In conversation with the new ICC Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler

On 5 April 2023, Osvaldo Zavala Giler (Ecuador) was sworn-in as the new Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC), succeeding Mr Peter Lewis (United Kingdom). Mr Zavala Giler was elected by ICC judges for five years. In this exclusive interview with Diplomat Magazine, the new Registrar discusses some of his priorities and his vision for the Court.   

What is your role as the Registrar of the ICC? 

I am the principal administrative officer of the ICC. I am responsible for all the non-judicial aspects of the administration of the Court.

The Registry is the neutral organ of the Court that supports the Judiciary and the Office of the Prosecutor, as well as other parties and participants such as the defence and the representatives of victims. Effective judicial support services are essential to the Court’s functioning, inside and outside the Courtroom. It also includes running our detention facilities, as well as performing all the translation and interpretation services needed.  

In addition to this aspect, my role is also to ensure the proper administration of the Court, as a public international organization. In this context, the Registry plays a critical role in managing the Court’s annual budget, dealing with staffing and recruitment, ensuring the security of the Court, and enabling a safe and inclusive work environment and culture in the organization, for everyone who works in it.

Finally my role is also to foster engagement and communication with a wide array of external partners: by conducting public information and outreach, ensuring cooperation with the ICC, and managing our offices in various situation countries across the world.

Osvaldo Zavala Giler during his interview with Diplomat Magazine.

What is your background?

I am from Ecuador. I have over sixteen years of experience on the work of the ICC, in different capacities, including as Chief of the Budget Section, senior special assistant to the Registrar and Head of Office of the Court’s liaison office to the United Nations in New York. I was also a founding member of ICCQ, the Sexual and Gender Diversity Network at the Court

Before joining the Court, I worked as a legal officer, legal adviser and liaison officer to the United Nations for the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a partnership of civil society organizations, in The Hague and in New York. In Ecuador, I also worked in a law firm from 2000 to 2003, where I had the opportunity to work on cases before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Because of this experience, I understand well the functioning of the Registry, the ICC and the Assembly of States Parties. And I am well aware of the  opportunities, challenges and expectations that come with this position. It is a great honour and a vast responsibility.

What are your priorities during your mandate?

In times of heightened expectations and challenges, my priorities will be to contribute to continuing to build  the ICC as a model of modern public administration that ensures effectiveness and safeguards accountability.

More concretely, this will mean  to: i) deliver on the important investment and commitment made by our States Parties through the increased budget they adopted for the Court for 2023, and ensure the Court has the capacity to effectively and efficiently deliver its  mandate, ii) promote a healthy and productive working environment, iii) galvanize trust and support from stakeholders, and iv) safeguard cooperation including, in particular, regarding witness protection and the execution of pending arrest warrants.

I will encourage a working environment that promotes professionalism, respect, diversity, inclusion and equality. It is simple: being treated with respect, feeling safe in your own working environment, encourages motivation, increases innovation, supports engagement and better performance.

Bangui, Central African Republic in the first visit of the Registrar after his election to a ICC country office. (March 2023) ICC’s Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler. Photography by ICC/CPI
ICC Registrar in Bangui, Central African Republic. Photography ICC/CPI

What challenges and opportunities do you foresee?

In my view, the main overarching strategic challenge faced by the ICC is the continuous consolidation of its legitimacy. While the Court’s legitimacy is not always at risk, it is constantly at stake and is often impacted by some of the more systemic issues affecting the institution, as these directly affect the trust placed on the organization by its stakeholders and the international community as a whole.

The Registry contributes to strengthening the Court’s legitimacy first and foremost by guaranteeing its operational sustainability.

In this regard, servicing the Court by ensuring its operational sustainability is the most direct and comprehensive responsibility of the Registrar. It encompasses, among other duties, building and sustaining a public administration that is accountable, responsible and efficient; and maintaining the support services required by the Judiciary and the parties and participants to the proceedings to bring to effect the judicial mandate of the Court.

As it is States Parties that contribute through their national finances to the Court’s budget, the Registrar must guarantee the most cost-effective and efficient use of resources, while fostering an environment of fiscal responsibility for the demand and use of those resources. An efficiently run and fiscally responsible administration will allow for a constructive environment based on trust and respect that will be more conducive for stakeholders’ willingness to increasingly support the work of the Court.

Another key challenge, and an opportunity, is cooperation from States Parties and support from stakeholders, including, as appropriate, non-States Parties, international and regional organizations, civil society organizations, and societies impacted by the work of the Court. Without cooperation and support, the Court is unable to execute some of the most fundamental aspects of its judicial mandate.  

How do you plan on improving diversity at the Court?  

Diversity in the workplace, including gender balance, geographical representation and multilingualism, must become an internalized priority of the Court. This is essential to ensure a more dynamic, productive and representative workforce.

The improvement of workplace culture is reliant on leadership commitment. A safe, secure, diverse, respectful and productive working environment must be sustained by leaders who embody and reflect with their behaviour the values demanded of the organization. Leaders should not tolerate, in any form or degree, conducts that promote expressions of hatred, racism, discrimination, including gender discrimination and discrimination against members of the LGBTQI+ community, abuse of authority, harassment and/or sexual misconduct. I want us to lead by example.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Based in The Hague, The Netherlands, the Court was established by the Rome Statute, an international treaty ratified by 123 countries. As a court of last resort, the ICC complements national tribunals. The Office of the Prosecutor is currently investigating 17 situations on different continents. ICC judges have issued 40 arrest warrants and 9 summonses to appear. 7 persons are currently in ICC custody.  

Egypt, the land of the pharaohs

By Alexandra Paucescu

As diplomats, we are always the image of our own countries while abroad. Sometimes we meet people that never heard of our country; other times we do things to improve its image or just make it more popular or admired.

Naglaa Elkhawanky is from Egypt, the country of one of the oldest ancient civilizations in the world, dating back to 3100 BC, home to many famous ancient monuments, a country that needs no more presentation. However, she is one of the most active diplomatic spouses that I have met so far, always passionately speaking about her country and presenting its maybe less known treasures to the world.

Born in Cairo and with a Bachelor degree in English, French and Arabic literature and linguistics, this educated lady continued her studies over the years, while traveling the world with her diplomat husband.

She recalls: ‘I got married right after my graduation and we moved to Japan just ten days following our wedding. Japan remains one of the closest postings to my heart because we started our family there. My two daughters were born in Japan, making it a country with a lot of special moments and memories to cherish. Japan was a very interesting country to live in as it has one of the richest civilizations in its region, with a unique culture and traditions that are respectfully kept and preserved. We also lived in the United States of America, Belgium and Germany. In between our foreign postings, I worked in Egypt as a TV reporter, interpreter and tourist consultant’.  And that is maybe how I explain her natural talent for representing Egypt with such professionalism and class.

‘Coming from Egypt, which is visited by tourists from all over the world, I was exposed to many languages throughout my childhood, making me keen to learn thoroughly more than one. I believe that studying a language can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture and people associated with it, as well as help opening a communication channel between people from different countries. Therefore, I studied Japanese and German during our posts in Japan and Germany, which provided me with an open door to both societies and cultures’.

Naglaa Elkhawanky and her husband, Egypt’s ambassador to Belgium.

Life offered her the opportunity to see the world and get to know and fully understand different cultures, while never forgetting her own roots.  You can understand how much she truly loves her country when you hear her speak about it, or, if you are lucky, you get to participate in one of her interesting diplomatic lectures.

Egypt, a North African country of 112 million people (living in 27 governorates but only on 7.8 % of the total land area), has always been described as a magical land, the land of the pharaohs, of the great pyramids that hide priceless treasures and secrets and of a civilization that is even now, thousands of years later, looked at with admiration but also shrouded in mystery. I have to confess that I have always been fascinated with it and, as a child, I was simply devouring any book related to Egypt. The country inspired countless stories and blockbuster movies for years. It has also the most beautiful and interesting underwater life that I have ever seen.

Naglaa adds, during our conversation: ‘it’s worth mentioning that the first diplomatic correspondence and archives have been found in Egypt, dating back to the 13th century BC. While many people are aware of Egypt’s ancient history, I would also like to mention that over the past ten years Egypt has achieved remarkable political, economic and social progress, accelerated steps to improve the quality of life of its people and build a robust economy as well as strengthening its foreign relations and advancing as a leader in renewable energy development. A New Administrative Capital, just 35 km east of Cairo, is nearing completion. Located on a total area of 700 square kilometers, this city will help strengthen and diversify the country’s economic potential, by creating many new opportunities for housing and employment.’

She is a true diplomat, by all means. She completely understands her role in the family dynamic but also as a diplomatic spouse, while she successfully fulfills it.

‘While we are abroad, I represent not only myself, but the image of Egyptian women who have played an active and prominent role throughout our history. This mission by itself  is a huge responsibility.  As diplomatic spouses, we have the precious opportunity to interact with the society of the hosting country, to promote our own with its culture and traditions, through events or being involved in charity programs and activities which have a positive impact on the society.

“Behind every successful diplomat is their spouse”, I find this role very powerful and rewarding, complementing the role of my husband. We work into forging close relationships with the diplomatic community and the society, thus introducing our country in the best way possible to people from other countries and different backgrounds. In all the countries I have served, I really enjoyed organizing events about ancient Egyptian history, Egyptian women, culture, traditions, food and tourism. The feedback is always rewarding and many people who attended those events decided to visit Egypt afterwards. I also raised my three children on the principle that they don’t just represent themselves, but also the Egyptian youth’.

She is for sure an example of class, modesty, wit and multicultural intelligence, but above all she is a proud inheritor of her famous ancestors, a representative that honors the land of pyramids and pharaohs.


About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

Warmi Pachakutik – Tiempo de Mujeres by Ecuador

The International Women’s Day started already in The Hague with the screening of Warmi Pachakutik – Tiempo de Mujeres, a documentary introduced by the Embassy of Ecuador to members and guests from the Asociacion Hispanica de La Haya on Tuesday February 21.

Warmi Pachakutik- Tiempo de Mujeres showcase the story of four young women belonging to different ethnic groups, who are involved in art, political activism and business. They are the heroes of this documentary shot in 2020. It is a production of film director Frida Muenala, from Kichwa-Aapoteca origins, one of the indigenous nationalities of Ecuador. They share their personal experiences and sense of belonging to their communities, the role of women in the contemporary society and the reconstruction of a woman identity in a traditional men leadership.

Warmi Pachakutik – Tiempo de Mujeres

During a well-attended presentation, the ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Mr. Andres Teran Parral, started his welcome speech to his special guests by recreating the history of the United Nations’ decision of commemorating the International Women’s Day on 8 March 1975 , officially declared by the UN Assembly in 1977 stated to create conscience on the importance of women empowering with equal rights gender protection.

Ms. Edith Bergansius, President of Asociacion Hispanica de La Haya.

“However, even today we are seeing in many parts of the world that the rights of women are still brutally violated. The fight for women rights and human rights in general are our responsibility, each one of us from our private life is able to make our world a better place for all.

Women’s enormous contribution to our society is a fact in all professional fields. This is the theme of the film we are watching today. I wish to honor all women present here tonight and our dear host Edith Bergansius an example of effort, work and dedication. I also wish to thanks our embassy team to make it possible.”, stated ambassador Teran.

Tiempo de Mujeres by the Embassy of Ecuador and The Hague Hispanic Association.

After the screening, ambassadors from several Latin American countries, diplomats, members of the Asociacion Hispanica de La Haya and friends enjoyed Ecuadorian empanadas.

The Chilean delegation is slated to take part in the upcoming World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition

By Dr. Lorenca Bejko

Chile is taking the global stage to promote its renewable energy potential at the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition. This is a clear testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and becoming a leader in the industry.

ProChile is set to participate in a significant event that will convene key global leaders in the green hydrogen industry. The organization will provide support to a delegation comprising over 55 companies, and will also have a stand at the event. Consequently, the nation will persist in its approach of endorsing Chile’s globalization efforts with the aim of establishing its status as the foremost competitive forthcoming provider of sustainable energy on a global scale.

ProChile is set to spearhead Chile’s involvement in the World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition for the second year running. The event, slated to take place from May 9 to 11 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, will convene key players in the global hydrogen sector.

The country of Chile will be represented at the upcoming event through a designated stand. The purpose of this stand is to disseminate information to visitors regarding the various energy potentials that Chile has to offer. Additionally, the stand will serve as a central location for the Chilean delegation, to engage in dialogue with their international counterparts.

Approximately one hundred executives hailing from significant Chilean corporations, government institutions, and officials from the Ministry of Energy and InvestChile, as well as local government representatives, including the mayor of the municipality of Mejillones, Marcelino Carvajal, are slated to partake in the conference with the aim of establishing connections with key industry stakeholders.

The Ministry of Energy places significant importance on convening public-private meetings of this nature. The utilization of green hydrogen is deemed essential in Chile’s trajectory towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Diego Pardow, the Minister of Energy, has expressed the government’s dedication to leveraging the potential of the country and enacting public policies that facilitate the attainment of global leadership in the production of clean fuel and its byproducts.

Chile, Torres del Paine

The assistance provided by ProChile.

The involvement of ProChile is situated within the context of a dissemination strategy aimed at promoting the potential benefits of the H2V industry for Chile. This effort is complemented by the institution’s ongoing efforts to facilitate connections across the global green hydrogen supply chain through its network of regional and commercial offices.

The nation collaborates with primary ports to establish eco-friendly corridors for the purpose of exporting sustainably produced hydrogen and ensuring its efficient distribution across diverse markets.

The establishment of partnerships with multiple nations and ports is crucial for Chile to enhance its global standing. It is imperative that we persistently strive to extend invitations to the international community to progress collectively in the ongoing energy transition, with the aim of contributing to the betterment of the entire planet. According to the speaker, the involvement in the significant World Hydrogen Summit is a component of a cooperative approach between various governmental bodies and private enterprises. This approach will enable a hundred delegates from our ecosystem to showcase the immense potential of our nation to the global community.

The Chilean delegation will include the participation of the Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (ENAP) and the Chilean Hydrogen Association (H2 Chile) this year.

According to Gloria Maldonado, the chairwoman of ENAP’s board, the company has a strong dedication to the energy transition and possesses distinctive capabilities and strategic assets in key areas that have the potential for the advancement of H2V and its derivatives in Chile. ENAP has formulated an all-encompassing strategy for the Magallanes region, aimed at promoting the growth of the H2V sector in Chile. This plan involves streamlining requirements and restructuring current infrastructure to mitigate any negative effects on the environment and local communities, in line with the region’s energy regulatory framework. Hence, it is pertinent to effectively communicate and distribute this Plan on a global scale, such as through participation in the World Hydrogen Summit, to facilitate increased logistical and investment capabilities in Chile.

According to Marcos Kulka, the Executive Director of H2 Chile, the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam serves as both a platform for showcasing and a strategic gateway to Europe. This event provides an opportunity to present the potential of hydrogen to industry leaders on a global scale, thereby further establishing Chile as a valuable partner in this field. It is imperative to strive towards achieving carbon neutrality, given Chile’s potential to provide eco-friendly copper, lithium, energy, and fuels as substitutes for the environmentally detrimental fossil fuels.

The establishment of a worldwide platform for green hydrogen.

The Sustainable Energy Council (SEC) collaborates with the City of Rotterdam, the Province of South Holland, and the Port of Rotterdam to host the World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition, which is a preeminent forum devoted solely to the progression of the hydrogen sector. The upcoming event is anticipated to attract in excess of 8,000 attendees from over 100 nations, comprising influential individuals tasked with making critical decisions on a global scale. The gathering will serve as a platform for establishing priorities, unveiling fresh initiatives, and cultivating novel partnerships that are integral to the advancement of the complete hydrogen value chain.

The Summit will assemble prominent companies from the hydrogen ecosystem to present their projects, innovative technologies, new products, and essential services for all facets of this expanding industry. This event will feature a world-class exhibition, technical seminars, and the Hydrogen Awards Ceremony, highlighting the significance of hydrogen in decarbonizing the planet.

Concert on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev

Tuesday, 2 May 2023, Berlin, Germany: With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany organised a concert at the Azerbaijani Cultural Centre in Berlin to mark the 100th birthday of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people.

The event was attended by high-ranking representatives of the German government authorities, ambassadors, representatives of the mass media, personalities from the fields of science and culture, as well as members of the Azerbaijani, Turkish and other communities living in Germany.

The guests first watched a short film about the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

In his speech, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Germany, H.E. Mr.  Nasimi Aghayev described National Leader Heydar Aliyev as a highly educated, courageous politician of high national spirit who resolutely fought for his principles. Aghayev stressed that the biggest dream of Heydar Aliyev was to restore the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and this dream was realised in 2020 under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.

Turkish Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ahmet Başar Şen attended the concert.

In his speech, Soltan Mammadov, Member of the German-Azerbaijani Parliamentary Group in the Azerbaijani Parliament, as well as Head of the International Relations Department of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, informed the audience about the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation protecting the national and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan as well as promoting science, education, health, multiculturalism and other areas.

The Chairman of the German-Azerbaijani Forum Hanns-Eberhard Schleyer spoke about the role of Heydar Aliyev in building and developing relations between Germany and Azerbaijan. He emphasised that Heydar Aliyev attached great importance to the relations between the two countries and that these relations are currently developing dynamically.

After the speeches, the concert took place. In the concert, accompanied by the chief conductor and musical director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Ayyub Guliyev, the vocalist Marziya Huseynova, who works for the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Khanende (singer) Tayyar Bayramov and the master of Tar Sahib Pashazade as well as the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra of Berlin performed works of famous Azerbaijani composers such as Uzeyir HajibeyliGara GarayevFikret AmirovAsaf ZeynalliNiyaziBakhtiyar KerimovHasan Rzayev as well as Azerbaijani folk songs and works of European composers. An exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and publications about his life were presented at the event.

For further information

The concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZHS4vnp3to

Embassy of Azerbaijan in https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/en/news/3988/concert-on-the-occasion-of-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-national-leader-in-berlin

132 ‘Ndrangheta mafia members arrested

European police and judicial authorities from Belgium, Italy and Germany executed the largest-ever coordinated hit against Italian organised crime

The Hague, 3 May 2023

During an action day executed by 10 countries, 132 members of one of the world’s most powerful criminal networks have been taken into custody. In the early hours of 3 May, law enforcement authorities in Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Romania, Brazil and Panama raided multiple locations and seized several companies. Over 2770 officers were involved on the ground during the action day.

Eurojust and Europol supported this international operation against the ‘Ndrangheta, which now stands as the largest hit involving the Italian poly-criminal syndicate to date. The mafia-style organisation is responsible for much of Europe’s cocaine trade, combined with systematic money laundering, bribery, and violence.

The criminal network under investigation was led by several powerful ‘Ndrangheta families based mainly in the town of San Luca, which is in the Italian province of Reggio Calabria. Some of these families have been involved in decades-long clan violence known as San Luca feud, culminating in massive shootings in Italy and abroad, such as the Duisburg massacre in Germany in 2007.

Members of the criminal network were engaged in criminal conspiracy not only by being part of a mafia-style organisation, but also by being responsible for drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, illegal firearms possession, money laundering, fraudulent asset registration, tax fraud and tax evasion, as well as the aiding and abetting of fugitives (who have since been arrested). Two of these fugitives had been on the EU Most Wanted list (https://eumostwanted.eu/). 

Staggering list of criminal activities

The Italian criminal network was mainly devoted to international drug trafficking from South America to Europe, as well as Australia. Authorities uncovered that the network was working in partnership with the Colombian organised crime group ‘Gulf Clan’ and an Albanian-speaking crime group operating in Ecuador and multiple European Countries.

Furthermore, the ‘Ndrangheta clans were involved in international firearms trafficking from Pakistan to South America, providing weapons to the notorious criminal group PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) in exchange for cocaine shipments. Investigators tracked the flow of money in an extensive global money laundering system, with massive investments in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. The criminal group was investing its profits in real estate, restaurants, hotels, car wash companies, supermarkets, and other commercial activities. In order to pay for cocaine or to transfer illicit assets, the criminals often relied on facilitators using the hawala system.

Police and judicial authorities in lockstep

Eurojust supported the involved authorities by establishing and funding two joint investigation teams. The agency also hosted ten coordination meetings and set up a coordination centre to enable rapid cooperation between the judicial authorities involved in the action day. Three linked cases were opened at Eurojust at the request of the Italian, German and Belgian authorities. Eurojust also facilitated the transmission and execution of European Investigation Orders.

Europol’s Analysis Project on Italian Organised Crime supported the investigation as a priority case. It provided intelligence packages and cross-match reports to the national investigative units involved. In total, more than 200 SIENA (https://www.europol.europa.eu/operations-services-and-innovation/services-support/information-exchange/secure-information-exchange-network-application-siena) messages were exchanged among the countries involved. Besides supporting the investigation itself, the Analysis Project also supported the searches for the three fugitives. The agency also hosted case officers appointed by national investigative units, in order to analyse the encrypted communication that had been gathered. On the action day itself, Europol deployed specialists with mobile offices on the spot in all three countries.

This case falls under the EMPACT Operational Action 2.3 on ‘Ndrangheta and the Sicilian mafia, the first EMPACT action led by the National Antimafia Directorate (Direzione Nazionale Antimafia) in which Europol and Eurojust are co-leaders.

The investigation and the Action Day itself have been supported by the @ON Network funded by the EU (Project ISF4@ON) led by the Italian Antimafia Investigation Directorate (DIA).

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Italy: PPO Reggio Calabria, National Antimafia and Counterterrorism Directorate, Carabinieri in Locri.
  • Germany: PPO Düsseldorf, PPO Koblenz, PPO Munich, PPO Saarbrücken, State Criminal Police Office North Rhine-Westphalia, State Criminal Police Office Rhineland-Palatinate, Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, State Criminal Police Office Saarland, Federal Criminal Police Office Wiesbaden (for analysis).
  • Belgium: Federal PPO in close collaboration with PPO Limburg, Investigating judge Court 1ste Instance  Limburg/section  Tongeren, Federal Judicial Police of Limburg.
  • Portugal: Departamento Central de Investigação e Ação Penal (Central PPO),  Polícia Judiciária- UNCT and Gabinete de Recuperação de Ativos (ARO).
  • France: GPO Aix en Provence, PPO Nice Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Prosecutor’s Office attached to Court of Appeal Aix-en-Provence   , Prosecutor ‘s office  of tribunal of Nice , and the attached  Police Directorate for Criminal Investigation  (DCPJ).
  • Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism, Prosecutor’s Office attached to Court of Appeal Timisoara, Police Directorate for Criminal Investigation, Arad Police Service for Criminal Investigation.
  • Slovenia: : Investigative Judge Nova Gorica, PPO Nova Gorica and National Police, Central Directorate for Criminal Police
  • Spain: Investigative Court in Torremolinos (num 4), Central Court num 3 at Audiencia Nacional; International Cooperation Sections of the Spanish Prosecution Service in Málaga and Antidrug PPO

Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou concludes official visit to Rwanda

Arusha, 4 May 2023– The Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT or Mechanism), Abubacarr M. Tambadou, today concluded an official mission to the Republic of Rwanda from 2 to 4 May 2023.

While on mission during the official mourning period of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Registrar Tambadou began by visiting the Gisozi Genocide Memorial to lay a Wreath and pay tribute to the victims. Subsequently, he held high-level meetings with several senior government officials. The Registrar also held an informal stakeholder briefing at the Kigali Field office.

Registrar Tambadou paid tribute to victims and survivors by also laying a Wreath at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial and met with representatives from IBUKA, an umbrella association of Genocide survivor organisations in Rwanda. He spent time with victims and listened to their concerns, particularly regarding public access to the Mechanism’s work.

During the various meetings, the Registrar provided updates on the status of the trial against Félicien Kabuga and other judicial matters, discussed issues related to the Mechanism’s continuous functions such as the enforcement of sentences, protection of victims and witnesses, and management of the archives, as well as other matters of mutual interest, including areas for future cooperation. He also discussed several measures to increase public access to the Mechanism’s work.

Registrar Tambadou was re-appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as Registrar of the Mechanism effective 1 July 2023.

Zelenskyy visits International Criminal Court 

On 4 May 2023, HE Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where he was received by ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański and ICC Registrar Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

President Hofmański briefed President Zelenskyy on the ICC’s current work, spanning 16 situation countries on four continents and four ongoing trials. He emphasized the Court’s independence and impartiality as a judicial institution mandated to address the most serious crimes under international law. President Hofmański thanked Ukraine for its cooperation with the Court, notably the recent agreement allowing for the creation of an ICC office in the country.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański, President Zelenskyy and ICC Registrar Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler.

President Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for the role of the ICC in providing justice in Ukraine and contributing to the rule of law worldwide.

Ukraine is not a State Party to the Rome Statute, but it has twice exercised its prerogatives to accept the Court’s jurisdiction over alleged crimes under the Rome Statute occurring on its territory, pursuant to article 12(3) of the Statute. The ICC opened an investigation regarding the situation in Ukraine on 2 March 2022.

The President of Ukraine and the President of the ICC after meeting on May 4th in The Hague.

The Defence Attaché Association Annual Gala

The Defence Attaché Association in The Hague organized its annual gala dinner in October of last year, which had to be put on hold for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was dedicated to its members and specially invited guests, coinciding with the autumn briefing for the military attaches accredited to the Netherlands.

This year, the event took place at Madurodam Park, which was transformed into a formal dining room, attracting a record attendance of a hundred guests representing diplomatic missions.

The majority of the guests were posted in the Netherlands, but many were also accredited to the Netherlands and had official residences in various European countries. Defence/Armed Forces Attachés stationed in France, Germany, Belgium, and the UK joined the military attaches living in The Hague for a full-day briefing followed by an exquisite gala dinner and ball with a great live band.

Colonel Stein Johannessen, Norwegian Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Tone; Colonel Piers Strudwick, British Defence Attache in The Hague and his wife Jane.

According to Colonel Stein Westlye Johannessen, the Defence Attaché of Norway and Dean of Defence Attaché Association of The Hague, the event was an unabashed success, providing an opportunity for attachés to deepen their ties with the host country and build strong relationships with key personnel. Speeches were given throughout the evening, including a toast to all heads of states by Captain Antoon Hertogs, Defence Attaché of Sweden, welcome words by Colonel Stein Johannessen, a speech by Brigadier General Jan Blacquiere, Head of the Foreign Liaison Office in the Ministry of Defence, a speech by Vice-admiral Arie Jan de Waard, Directeur of the Defensie Materieel Organisatie, and some words about the war in Ukraine by Colonel Yurii Herashchenko, Defence Attaché of Ukraine. The final toast was given by Colonel Piers Strudwick, Defence Attaché of the United Kingdom, thanking everyone for the dinner.

New attachés were welcomed to the Defence attaché community and after the dinner the ball continued until midnight. The event was a resounding success, and given the increased importance of the military in Europe due to the war in Ukraine, the organizers are already looking forward to this year’s event.

The Philippines Authors Forum

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Philippine Embassy organized an authors’ forum on Contemporary Conversations on Philippine Culture and History.

The forum offered an excellent update on contemporary books, literature and the commemoration of National Literature Month and National Heritage Month. The venue was the Embassy of the Philippines, Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall, on 12 April 2023.

Featuring at the Authors Forum were Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Ms Katrina Stuart Santiago, and Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero. They all delivered outstanding presentations. Isolating the presentation by Dr Stephanie Coo, she held an expose on her encyclopedic study on Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo, Philippines Forum.

In her expose Stephanie Coo focused on the use of the Barong Tagalog and on the colonial clothing culture of the Philippines. She mentioned an interesting detail, the undeniable role men played in fashion. Dr Coo is a passionate chino filipino author and historian educated in Manila, Beijing, and Nice. She was in The Hague for a brief visit.

Dr Stephanie Marie Coo has won the prestigious International Convention of Asia Scholars (ICAS) Book Prize for her book “Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-18.

In his welcome remarks, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya underscored the significance of writing, reading and literature, setting the tone for an evening of engaging discussions. “Reading and literature enables us to see through the lenses of others, and the experiences of others. It makes it possible to comprehend and understand various situations from many perspectives,” the Ambassador said.

Dr. Stephanie Marie Coo, author of the multi-awarded book “Clothing the Colony: Nineteenth-Century Philippine Sartorial Culture, 1820-1896,” provided a visual overview of the attire worn by men and women in the Philippines during the Spanish era. As she explored colonial clothing, she provided unique insights into the clothing styles during that period and emphasized the significance of rigor in doing research, stressing that it must be done scientifically and presented creatively.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, the Philippines Forum.

Ms. Katrina Stuart Santiago, an author, literary critic, writing professor, and founder of PAGASAph, shared the story of how she co-founded “Everything’s Fine,” a Philippine press that publishes books on independent cultural practices. She shared her personal journey in writing and how she pursued independence, not by isolating but by immersing herself in her surroundings and simply aspiring to be better. “Storytelling is an act of rebellion, and that it is crucial to support independent cultural practices,” she said.

Mr Kristian Sendon Cordero, Philippines Forum.

Chosen as one of the Philippines’ Ten Most Outstanding Young Men in 2022, Mr. Kristian Sendon Cordero, talked about the inspiring story of how he established the bookshop “Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema,” which has become the creative heart of Naga City. He shared how this bookshop opened new engagements and networks among younger populations and indigenous communities in Naga and the whole of Bicol province, built around the common love for arts, books, and cinema.

The lively and insightful open forum that followed was moderated by Ms. Dheza Aguilar, Managing Editor of The Filipino Expat Magazine, while Consul Nomer Ado served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

In a Facebook post, the SARO Community said “Cultures have always been changing and adapting… but being away from home should not give us the impression that it’s okay to forget our own – it is our moral responsibility to encourage, understand, protect and preserve our cultural heritage.”

The event was organized in collaboration with the SARO Community, the Bicol Community Nederlands Foundation, and the Savage Mind: Arts, Books and Cinema, a bookstore based in Naga City, Camarines Sur.”

Indeed, a vivid, insightful and captivating open forum.