President Gatti Santana concludes her official visit to Rwanda

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President Gatti Santana concludes her official visit to Rwanda

Kigali, 7 April 2023– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today concluded her official visit to the Republic of Rwanda. The visit took place on the occasion of the Twenty-Ninth Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka29).

President Gatti Santana started her five-day mission with a visit to the Kibeho Genocide Memorial, where she paid her respects to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda who are buried there. She described this experience as “very moving”, emphasising the importance of continuing to honour the memory of the victims and stand up against denial of the Genocide.

While in Kigali, President Gatti Santana met with a number of high-level Rwandan Government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Dr. Vincent Biruta, and the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, His Excellency Dr. Jean-Damascène Bizimana. She also held a productive joint meeting with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honourable Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, and the Prosecutor General, Mr. Aimable Havugiyaremye. In addition, President Gatti Santana had the pleasure of meeting with the Honourable Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Rwanda, Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo.

During her various interactions with the Rwandan officials, President Gatti Santana provided updates on the Mechanism’s activities and its plans for the future, and emphasised the institution’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accountability for the crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The discussions focused on the case against Mr. Félicien Kabuga, public access to the Mechanism’s work, opportunities for knowledge sharing, the enforcement of sentences and other post-conviction matters, as well as developments in cases from the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda that were referred to the national courts of Rwanda.

President Gatti Santana also met with representatives from IBUKA, an umbrella association of Genocide survivor organisations in Rwanda, where she engaged directly with victims and took note of their specific concerns in relation to the Mechanism’s work. President Gatti Santana reiterated the important role that victims and witnesses have played in enabling the Mechanism, and its predecessor Tribunals, to deliver justice.

President Gatti Santana concluded her mission by taking part in today’s official Kwibuka29 Commemoration, which was held at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi.

President Gatti Santana assumed the Presidency of the Mechanism on 1 July 2022.

One year of the “Pact for Solidarity and the Future”

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One year of the “Pact for Solidarity and the Future”

Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Dr. Peter Tschentscher plan further cooperation between Hamburg and Kyiv

3 April 2023, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: One year after the founding of the “Pact for Solidarity and Future” between Hamburg and Kyiv, the mayors Dr. Vitali Klitschko and Dr. Peter Tschentscher have taken stock and planned further cooperation between their cities. At a meeting in Hamburg City Hall, Klitschko reported on the current situation in the Ukrainian capital. The mayors reaffirmed their common goal of continuing and expanding the cooperation between the two cities. Hamburg will soon set up a care centre for children in need in Kyiv. The Kyiv mayor was accompanied by his brother Vladimir Klitschko and Tatjana Kiel from the #WeAreAllUkrainians initiative.

Kyiv Mayor Dr. Vitali Klitschko said during the conference: “Kyiv is grateful to Hamburg – a partner city that supports and helps the Ukrainian capital. We also appreciate the fact that Hamburg has taken in Ukrainians who fled the war and is still helping them.  We are grateful for the humanitarian and economic aid to Kyiv. We will continue to work together, especially in the implementation of projects of security of supply and the reconstruction of Kyiv after the war.”

Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher: “The people of Hamburg stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are experiencing great suffering and injustice as a result of Russia’s attacks. In the ‘Pact for Solidarity and the Future’, we support Kyiv in the current emergency and plan further cooperation between our cities as soon as the reconstruction can begin. Children in Kyiv have been particularly affected by the war. The new day care centre will give them a place of safety and support. There are many ways to help the people of Ukraine from Hamburg. Every contribution is welcome. I thank Mayor Klitschko for his visit to Hamburg and his great personal commitment to the resistance against Russian aggression, which is of utmost importance for all of us in Europe.”

Background

With the “Pact for Solidarity and Future”, the City of Hamburg in cooperation with #WeAreAllUkrainians, the Chamber of Commerce Hamburg and Hanseatic Help e.V. supports the Ukrainian capital. So far, the following aid has been provided:

– 300 pallets with relief goods donated by Hamburg citizens and Hamburg companies.

– More than 170,000 euros have been received from Hamburg companies and private individuals into the Pact’s donation account. Among other things, the donations were used to purchase window insulation foil to make damaged buildings winter-proof.

– The Hamburg police and fire brigade have sent goods from their inventory worth almost 230,000 euros to Kyiv, including five ambulances, over 1,500 breathing masks and 1,400 lung regulators.

– With financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the City of Hamburg was able to procure medical first-aid kits and power generators worth a total of 120,000 euros for Kyiv.

 – The Hamburg police and fire brigade have sent goods from their inventory worth almost 230,000 euros to Kyiv, including five ambulances, over 1,500 breathing masks and 1,400 lung regulators.

– With financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the City of Hamburg was able to procure medical first-aid kits and power generators worth a total of 120,000 euros for Kyiv.

Hamburg also supports Kyiv in maintaining critical infrastructure and provides technical advice in this regard. In March 2022, Hamburg Wasser entered into an operator partnership with the Ukrainian water utility Kyiv Vodokanal. The companies’ experts regularly exchange information on the operation of the main water treatment plant in Kyiv. In addition, various Hamburg institutions and authorities have established contacts with Kyiv and offer their support.

In the coming weeks, it is planned to equip a Day Care Centre for children in Kyiv. The Day Care Centre is intended to offer children who have lost their parents, had to flee or have been displaced a place of refuge with psychological and socio-educational care.

Hamburg is already involved in the reconstruction of Ukraine and participates in corresponding EU initiatives together with other German and European cities.

For further information 

Partnership Kyiv & Hamburg: https://kyiv.hamburg.de/kyiv

ICC’s new Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler takes oath

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ICC’s new Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler takes oath

Today, 5 April 2023 , Osvaldo Zavala Giler was sworn in as Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a public ceremony held at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands.

H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová, Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties and Judge Piotr Hofmański, ICC President, served as witness to the solemn undertaking.

ICC Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler and H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová, Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties.

Opening the ceremony, ICC President Piotr Hofmański, stated “Mr Zavala Giler comes to the post of Registrar with a wealth of highly relevant experience. He has served in progressively senior functions in the ICC’s Registry for more than 11 years, gaining first-hand insight into all the different responsibilities – as well as challenges – that the Registrar’s job carries. During this time, he has shown great skill and commitment in performing his duties. I have no doubt that he is a person to whom Peter Lewis can hand the baton with confidence at the end of his mandate.”

HE Katerina Sequensová, Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties, said: “I would like to assure Mr. Zavala Giler of the full support of the Assembly and its States Parties in the steadfast defense of the Rome Statute, the Court , its officials and staff.”

H.E. Ms. Katerina Sequensová, Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties and Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Netherlands.

Mr Zavala Giler then signed his oath before ASP Vice-President HE Katerina Sequensová. “I am committed to honoring the confidence the Judges placed in me by further strengthening and streamlining the various duties and services to the judicial proceedings and the administration of the Court that fall under the remit of the Registry, working with all parties and participants, in a fair, neutral and expeditious way. I will also be guided by the duty to preserve the legitimacy of the Court, and I will work closely with our States Parties and all our stakeholders to ensure the Court can and will succeed in the fulfillment of its critical mandate”, he declared.

ICC judges during the ceremony.

Osvaldo Zavala Giler (Ecuador) was elected for a period of five years by the judges of the Court, on 10 February 2023. Succeeding ICC Registrar Peter Lewis (United Kingdom), Mr Zavala Giler will formally take office on 17 April 2023.

ICC Registrar Peter Lewis and the ICC new Registrar, Osvaldo Zabala Giler.

As Registrar, he will exercise his functions as the principal administrative officer of the Court under the authority of the President, and head one of the four organs of the Court, the Registry.

The Registry is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration of the Court, and as such supports the Court so it can conduct fair and effective public proceedings. The Registry is responsible for general court management, security, public information, court records, translation and interpretation, counsel support, support for victims to participate in proceedings and apply for reparations, and much more.

Reparation order in the Mustafa case

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Reparation order in the Mustafa case

Today, on 6 April 2023, Trial Panel I in a public hearing issued the reparation order in the case of Salih Mustafa who was found guilty on 16th December 2022 of the war crimes of arbitrary detention, torture, and murder, and sentenced to 26 years of imprisonment.

The Panel ordered Mr. Mustafa to pay an overall sum of €207,000 as compensation for the harm inflicted on the victims of the crimes for which he is convicted. The Panel determined that compensation for each of the victims on an individual basis constitutes the most appropriate type and modality of reparation and ordered varying amounts to be paid to each of the eight participating victims, ranging from €2,000 to €80,000.

These amounts followed the Victims’ Counsel’s request, which the Trial Panel considered to be reasonable and to reflect the scope and extent of the harm suffered by the victims. The Panel noted that its jurisdiction in this case will cease with the issuance of this Reparation Order. The Panel therefore invited the President of the KSC to designate a judicial authority which will be in charge of monitoring and overseeing the implementation and execution of the Reparation Order.

While the Panel recalled that the responsibility to pay the compensation lies exclusively with Mr. Mustafa, they noted that Mr. Mustafa currently does not have the means to fully comply with the order. Therefore, the Panel emphasized that other actors ought to step in, in order to execute the Reparation Order, especially Kosovo. In this regard, the Trial Panel indicated that Kosovo’s current Crime Victim Compensation Program could be an alternative to execute the Reparation Order, although the maximum sums which can be awarded under this program are less than the amounts established in the Reparation Order.

Therefore, the Panel invited Kosovo to create a new reparation mechanism for victims of crimes within the jurisdiction of the KSC in order to ensure an equal treatment between the suspects and accused before the KSC, who are financially supported for their defence through the Kosovo budget, whereas nothing is provided for the victims of crimes within the jurisdiction of the KSC. Furthermore, the Panel observed that the legislation in Kosovo addressing harm and injuries suffered in the context of the war in Kosovo in 1998-1999 refers exclusively to the victims of the enemy forces which, in view of the Panel, creates a discrimination between the victims of this war.

L’Université Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) remporte le concours

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L’Université Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) remporte le concours

L’Université Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) remporte la version française du concours de procès fictif de la Cour pénale internationale

Aujourd’hui, le 6 avril 2023, l’Université Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) a remporté la finale de la version française du concours de procès fictif de la Cour pénale internationale (CPI), qui a eu lieu en salle d’audience I de la CPI à La Haye (Pays-Bas).

L’equipe de l’Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas.

L’Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas (France) a remporté la deuxième place. Le jury était composé de M. le juge de la CPI Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, juge président, Mme la juge de la CPI Reine Alapini-Gansou, et de la juriste de la CPI Sophie Courtmans.

Le prix du « Meilleur orateur » a été décerné à M. Sèlomè Aitchedji de l’Université Thomas Sankara. L’équipe lauréate était composée de M. Sèlomè Aitchedji, Mme Flora Illa, Mme Nadia Kaboré and M. Lamoussa Hien.

M. le juge Perrin de Brichambaut, président du jury du concours.

Les équipes se sont affrontées dans une affaire fictive et ont présenté leurs arguments dans les rôles du Bureau du Procureur et de la Défense, qui ont été diffusés en direct sur le site Internet de la Cour ainsi que sur son compte Facebook.

Cette deuxième édition du concours de procès fictif en langue française est organisée par l’Académie de droit international de La Haye, avec le soutien de l’Ambassade de France aux Pays-Bas. 26 universités de 11 pays ont participé à l’étape préliminaire écrite du concours de plaidoirie de la CPI en langue française, et 9 universités de 4 pays ont concouru lors de la phase orale.

Dans le cadre du programme qu’elle consacre aux milieux universitaires, la CPI soutient l’organisation de concours de procès fictifs en anglais, en espagnol, et en français, et envisage d’en soutenir également l’organisation d’une version en arabe à l’avenir. Ces initiatives jouent un rôle fondamental pour susciter dans les milieux universitaires de l’intérêt pour le travail de la Cour et pour mieux faire connaître et respecter le droit international pénal.

Election of six judges of the ICC

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Election of six judges of the ICC

The Assembly of States Parties will elect six judges of the International Criminal Court at
its twenty-second session from 4 to 14 December 2023.

In accordance with the legal framework of the Rome Statute, article 36, paragraph 3,
the judges of the International Criminal Court “shall be chosen from among persons of high moral character, impartiality and integrity who possess the qualifications required in their respective States for appointment to the highest judicial office.”

For that purpose, and pursuant to resolution ICC-ASP/21/Res.2, paragraph 82, the Bureau,
on 28 February 2023, established a due diligence process for the election of six judges in 2023 whereby “the IOM shall establish a confidential channel for the receipt of allegations of misconduct against any of the nominated candidates.”

Paragraph 9 of the due diligence process provides that ‘For the purposes of this due
diligence process, “misconduct” refers to human rights violations, incidents of harassment,
including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination and bullying in the workplace, as well as other ethical or legal breaches of a serious nature such as fraud or corruption.’

The list of candidates nominated for election is available on the webpage of the Assembly
at the following link: https://asp.icc-cpi.int/elections/judges/2023/Nominations

Any allegations of misconduct as defined above may be reported confidentially no later
than 30 June 2023, to the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), a subsidiary body of the Assembly, at the following email address:
IOM.Vetting@icc-cpi.int

The allegation and its review by the IOM shall be kept confidential at all times and it be will
treated in accordance with the provisions of the due diligence process: https://asp.icccpi.int/elections/judges/2023.

The IOM can also be contacted directly at the above email address with any questions regarding the process.

For more information, see : https://asp.icc-cpi.int/elections/judges/2023

Indonesia Media Diplomatic  Gathering  2023

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Indonesia Media Diplomatic  Gathering  2023

By Roy Lie Atjam

On Friday, 17 March 2023, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, invited a selection of media persons to a casual gathering at his residence Wisma Duta, to reignite the cordial relationship with the media. 

Even though the world is undergoing tremendous changes not seen for decades, and we are at the brink of The era of Metaverse Diplomacy, we still need to meet face-to-face.

After a friendly welcome, “Selamat petang dan selamat dating” Ambassador Mayerfas mentioned the purpose of the gathering which was to reconnect, renew our networks, after a hiatus due to the pandemic, to get to know each other better and have an interchange of ideas.

Ambassador Mayerfas addressing the guests.

Ambassador Mayerfas  went on to say, “I know that we have online news or social media that live 24/7, but I always believe that seeing in person, exchanging views directly is so much better and meaningful. Do you agree?

On this good occasion, first, I wish to thank you all, for your attentiveness, and more for what you have been doing, through mainstream as well as social media platform, including blogs and podcasts, to make news and to promote Indonesia in many ways.

I know you all must be familiar with a famous saying: ‘Bad news is good news. Good news is no news. No news is bad news’.

In this era of social media and public journalism, I think there is almost nothing can be kept behind the closed doors. For me, as the Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands, I would say one simple thing, “Nothing is perfect.”

In the last 77 years since its independence, Indonesia has been going through many ups and downs, just like any other countries in the world. Indonesia has experienced many crises: political, social, financial, and the pandemic, but we have proven that we are resilient and we can come back stronger.

When the pandemic was still lingering and amidst the geopolitical crises, Indonesia chaired the G20 and we delivered. When the global economy demonstrated a slowdown, ours remains strong and become the ‘bright spot’ in the region.

Our economy grew 5.3 percent. Investment increased 3.87 percent. And our inflation rate was under control at 5.5 percent.

Next, I would like to mention that year 2023 is an important stepping-stone for Indonesia. Aside that we are holding the chairmanship of ASEAN and MIKTA, Indonesia is also in the period of preparing our General Election in 2024, a crucial step towards deciding the next leadership.

We are also in the period of preparing our New Capital, that will be the center of Government, but also the center of green innovation.

Looking ahead, Indonesia is optimistic that our economy will continue to grow despite the global challenges, and whatever the result of the election next year.

It is not without reason. Indonesia has abundant natural resources. 70 percent of the population is within the productive age. It is a demographic bonus. This is reinforced by national dan regional stability.

Now, back to you. Media has always been an important corner stone of democracy. Indonesian Embassy has put efforts to promote engagement with the wide public in the Netherlands and beyond. But of course, we have limitations. There is where we need you, as a professional, or freelancer, or individual.

So, the second and last thing I wish to mention is that the purpose of this gathering is: Because anyhow, Indonesia and the Netherlands are no stranger. We have a long-shared history, but sometimes we have different perspectives. So, let us sit down and talk, and create a strong bridge for the people of our two countries.“

Indonesian dinner for selected medias at the residence Wisma Dutawith hosted by Ambassador Mayerfas.

A  dinner concluded the evening, on the menu featuring, Sup Tekwan, Manis Rendang, Martabak manis and much more.

By all means, a successful media gathering.

International Francophonie Day – Francophonie Without Borders

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International Francophonie Day – Francophonie Without Borders

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 20th March 2023. Each year, on 20 March, Francophones celebrate their shared language and the great cultural diversity that comes with it. Therefore, H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia and President of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, welcomed the guests on behalf of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in The Hague, to celebrate together the International Day of La Francophonie; day organized jointly by the alliance française, the French Institute in the Netherlands, the Lycée Français Vincent Van Gogh, with the support of TV5 monde.

The theme was   “Francophonie without borders” the program took visitors on a trip to six countries of the Francophonie: Côte d’Ivoire, Romania, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Wallonia- Brussels.

Each country offered a typical cultural activity, illustrating  the cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches the common Francophone Movement. The Ambassadors of Rwanda, France, Armenia, Morocco, Tunisia and representatives of Roumania and Wallonia, graced the event by  their presence. Further in attendance, visitors from all walks of life,  including children.

H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri, Ambassador of Morocco, Mr. Richard Schreurs, President of the Alliance Française of The Hague, Ms. Hélène Pichon, Director of the Alliance Française de La Haye & Coordinator of the Network of Alliances Françaises of the Netherlands H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune, Ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia and Mr. Alexandru Ion Steriu, Press Counsellor, Embassy of Romania. Photography by Tom Vandecasteele for Diplomat Magazine.

H.E. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia, and President of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, delivered the welcome address at this festive occasion by welcomed the guests on behalf of the Group of Francophone Ambassadors in The Hague, to celebrate together the International Day of La Francophonie. Here is a free translation of the French text.

“We are very happy to share with you this beautiful evening in such a friendly atmosphere which reflects the depth of the bonds of friendship existing within our French-speaking space. Your remarkable and eminent participation testifies to the common will of the French-speaking family to celebrate together what I named the other day our coming together in a constellation of particularities. This union despite diversity is sealed through a tool that is dear to all of us, the language of Molière. »

The evening entitled “Francophonie without borders”: the international day of the Francophonie”, staged a trip to 6 countries of the Francophonie: Côte d’Ivoire, Romania, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Wallonia- Brussels. Each country has a room to offer the public a typical cultural activity, which illustrates the cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches the common Francophone Movement.

Ms. Hélène Pichon and the ambassador of France, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune. Also in the picture, the Ambassador of Rwanda, the President of the Alliance Francaise and the Ambassador of Tunisia. Photography by Tom Vandecasteele for Diplomat Magazine.

“Each year, on March 20,” says the Ambassador, “International Francophonie Day is celebrated around the world. This date refers to the birth, on March 20, 1970 in Niamey (Niger), of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation, which is the ancestor of the International Organization of La Francophonie. Established in 1988, this festive event is a way for the States and governments of the OIF to celebrate this important event and to rekindle the flame of the desire for fruitful cooperation between them.

Tunisia, which currently chairs the Mouvement de la Francophonie, attaches great importance to the celebration of this Day, in which it sees a symbol of peace, solidarity, tolerance and mutual understanding. Founding country of the institutional Francophonie and active partner in the Movement, Tunisia has always paid constant and particular attention to the development of the Francophone project.

H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune, Ambassador of France and H.E. Mr. Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of Rwanda showing the Passport, Francophonie sans frontières. Photography by Tom Vandecasteele for Diplomat Magazine.

Anchored in its multiple North African, Arab-Muslim, African and Mediterranean identity, Tunisia has remained over the centuries an open country, tolerant in the search for new frameworks of cooperation, basing its relations with the rest of the world on a spirit of collaboration and partnership that benefits Tunisians and all of humanity”.

La Francophonie sans frontières: la journée internationale de la Francophonie, edition 2023 has been a resounding success.

François Delattre pays introductory call on Dr. Tschentscher

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François Delattre pays introductory call on Dr. Tschentscher

Monday, 27 March 2023, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany: France’s Ambassador to Germany, François Delattre embarked on his maiden trip to Hamburg, and was received by the First Mayor of the aforesaid city-state, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, who is likewise serving at the federal level in the capacity as President pro tempore of the Federal Council (Bundesrat); a position he took from Bodo Ramelow, the Premier of Thuringia. 

Topics concerning the implementation, and the significance of the Élysée Treaty were discussed, as the latter turned 60 years old in January 2023. For First Mayor Tschentscher the latter is of particular relevance, for he served in the capacity as ‘Cultural Plenipotentiary in the framework of the Franco-German cooperation’ back in 2018. The latter being a role created out of the Élysée Treaty. 

Delattre was accredited to the German Federation on Tuesday, 27 September 2022. He arrived in Germany after serving as the Secretary-General of the Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, the second ranking official that is, from 2019 through 2022. He speaks French, German and English. His illustrious career began in 1989. François Delattre has furthermore served in the capacity as Permanent Representative to the UN in NYC (2014-2019); Ambassador to the United States (2011-2014); Ambassador to Canada (2008-2011); or Consul General in New York (2004-2008). 

Ambassador Delattre (b. 15 novembre 1963) holds a licentiate degree in International Law, and the diplomatic rank of Minister Plenipotentiary ‘hors classe‘ – extraordinary. 

For further information 

French Embassy in Germany: https://de.ambafrance.org/Biographie-de-M-Francois-Delattre

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