta Kassangana together with the Ambassador of Panama, H. E. Ms. Elizabeth Ward Neiman and H.E.Mr. José Antonio Zabalgoitia, Ambassador of Mexico.

It is also necessary to stress that at the root of the Constitution laid a well- established Polish tradition of a free and tolerant state. For centuries Poland  has been a melting pot of various ethnicities and religions – a safe haven, offering refuge for different religious denominations fleeing persecution, that included Jews, Protestants and Muslims. 

Enough to mention that in Hebrew “Polin“ means either Poland or “here you will rest”. This connects us with the Netherlands, as Amsterdam was called in Hebrew Mokum– a safe place.

The Constitution of May the Third also drew from the tradition of the Enlightenment, but its cornerstone was based on the desire to safeguard freedom and independence.

Photo exhibition at Polish embassy

We Poles have freedom in our DNA. We constantly fought for it during the partitions, when Poland disappeared from the map of the world for one hundred and twenty  three (123) years, falling victim to the imperial policies of its neighbours.

Our desire for freedom and our historical experience are behind Poland’s absolute and categorical condemnation of the unlawful Russian aggression against the sovereign and independent state of Ukraine.

Ukrainians, fighting today for their freedom, independence and the right to freely choose their future, fight for the freedom of the whole Europe. They remind us about something that we might have forgotten – that peace cannot be taken for granted and that freedom is worth paying the highest price.

There is a lesson for us all to be drawn from the adoption of the Constitution of the third of May.

It was the result of a progressive thinking of those who saw merit in modernizing the country and placing it on legal and universal foundations. It was an attempt to ensure safety and prosperity of the nation by introducing a strong democratic state. Unfortunately, before it bore fruit it was squashed by a brutal imperialism of our neighbours.

Polish Ambassador and guests.

As centuries passed, many things have changed in Europe, but Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a sober reminder of that imperialism and an outrageous attempt to trample Ukrainian dreams of a democratic and fully independent country.

That is why today, standing here in the city of peace and justice, we need, as never before, to defend strongly a rule based international order and support  the international justice  system.  

Both Poland and the Netherlands, although so different because of their geography, history and traditions, are nevertheless so close because of the shared love and respect for freedom.  It is no coincidence that today Poland and the Netherlands are standing shoulder to shoulder to strengthen European security.

Our partnership manifests itself also in our strong and dynamic economic cooperation in many sectors such as finance, hi-tech and green technologies as well as agriculture and food industry.

I am also proud that so many of my compatriots have chosen the Netherlands as their second home, living and working here, contributing to the development and the economy of their host country. 

A national day is a great opportunity to learn more about national traditions, culture and art. In this context, let me invite you all to discover works by a famous Polish artist Jerzy Nowosielski, who’s 100 anniversary of birth we are celebrating this year.

Nowosielski was one of the most outstanding Polish artists of the 20th century. Born to a Ukrainian father and a Polonised Austrian mother, Nowosielski was brought up in a blend of Polish and Ukrainian culture, and his art brings together both the heritage and pride of Poland and Ukraine.

You can see some of his works here in the Old City Hall and outside, on the fence around our Embassy, just across the street.

Before I conclude, I would also like to thank our sponsors who generously  contributed to the organization of today’s event.

First of all, I would like to mention our main sponsor:

  • Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK)  represented here by Mr. Bartłomiej Danek the Head of the Benelux Office.

  Also thank to:

  • Polish-Dutch Chamber of Commerce;
  • Lewandowski law firm;
  • TZMO Benelux;
  • Polish Tourist Organization;
  • Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, provider of  Polish quality wines  for the evening;
  • Lightart Flowerbulbs, thanks to which we could beautifully decorate the room for today’s occasion.

I would also like to thank the Polish companies whose products you will have the opportunity to taste both during today’s reception and later, at home. Their excellent and delicious products have been provided by:

– Wedel, Premium Rosa, Fruit Family, Microfood, Vortumnus, Łomża beer company,  Chodeczek ham producer.

Once again, thank you all for being with us tonight and I wish you a tasty meal! It is a great opportunity to find out about the unique flavours of the Polish cuisine, prepared by the Polish restaurant Kleine Zakopane.”

Ambassador Possi’s bilateral exchanges in Thuringia

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Ambassador Possi’s bilateral exchanges in Thuringia

Thursday, 11-12 May 2023, Erfurt, Free State of Thuringia: The Premier of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, received the Tanzanian Ambassador in Germany, Dr. Abdallah Saleh Possi for the latter’s inagural visit to the Thuringian State Chancellery. Ambassador Dr. Possi was in this framework invited to sign the federal state’s guestbook. 

During his bilateral exchanges with Premier Ramelow, Dr. Possi highlighted the eagerness of the United Republic of Tanzania to establishing further economic, academic, cultural and trade ties between the two states. For the latter purpose the ambassador also called upon the Speaker of the Thurigian Legislature, Birgit Pommer as well as Wolfgang Tiefensee, Minister of Economic, Scientific and Digital Society Affairs in Erfurt. Also in the state capital, Ambassador Possi continued his programme at the Friedrich Schiller University’s Faculty of Law, wherein he discussed a possible academic partnership with academic institutions in Tanzania. His visit further included a tour of The Max Planck Institute für Biogeochemistry. 

From the business side of the visit, Dr. Possi paid a visit to Jena Analytik, the International Energy Society, German chapter (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Sonnenenergie e.V.), K-UTEC Salt Technologies in Sondershausen, etc. 

The two-days visit to Thuringia included also a programme in Weimar, which encompassed a tête-à-tête with the Mayor Peter Kleine and visits to cultural institutions in order to explore likely cultural exchanges with the Union of Tanzania. 

For further information 


Government of Thuringia: https://www.staatskanzlei-thueringen.de/medienservice/veranstaltungsberichte/detailseite/ministerpraesident-bodo-ramelow-9a6defd7f8

Slovenia reviews relations with Rhineland-Palatinate

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Slovenia reviews relations with Rhineland-Palatinate

Thursday, 11 May 2023, Berlin, Germany: At the Representation of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Plenipotentiary for Federal and European Affairs, State Secretary Heike Raab received the Slovenian ambassador Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, in office since 27 September 2022. Ambassador Polak Petrič was previously her homeland’s head of mission in Austria, and Japan. 

One focus of the conversation was the enlargement of the European Union towards the Western Balkan, a region whereto Slovenia possesses a plethora of historical and political connections. Other topics included climate protection ambitions and cooperation in education and higher education. In particular, the new cooperation on teacher training planned for November 2023 was discussed, in which up to ten teachers from Rhineland-Palatinate will be able to observe at the Gimnzija Celje Center in Celje, Slovenia. Heike Raab and Ana Polak Petrič also exchanged views on the fact that in December 2022, with the lawyer and journalist Nataša Pirc Musar, first female head of state of Slovenia.

“Mutual trust characterises the very good relations with Slovenia, a reliable partner in the European Union and NATO. For other EU accession candidates, Slovenia, which has been a member of the Union since 2004, is a real role model” said State Secretary Raab as per statement linked below in its original German version. 

For further information 


Government of Rhineland-Palatinate: 

https://www.rlp.de/service/pressemitteilungen/detail/heike-raab-heisst-slowenische-botschafterin-ana-polak-petric-willkommen-1

Embassy of Slovenia in Germany: https://www.gov.si/predstavnistva/veleposlanistvo-berlin/o-veleposlanistvu/

#Justice done – Main administrator of iSpoof website sentenced to 13 years  

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
#Justice done – Main administrator of iSpoof website sentenced to 13 years  

The Hague,  22 May 2023

iSpoof, a website that allowed criminals to impersonate trusted corporations, was taken down in November 2022 in an international joint action that led to 142 arrests. The main administrator of the website has now been sentenced to 13 years and 4 months of imprisonment by Southwark Crown Court in the United Kingdom. Eurojust supported the investigation and played a key role in facilitating judicial cross-border cooperation between all parties involved.

The website allowed those who sign up and pay for its services to anonymously make spoofed telephone calls, send recorded messages and intercept one-time passwords. Users could impersonate an infinite number of entities (such as banks, retail companies and government institutions) for financial gain, leading to substantial losses for victims of scams.

The investigation showed that iSpoof earned over EUR 3.7 million in 16 months. According to UK authorities, losses to victims currently stand at GBP 43 million (EUR 49 million) in the UK alone, with estimated worldwide losses of over GBP 100 million (EUR 115 million).

From August 2021 to August 2022, around 10 million fraudulent calls were made globally via iSpoof. At the point of closure, the website had 59,000 registered users.

In an international coordinated action led by the UK and supported by Eurojust and Europol, 142 users and administrators were arrested across the world. The website was taken offline and servers were seized by US and Ukrainian authorities on 8 November 2022.

The main administrator of the website was arrested two days before, on 6 November. He is believed to have received between GBP 1.7 million and GBP 1.9 million (over EUR 2 million) in profits from running iSpoof. On 18 May 2023, he was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months of imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court in London. 

The case was opened at Eurojust in October 2021 at the request of UK authorities. National authorities from 10 countries, including European Union Member States and third countries, supported the investigation. The Agency played a key role in facilitating judicial cross-border cooperation between all parties involved. Two coordination meetings were hosted by Eurojust to coordinate the national investigations and prepare for the action.

Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) provided continuous intelligence development to national investigators through the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (J-CAT). In the framework of its analytical work, Europol was able to identify additional users of the iSpoof service, a number of whom were already known for their involvement in other high-profile cybercrime investigations at the European level.

From agreement to action: Turning risky business into the good business of biodiversity for the Americas

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
From agreement to action: Turning risky business into the good business of biodiversity for the Americas

By Dr. Claudia S. de Windt

May 22nd is International Biodiversity Day

The fast-paced biodiversity loss is increasing business risk. Companies and investors in the Americas that are ready to embrace change by accepting their relation to biodiversity and nature in corporate strategy may turn the tide from risk to value. Plain good business.

The added prefix from the Greek “bio” to “diversity” gives meaning to variety of life on earth. The marvelous life fabric billions of years in the making that supports our very existence. People, air, water, soil, forest and more than 8.7 million species form a safety net on land and water. Biodiversity benefits people beyond wellbeing and livelihoods. It contributes to security, resiliency and enables social relations, health, freedom of choices and actions. Negotiators from 196 governments closed 2022 agreeing to halt the loss of biodiversity in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework- known as the GBF-The agreement could result in nature business and finance regulation but also in opportunities for companies and investors willing to step up in the Americas. Business must anticipate and partner in a shared vision. Corporate dialogue and strategies integrating biodiversity and nature risk are paramount.

Over half the world’s GDP – is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. Unfortunately, this is not common knowledge or reflected in corporate strategies. 40% of the world’s largest public companies have net zero targets yet less than 20% of S&P 500 companies have made biodiversity commitments. Meanwhile, nature, people and the economy are at high stakes risk. Biodiversity is a frontrunner in the most severe world risk list, the ninth contender over the next two years, moving up to fourth in the next decade. Climate goals, including corporate targets, depend on nature and biodiversity in decline as their contributions are in many parts of the Americas.

How did we get here? In 2019, unquestionably the best available science reaffirmed years of  findings and projections. 1 million species threatened with extinction made headlines. Human induced, well documented faster changes in biodiversity in any time in history are creating significant risk.

 For decades five drivers of nature loss have been globally know. Land and sea use, fragmenting, transforming habitats and contributing to the second culprit – the climate crisis. The remaining three are direct use and exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and invasive alien species.  This model contributes to the climate crisis while simultaneously, a large percentage of climate impacts in Americas are experienced in transformed land and sea ecosystems. A vicious cycle. Nature loss creates risk for businesses that depend on nature; have impacts on elements of nature and whose stakeholder needs are affected with social disruptions. Disruptions in supply, asset exposure to extreme events, resource and scarcity based social conflicts or legal action are examples.

Most countries in the Americas are using nature more intensively than the global average and exceeding nature’s ability to renew its contributions.  Let’s face it, vulnerabilities such as inequality, increase regional susceptibility to biodiversity and nature risks enhancing consequences of nature loss.  32% of the world’s socio-environmental conflicts occur in the region increasingly due to business resource use and extraction. So how do we shift from a risky business to the good business of biodiversity?

Countries committed to updating their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans and showing progress on 4 global goals and 23 targets by 2050. Commitments hint forthcoming regulatory action on business and finance nature-related disclosure & data, due diligence obligations and supervision, biodiversity risk management guidance and nature-based sustainable finance policy. This could mean hurdles but also represent opportunities. The Americas is highly biologically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse. It is home to 7 out of the 17 most biodiverse countries and some of the most extensive wilderness areas on the planet.  The economic value of terrestrial nature’s contributions to people in the region is estimated at least $24.3 trillion per year, equivalent to the region’s gross domestic product.

Agricultural production, fisheries and aquaculture continue to increase food provision for the region and the planet.  Nature-based sourced energy, including biofuels and hydropower at the local level is increasing and so is dependence on infrastructure. Latin America is the largest global exporter of food and one of the largest traders in bioenergy.  Critical minerals and metals for energy transition are concentrated in regions and countries of the Americas.

The region’s natural and water capital can widen financing and investment options, increasing capital flows and reducing debt.  Businesses within key sectors (blue economy, agribusiness, energy and infrastructure, minerals and metals and financing) have been operating with transnational regulatory implications for decades. This shows that the business nature nexus can be an asset rather than a liability.

Corporate strategies integrating and addressing risk, sorting competing social, economic, and ecological interests are paramount. Environmental and social governance of nature risks becomes value added and a safeguard for investors. To partner with governments in building back biodiversity from agreement to action, the first step for businesses is acknowledging their relationship with nature.  Their dependence and material impacts along with environmental and social governance needs. Identifying risk throughout supply chains, key performance indicators and monitoring to address financial and stakeholder needs through sustainability, transparency, and accountability. In turn Governments must place incentives adequately. Businesses should get ready and embrace change. Integrating biodiversity is just plain good business.

About the author:

Dr. Claudia S. de Windt is an International lawyer and academic. Expert in political science, justice, socio-environmental governance (ESG) and diplomacy for sustainability. She is Executive Director of the Inter-American Institute of Justice and Sustainability (IIJS: www.ii-js.org)

ICC Statement on reports of coercive measures against officials

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
ICC Statement on reports of coercive measures against officials

The International Criminal Court is aware and profoundly concerned about unwarranted and unjustified coercive measures reportedly taken against ICC officials, notably the Prosecutor of the Court and the judges of Pre-Trial Chamber II by the authorities of the Russian Federation.

The ICC finds these measures unacceptable. The Court will remain undeterred in the conduct of its lawful mandate to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.

The ICC stands firmly by its personnel and officials and, in line with the statement issued by the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties earlier today, calls on all its States Parties and Rome Statute stakeholders to enhance their efforts to protect the Court, its officials and its personnel, and ensure it is capable to continue to deliver on its independent mandate.

Armenia National Day and the relic from Noah’s Ark at the Drents Museum

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Armenia National Day and the relic from Noah’s Ark at the Drents Museum

We remember September 21 in the Province of Drenthe as one of the most surprising and stimulating day of 2022, after visiting the town of Frederiksoord and the museum of Drenthe that reveals part of the Netherlands’ history, unknown for many of us.

The organisation of the trip was meticulous. Every minute spent among the people of Drenthe was valuable. It was part of the memorable commemoration of the 31st Anniversary of Armenia’s independence day organized by H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, who chose Drenthe to bring over 40 colleagues ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and journalists to an outstanding day out to enjoy, under sunny day, all the beauty of the village of Frederiksoord and the Museum De Proefkolonie, visiting the cities of Westerveld and Assen.

Ambassadorial trip to Drenthe Province by Armenia.

“We learned everything about the colonies of Benevolence and what makes these colonies so special. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, we got acquainted with the ancient treasures of Armenia, its culinary delights and sublime music that Tigran Balayan, ambassador of Armenia, brought us.” Said one guest ambassador.

Welcome to Drenthe! Ms. Jetta Klijnsma, King’s Commissioner in the province of Drenthe and H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia.

The cultural day began with a visit to Frederiksoord village where we had the honour to meet Ms. Jetta Klijnsma, the King’s Commissioner in the province of Drenthe. She addressed the invitees with great enthusiasm offering a general overview of the history, the cultural and business live of the region.

Ambassadors at Colony of Benevolence – Frederiksoord village.

After the Governor’s speech, the guests visited a museum dedicated to the Colonies of Benevolence which were recently awarded the status of UNESCO Heritage Site showing the history of Johannes van den Bosch and his Society of Benevolence of 1818 who wanted to offer to paupers in the Netherlands a chance for a better existence.

The Society founded the Colonies of Benevolence, calling it Colony Frederiksoord.

The event continued in Assen, where the ambassador of Armenia hosted a guided visit of the exhibition Under the Spell of Ararat. The treasures of Ancient Armenia from the Museum of Yerevan includes a unique relic from Noah’s Ark at the Drents Museum.

This remarkable exhibition was planned for years and was on hold during two more years due to the pandemic before landing in Drents Museum. Almost all the artefacts and pieces have never travelled out of Armenia. There were great expectations to see the relic coming from Noah’s Ark.

The wooden reliquary containing a piece of wood from Noah’s Ark is decorated with silver mounts and semiprecious stones. Etchmiadzin Cathedral has three pieces of the wood from the Biblical Ark. Tradition has it that the wood was found by Bishop Jacob of Nisibis (now Nusaybin in eastern Turkey) in the early fourth century AD. The bishop is depicted on the back of the reliquary holding a fragment of wood from the Ark in his left hand.

Under the Spell of Ararat. The treasures of Ancient Armenia from the Museum of Yerevan at Drents Museum.

A reception was dedicated to the National Day of Armenia. During the welcome speech, Ambassador Tigran Balayan  thanked the Governor for her warmth hospitality and support during the organization of the visit. “I would like to express our utmost gratitude to Ms. Klijnsma for the reception extended to us and for the opportunity to gather together in the beautiful province of Drenthe.

Thanks to this province, Armenia came to the Netherlands and this is the continuation of Armenia’s presence in the Netherlands. According to the records, the last time such a group of Ambassadors visited Drenthe was in 2009”.

Relic from Noah’s Ark

He also referred to the difficult situation in which Armenia is celebrating its independence day as follows, “This year we celebrate the 31th Anniversary of our Independence in the gravest circumstances, when our nation is facing a military aggression in blatant violation of international law and order. Today, as we stand on the threshold of our next decade, the territorial integrity of our country is under an imminent threat. Today, as we stand against aggression and indifference we pay tribute to our friends.  We are grateful to everyone that supported Armenia in this difficult situation.”

Drents Museum – Ambassadorial visit by Armenia.

The ambassador also referred to the developments in the bilateral relations between Armenia and the Netherlands, highlighting the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Netherlands and the implementation of the agreements reached during the visit. “Despite all the difficulties, the year 2022 is also a remarkable one in terms of our bilateral relations with the Netherlands. This year we are celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. We took stock of the existing level of partnership and outlined the architecture of our future cooperation”, concluded Ambassador Balayan.

Ambassador Balayan with musicians interpreting ancient Armenian music.
Armenian dinne at Drents Museum.

The official part of the event ended with an awarding ceremony. The Governor of Drenthe, Ms. Jetta Klijnsma, was awarded with the Medal of Honor of the Embassy of Armenia. The Director of the Museum, Mr. Harry Tupan, was awarded with the Gold Medal of the Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, and Mr. Nikolay Romashuk-Hayrapetyan was awarded with the Medal of Honor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia for his contribution to the organization of the exhibition and for the promotion of Armenian Culture in the Netherlands.

H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia together with the Governor of Drenthe, Ms. Jetta Klijnsma and the Direcgtor of Drents Museum, Mr. Harry Tupan.

The Embassy of Armenia has decided to celebrate Armenia’s National Day in different provinces each year. In 2021 it was celebrated in Eindhoven with the Dutch business community. In 2022, the celebration took place in Drenthe with the diplomatic community, with international organizations, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the medias. We are now waiting for Armenia to announce the 2023 National Day’s venue that is expected to be an interesting one.

1...103104105...862Page 104 of 862