Under the Rome Statute, the Registrar is the principal administrative officer of the Court, who exercises his or her functions under the authority of the ICC President. The Registrar is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration and servicing of the Court, without prejudice to the functions and powers of the ICC Prosecutor, whose office acts independently as a separate organ of the Court.
Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler is a national of Ecuador with broad work experience at the International Criminal Court. He has worked at the Court in different capacities, including as Chief of Budget Section, Senior Special Assistant to the Registrar and Head of Office of the Courtâs Liaison Office to the United Nations in New York. He is a founding member of the Sexual and Gender Diversity Network at the Court.
Mr Zavala Giler will be the first person from the Latin American and Caribbean Region to occupy the office of Registrar since its inception twenty-five years ago. The festive celebration took place at the Chancellery of Ecuador in The Hague on 9 March 2023.
H.E. Mr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General Permanent Court of Arbitrage and ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmanski.
It is my firm conviction that the Honourable Judges of the ICC have made the right choice for this incredibly important position, given both the personal and professional qualities of Osvaldo, as well as his profound institutional knowledge of the Rome Statute System. In that context, I would also like to recognize the truly competitive nature of this election, with many highly skilled and competent candidates having participated.
Like many of you, I know Osvaldo as a dedicated and exemplary international civil servant, whose lifelong commitment to the Court, and other important causes and activities, is truly admirable and reflects his principles and human qualities. I would like to express my complete confidence in his ability to successfully and energetically lead the Registry into this new chapter of its operations, and in furtherance of the high objectives set by the Rome Statute and the international community.
H.E. Mr. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General Permanent Court of Arbitrage and the new ICC Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler.
Ecuador is honoured and proud to have such a distinguished Ecuadorian be elected to this role. We shall endeavour to continue to be an active State Party to the Rome Statute, and look forward to further strengthening and contributing to the ICCÂŽs efforts through our work here in The Hague, as well as in the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly in New York. I wish Osvaldo the greatest luck and success as registrar, and look forward to working closely together. I could not conclude these remarks without mentioning the outstanding contributions made by Mr. Peter Lewis, as registrar over the last five years. Thank you Peter.â
ICC Registrar, Peter Levis and the Ambassador of Ecuador, H.E. Andres Teran Parral.
Subsequently, in his acceptance speech, Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler remarked âlet me start by mentioning how sincerely grateful I am to my Embassy and the Ambassador for hosting this marvellous reception. Very humbling!
Osvaldo Zavala Giler went on, talking about the registrar at ICC, “we have new challenges, but we have seen a demonstration of trust from the state parties, they have invested in this institution and they have talked to us, now is the time to deliver and delivering is going to be my priority as registrar. We need to make sure that the institution lives up to the expectation states have in us.”
“We have a difficult mandate, we have never had an easy one, ever, now complications are different, complex but we always navigated in complex waters. We have the resilience you have demonstrated and the organization has the capacity to adapt, the capacity to move forward.”
H.E. Ms. Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, President of the Assembly of State Parties to the
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and Osvaldo Zavala Giler.
The registrar-elect concluded his acceptance remarks by stating the following words showing his natural openness and confidence. “I want to thank you all, I see faces that have mentor me or will continue to mentor me. I will need you, I will need you to be effective, I will need you to be strong, I will need you to guide me. You are inspiring. I have five years to ask for favours. I just want to say thank you.”
It is reasonable to believe that in the coming days, months and years, registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler will put forth efforts to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the registry remains vibrant and robust!
Between October 2022 and March 2023, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden hosted a major exhibition called âByblos, The Worldâs Most Ancient Portâ.
What began around 6500 BC as a simple fishing village grew into a prosperous city with a rich history. Around 3000 BC, Byblos played an extraordinary role, as the most important trade hub between the Mediterranean and Middle East, being the worldâs first international seaport, because of the trade with cedar wood from the trees which are now a symbol of the country, Lebanon. Wood, silver, wine, and oil found their way from Byblos by sea to Egypt and in return, the city received gold, linen, precious stones or elephant ivory. The precursor of our alphabet was also developed in Byblos. Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans left their marks on the city. Particularly important were the city’s special ties to ancient Egypt and the goddess known as the âLady of Byblosâ.
Byblos Exhibition – Leiden Museum of Antiquities.
The exhibition, which ended in March, presented around 500 artefacts from famous museums such as the Louvre and the British Museum, and also from the National Museum of Beirut. The shipment of the collections was provided by specialized art transport companies, which handled everything with most care.
The planning of the exhibition had to be adjusted several times due to the Covid-19 restrictions between 2020 and 2022. But in the end, after three years of working closely together with the Lebanese Ministry of Culture/Directorate General of Antiquities and the Embassy of Lebanon in The Hague, the exhibition finally saw the light of day. It brought together millennia of world history and culture. All the figurines of gods, goddesses, warriors or animals, richly decorated weapons and jewellery, were presented as a storybook, in which famous stories from Antiquity were set in the port, palaces and cedar forests of Byblos, a succession of pop-ups with ships, cedar trees and mythological creatures, large projected 3D reconstructions and drone shots of the excavated ruins and historical photos of the first excavations in the early twentieth century.
The exhibition was officially opened by HE Judge Mohamad Wissan El Mortada, the Minister of Culture of Lebanon / his wife Judge Maya Kanaan.
They all attracted much attention upon the whole event which was officially opened on October 13 2022 by H.E. Judge Mohamad Wissan El Mortada, the Minister of Culture of Lebanon, together with his wife, Judge Maya Kanaan, with the special participation of the Ambassador of Lebanon to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, H.E. Ms. Frances Latinou Williams, Ambassador of Cyprus and Wim Weijland, Director Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
H.E. Mr. Daifallah Ali Daifallah Alfayez, Ambassador of Jordan, H.E. Mr. Ali Aldafiri, Ambassador of Kuwait, H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Sheikh dr. Abdullah bin Salim bin Hamad Al Harthi, Ambassador of Oman, and H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia.
H.E. Mr. Daifallah Ali Daifallah Alfayez, Ambassador of Jordan, H.E. Mr. Ali Aldafiri, Ambassador of Kuwait, H.E. Ms. Rawan Sulaiman, Chief of Palestinian Mission, H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Sheikh dr. Abdullah bin Salim bin Hamad Al Harthi, Ambassador of Oman, and H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia, H.E. Mr. Jean-Marie Hoscheit, Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Ms. Caterina Ghini, Ambassador of Greece and H.E. Mr. Marc Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta, were also present at the grand opening.
H.E. Mr. Jean-Marie Hoscheit, Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Ms. Caterina Ghini, Ambassador of Greece and H.E. Mr. Marc Anthony Pace, Ambassador of Malta.
Since then, the museum has received over 103.000 visitors. Also, as Selkit Verberk (in charge of PR, Marketing & Communication at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden) communicated, âthe exhibition received a lot of media attention, especially during the first months. The nature of the articles ranged from exhibition reviews to nice background articles on the history and archeology of ancient Byblos, in newspapers, magazines and online media, even from other countries, including Lebanon and Belgiumâ.
Ever since the preparations for the exhibition started, the museum has been in touch with the Embassy of Lebanon to The Netherlands. H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon, was one of the best supporters of the project and also a speaker at the formal opening ceremony.
H.E. Mr. Abdel Sattar Issa, Ambassador of Lebanon, H.E. Ms. Frances Latinou Williams, Ambassador of Cyprus, Mr. Wim Weijland, Director Rijksmuseum van Oudheden and H.E. Mr. Hatem Elsayed Mohamed Kamaleldin, Ambassador of Egypt.
The fantastic exhibition about Byblos was developed in partnership with the Lebanese Ministry of Culture/Directorate General of Antiquities. Through this partnership, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is supporting the construction of a new archaeological museum and cultural centre at the historical site of Byblos. This museum is set to open to the public in the spring of 2023.
The exhibition was also developed with the support of the Blockbusterfonds and the VriendenLoterij, with thanks to the Lebanese Embassy (The Hague), the Dutch Embassy (Beirut) and Labrys Reizen.
âByblosâ is the fourth successful exhibition at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden, from a series of events which were dedicated to key cities of Antiquity, following the very successful ones about Petra between 2013 and 2014, Carthage between 2014 and 2015, and Nineveh between 2017 and 2018.
Selkit Verberk says that âit would be fantastic to make a fifth exhibition about another famous city from Antiquity, but there are currently no concrete plans to do so. Our next big winter exhibition is about a Dutch subject, The Year 1000, and will show the present-day Netherlands in all its 10th and 11th-century diversity and glory, paying attention to the lives of both ordinary and extraordinary peopleâ.
Byblos Exhibition.
For sure, it will be another success, as this one was.
These days, the ancient city of Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and archaeological research is still ongoing. So, maybe in the near future, weâll get to see new artefacts from that interesting site and time.
By Mr. Hudayor Meliev, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistanâs first Public Service Centres (PSCs) were established five years ago, as a means of ensuring wider use of public services, reducing the time and financial costs of accessing services, and increasing the populationâs satisfaction with how state bodies serve them.
PSCs deliver services to individuals and legal entities using the âone stopâ principle, by which the public can access a service through one visit to a single office. Delivering fast, high-quality and transparent service requires avoiding bureaucracy and administrative obstacles. It requires the ability to transfer documents and information digitally between offices. Lastly there is the need to ensure compliance with the requirements of legal documents and administrative regulations for providing public services.
The PSCs were established as part of the Ministry of Justice system with the aim to successfully implement reforms in the field of public services, and to provide legal support for them.
The principle of âMoving documents instead of citizensâ has been identified as a central principle for providing public services. A solid legal framework has been established to regulate this area, particularly based on the laws âOn administrative proceduresâ and âOn licensing, permitting and notification proceduresâ, administrative regulations were adopted on each service.
As a result of implemented legal and organizational measures, PSCs have become centres for solving problems encountered by the citizens, while also simplifying relations between state organizations and citizens.
The number and types of services offered at Uzbekistanâs PSCs are steadily increasing.
280 types of services are currently delivered through PSCs, compared to the 37 offered through the first centres established. 100 new services were offered in 2022 alone. Every day 40,000 to 45,000 citizens visit the centres and up till now 45 million service deliveries have been completed.
During 2022, about 12 million public services were provided, which is 83 times more than in 2017. The number of documents required for the provision of public services was reduced from 221 to 95 (57 %).
A new practice was established where 28 types of public services are delivered to citizens and business entitiesâ address through the mail on the request. This allows citizens to avoid visiting the PSCs or the competent authorities second time.
Great efforts have been made to ensure that PSC buildings are modern, accessible and convenient for citizens living across Uzbekistan, including for those in our nationâs rural and remote areas.
PSCs have been established across all over the Republicâs 208 districts and cities. Modern buildings have been built to house 180 PSCs, 79 established through public-private partnerships. 138 PSC branches have been set up in remote, mountainous areas of Uzbekistan, between 50 and 100 kilometres away from district urban centres. Local citizens no longer have to make long trips to access services.
Today PSCs have all amenities needed by visitors, including waiting rooms equipped with electronic queue systems, information stands, self-service corners, medical assistance, bookshelves and children’s playgrounds, Wi-Fi zones, and cafes.
It should be noted separately that in order to create comfort for citizens with hearing and speech impairments, the surdo translator service was also established. During 2022, 254 of such citizens were served.
Digitalization service delivery and blockchain technology
The Ministry of Justice has done an unprecedented job in helping digitize Uzbekistanâs public services. In the past 3 years, more than 60 million archival documents of the civil registry office have been scanned and stored digitally, making it possible to digitize the delivery of civil registry services in Uzbekistan.
As a result of digitalization, the possibility of determining the composition of the family was created in the information system.
Also, the extraterritorial principle has been established to the procedure for recording civil status act records.
The process of providing public services related to registration of civil status records is being developed using the âprinciple of continuous improvementâ.
Incorporating blockchain technology into the system of electronically registering civil status records has guaranteed the reliability and security of these records.
The Ministry of Justice helped to create a Data Processing Centre (DCP), equipping it with modern server devices and equipment needed to store, process and digitize archival documents in the registry system.
Applying this technology in the Civil Registryâs single electronic archive has eliminated existing bureaucratic processes and improved the quality of service, ensuring safe storage and simplified access to information on the life events of citizens.
Services offered on a mobile basis and an extraterritorial principle
Mobile state services have been established to better assist citizens living in Uzbekistanâs remote areas. During 2022 alone, more than 800 thousand mobile services were provided.
Specially-adapted vehicles function as these PSCs, equipped with modern information and communication tools.
Picture
Since 2019, all services provided through public service centres have been established on the principle of “extraterritorial “.
What does this give to the population? Regardless of where they live or where they are registered, citizens and entrepreneurs will be able to use services at places convenient for them.
Making the public aware of online services is important task
Today in Uzbekistan we talk more about digital government, rather than the concept of e-government. Necessary legal framework and infrastructure has been established, and the âDigital Uzbekistan â 2030â state programme has been adopted.
It has become essential to educate citizens on using public services online, and improving their skills in this direction. One key step in this progress has been establishing self-service corners at PSCs, the use of which are guided by customers service assistants, which have helped citizens access online services in a simple way.
In particular, public services used online by citizens amounted to 3,1 million in 2020, 8,4 million in 2021, and 11,8 million in 2022.
In this case, the corners of self-service have become important and equipped with the necessary material equipment and connected to the Internet network. In doing so, PSCs employees provide visitors with the necessary explanations and advice about the benefits of using the online service.
From 1 August 2022 a âMobile-IDâ for personal identification has been introduced into the public services system. This alternative means of identification has served to fully implement the principle of âfrom web to appâ.
Although there was not much time before the start of the “Mobile-ID” system, about 750,000 citizens began to use this system by registering.
List of documents forbidden to demand from the population approved
To reduce bureaucracy and red tape in public service provision, the need for Uzbekistanâs citizens to present 73 types of documents and references has been cancelled, alongside the simplifying of more than 200 procedures.
This means that more than 20 million people each year have been freed from excessive paperwork, from travelling to offices, and helped to save about 300 billion money of population related visiting to government offices.
Documents that can no longer be requested from citizens include identity documents and photos, and employment records. The practice of requiring these documents has been in place for the last 80 years, causing annoyance and frustration to citizens. Reducing document requests has radically improved relations between state and citizens.
Multiple services delivered through a single citizen request
Services have been strategically packaged as a way of preventing citizens from wasting time while moving from office to office â interrelated public services delivered in a composite form, on the basis of a citizensâ single request.
For example, when registering their childâs birth at a PSC, parents will be simultaneously registering their baby at a polyclinic, sending an application to receive the one-time financial allowance for new parents, registering their baby at their permanent address, and entering the queue for state preschool education. Achieving all these once-separated outcomes through a single process not only saves new parents time and financial resources, but also eliminates the need for them to submit 15 individual documents. For the average 70,000 births recorded each month in Uzbekistan, parents have been saved 280,000 visits to public offices. As a result of this, the citizens were able to save more than 11 billion soums.
Proactive service delivery
On its own initiative, the provision of proactive public services was established, which implies that state organizations offer citizens to use the necessary service in a given situation.
For example, since November 2022, a system has been introduced for the appointment of benefits paid to children under 18 years of age with disabilities and children with a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus under the age of 18, as well as care benefits in a “proactive form” without requiring additional documents from citizens.
We agree in time that one of the experts in this field is the Estonian specialist Marten Kaivats, who says that “the best service is one that you didnât even notice that you have received it.”
Public Service Centres functioning as free legal advice centres
The legal advisory offices of Uzbekistanâs âMadadâ NGO are located in the buildings of the district and city PSCs, providing free primary legal assistance on legal issues, including online advice and explanations. This service has helped to develop the populationâs awareness of and access to impartial legal assistance. In the first nine months of 2022, free legal aid was provided to 120,530 citizens through this means.
Monitoring PSC service delivery
Situation centres are recognized as being one of the most effective means of implementing a situational approach to strategic management. Between 300 and 1,500 applicants visit PSCs and Civil registry offices daily. A Situation Centre has been established at the Ministry of Justice, to monitor the quality and speed of service delivery, and identify related problems in a timely manner.
The integrated centralized repository of the situation centre combines information from various sources, and uses this to guide management decision-making. It helps streamline the remote monitoring, forecasting and analysis of provided services, while also assessing employeesâ work and compliance with ethical rules.
A consistent, comprehensive analysis of dynamically-developing situations helps to identify main problems and issues, and find best solutions for resolving these going forward.
The Satisfaction of citizens with PSCs is increasing.
The Ministry of Justice, in close partnership with international organizations, has continually studied citizensâ satisfaction with public services. As part of the âImproved Public Service Delivery and Enhanced Governance in Rural Uzbekistanâ project implemented together with the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme, an anonymous survey was conducted by a third party among PSC visitors. It found that 90 percent of citizens visiting the centres were satisfied with the services offered, and highly rated the assistance of public-facing employees.
An exchange of specific paradigms took place.
Uzbekistanâs population can see that the principle âMoving documents instead of citizensâ is not just a lofty statement, but a reality. Uzbekistanâs Public Service Centres work to embody the national objective expressed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev: âLet the state agencies serve the people, not the people serve the state agencies.â Seeking a citizen-centric mode of operation encourages an innovative search for new solutions that will genuinely meet citizensâ needs.
The government development project being jointly implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and the European Union has supported key reforms made in this direction.
Anyone who visits Uzbekistanâs Public Service Centres can see that their established environment, and the quality and speed of services, is being constantly refined and improved. Of course, there are still shortcomings, which are being constantly addressed. Our goal is to provide highest standards of service to every citizen who seeks government assistance.
On the 9th of February, 2023, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Netherlands hosted a celebration in honor of the 44th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and the National Day of Iran at the Iranian house in Wassenaar. The event was attended by more than a hundred people. H.E. Dr. Alireza Kazemi Abadi, Ambassador of Iran to the Netherlands, and his spouse, Leila Kazemi, were honored at the event, which brought together ambassadors, diplomats, scholars, and lovers of Iran.
The visitors were welcomed with Iranian hospitality and a huge buffet of traditional Iranian food, which was a wonderful start to the day. The finest examples of Iranian cuisine, from savory meals to an amazing dessert table, were presented to the visitors as a special treat. In addition, carpets and works of art from Iran were shown to illustrate the country’s extensive cultural history.
Ambassador Kazemi and his spouse Leila Kazemi at the Iranian residency welcoming the many guests during the National Day of Iran..
Ambassador Kazemi took advantage of the opportunity presented to him during the continuation of the event to declare the conclusion of his mission in the Netherlands and spend time conversing with the attendees.
It was a moment for thinking back on the work that had been accomplished during his stay in the Netherlands and expressing gratitude for it.
Guests at the 44th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution and the National Day of Iran at the Iranian residency in Wassenaar.
Ambassador Kazemi emphasized the significance of Iran maintaining its traditions and cohesiveness throughout his remarks. He emphasized the history of the nation as well as the resiliency of the Iranian people by saying, “Iran has encountered many problems throughout the years, but we have always remained strong and unified in the face of adversity.” He was referring to the fact that Iran has endured numerous hardships over the years.
Ambassador Alireza Kazemi Abadi during his speech.
“In the past four decades, Iranian people have gone to the polls for many times to actively exercise their freedom, including for 3 referendums to decide on their desired political system and the constitution as well as for over 40 nation-wide elections to elect their governments, representatives and officials.
However, the fact is that the exercise of the right of self-determination always comes at a price. We have bitterly learned that we can only rely on ourselves and our peopleâs talent. We had no choice but to invest on own capabilities and enablers.
Foreign military aggression and 8 years of imposed war taught us to locally develop our military capabilities and do not waste our time by waiting for others to come to help us. Similarly, economic sanctions made us to realize that we need to explore all the high-tech fields and industries, be it medicine or nuclear science. That is why neither our military capabilities nor our nuclear energy advancements are up for negotiations or compromise.”
In addition to this, he underlined how vital it is to preserve cultural traditions and to honor the enormous variety that is found within Iranian culture. “Our cuisine, our music, and our art â all of these are aspects of our history that we must continue to respect and pass on to future generations,” he added. “Our legacy includes everything from our culinary traditions to our musical and artistic expressions.”
H.E. Mr. Slim Ghariani, Ambassador of Tunisia and Ambassador Kazemi.
People of all walks of life came together at the event to celebrate Iran’s National Day in a way that was both meaningful and unforgettable. They did so in order to acknowledge and value the country’s extensive cultural heritage and historical heritage. After attending the event, participants were able to get a better knowledge of Iran and a greater respect for the people who call Iran home.
The Office of the Prosecutor launches public consultation to renew the policy paper on crimes against or affecting children
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim AA Khan KC is pleased to announce a call for public submissions for suggested changes to build upon, and renew, the 2016 OTP Policy on Children .
In launching this policy renewal process the Office will seek to develop new and innovative approaches to its work so as to make children more visible in all of its work, and further improve effectiveness in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against or affecting children.
In highlighting the importance of the renewal of this policy and the central role of stakeholder consultation in this process, Prosecutor Khan stated: âBefore my election as Prosecutor – and ever since – I pledged to do better by children who, far too often, have been invisible actors in the international criminal justice process. Effective investigation and prosecution of crimes against or affecting children is – and will remain – a key priority during my tenure as Prosecutor. To implement a meaningful survivor-centered approach, we must give children greater agency in cases involving them. Their voices must be heard and their experiences inform every step of the process from preliminary examination to investigations and trial.
âThe present consultation process will lead to the review and amendment of the policy on children and will build upon new approaches we have already implemented in the Office and be shaped by the input and advice from many specialists and actors from civil society, national authorities, and international organizations to help ensure we do better by children and affect meaningful change.â
In this first round of external consultations, the Office welcomes comments on the substance of the policy and encourages proposals as to how it may be enhanced. The Prosecutor is of the view that external consultations on its policies and working methods are important for maintaining and furthering transparency and predictability, and generating the most comprehensive policies.
Comments can be sent to OTP.Policies@icc-cpi.int by Wednesday, 31 May 2023, midnight, CEST . All input received by the deadline will be carefully considered in the internal review and revision process.
Dominicans in the Netherlands celebrated their country’s 179th anniversary of Independence in The Hague on 23 February 2023. It has been a festive evening with many colours, happy faces and a vibrant atmosphere.
The host of the soiree H.E. Mr Juan Bautista Duran, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in the Netherlands warmly welcomed his guests, among them fellow ambassadors from Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Ecuador, Israel, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Martin, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemenâfurther representatives of International organisations, friends of the Dominican Republic and diaspora members.
Ambassador Duran, H.E. Dr Carlos Arguello, Ambassador of Nicaragua to the International organizations, H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento, Ambassador of Bolivia and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher.
After the national anthem, H.E. Mr. Juan Bautista Duran delivered a meaningful and concise discourse. He went to say âToday, February 23, four days shy of the 179th anniversary of our independence, on behalf of President Luis Abinader, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roberto Alvarez Gil and the Dominican people, I have the honor of sharing with you the joy of celebrating the birth of our country and paying homage to our heroes, fathers of the homeland: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sanchez and Matias Ramon Mella.
Likewise, to the men and women who called themselves the Trinitarians, who sacrificed their lives, put their families at risk as well as their wealth and livelihoods, they gave sweat and blood so that today we can be the Dominican Republic: a free, independent and sovereign nation.
Dominican dancers.
As representative, both of the State and of the Dominican people to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, we assume that the commitment to maintain the legacy of our heroes is a process of permanent construction, which we must carry out every day, with our behaviour, actions, values, so that every effort made, no matter how small, makes a difference.â
âTalking about the Dominican Republic today, means highlighting the achievements of the current government, headed by our President Luis Abinader Corona, together with the efforts of a committed team of professional advisors and technicians in all areas, who combine patriotic duty, dignity, solidarity and an example that emphasises the importance of the national welfare of the country, above personal interest.â said the ambassador.
Ambassador Juan Bautista Duran welcome H.E. Mr. Modi Ephraim, Ambassador of Israel.
âSuch achievements as the promotion of an ethical, transparent and proactive international policy, based on the projection of our national interests.
Likewise, the increase in our exports and foreign direct investment, the increase in reciprocal cooperation between countries and the protection of our environment, have been key in the creation and strengthening of a profitable and sustainable economic model. The strengthening of our Tourism sector, one of the main axes of our economy, achieving a growth of more than 10% of tourists by air and 20% by cruise ships in 2022, closing the year with an average of 8 million tourists.â
Then, Ambassador Duran expressed the following about the history of Dutch and Dominican Republicâs relations:
âRelations between the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands date back more than 500 years, shortly after the arrival of Europeans to the island and long before the consolidation of the territory and the nation as an independent state.
The first Dutch merchants made incursions into the Caribbean in the early 16th century, specialising in maritime trade operations with tropical products, increasing trade between the two countries.
After independence, on January 24, 1856, the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed and in 1858 the Netherlands established its first commercial representation in the Dominican Republic.
In 2001 the Netherlands established its Embassy in Santo Domingo and in 2005 the Dominican Republic established its diplomatic representation in The Hague, administrative capital of the Netherlands.
Another factor that unites us with the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the relationship that we also have for more than 5 centuries with the Dutch Caribbean. In addition to the extensive trade relations that have been sustained over the years, there is a significant diaspora both in the islands and on the mainland. The bilateral relations between our countries manifest historical ties of solidarity and friendship, which aim to promote and deepen cooperation, based on the principles of equality, respect and reciprocity around sovereignty, and mutual benefit.â
Ambassador Duran and H.E. Mr. Rene Violenus, Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten
After ambassador speech, the second part of the program was a presentation by Mr Rafael Espinal on the history of the Dominican music and the rhythms of the gĂŒira and the tambora. Further, features of the Carnaval Dominicano, Carnival sketches, people wearing colourful costumes that symbolize Dominican religious and traditional carnaval characters such as Diablo Cojuelo, dancers and songs. The group in charge of the artistic presentation was Ritmo Dominicano.
During the artist performances Ambassador Bautista Duran illuminated the evening with his rendition of âMy Wayâ and other songs.
A Dominican buffet was prepared by Restaurant Casa del Mofongo. Among the specialities presented were quipes, empanaditas of both chicken and beef, as well as Dominican sushi with ripe plantain.
Also present was BarcelĂł Rum with a generous sampling of excellent Dominican rums and cigars.
Euronews â Protesters in Tbilisi rallied for the third day in a row on Thursday evening, despite securing major concessions from the Georgian government over the controversial Foreign Agents Bill.
Georgia’s Interior Ministry had announced the release of protesters detained during the two previous days of mass demonstrations just hours after the ruling Georgian Dream Party party was forced to withdraw its controversial bill that sparked the rallies.
“All persons arrested on 7 and 8 March during the protests near the parliament by employees of different structures of the Interior Ministry in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offences have been released,” the ministry said in a statement.
Overnight Wednesday police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the thousands gathered outside the parliament building.
The law, drafted by the ruling Georgian Dream Party, if approved, will make all media outlets and non-governmental organisations that receive 20% of their funding from abroad register as “foreign agents”. This would subject them to monitoring and possible sanctions.
It has been slammed by the country’s civil society, media and analysts, who say it “threatens the fall of Georgian democracy”. Authorities have claimed the law is necessary to improve transparency.
66 arrests were made at the demonstration on Tuesday evening, including the leader of the opposition Zurab Japaridze, while 50 police officers were injured. Protesters also reported injuries, with a number of officers reportedly seen laughing as they dispersed the crowds.
International organisations and western states have also condemned the law, with the EU warning Georgia it could hamstring the country’s EU ambitions.
On Tuesday, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described the law as “a very bad development for Georgia and its people.The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest,” he added.
Foreign ministers of several EU member states, including the Baltics, echoed concerns about the foreign agent law, urging Georgia to uphold the principles of “democracy, rule of law and human rights”.
Fights have broken out in the parliament in recent days as the law has been debated.
Georgia’s president, Salome Zurabishvili, has said she would veto the bill, though parliament can override presidential vetos. Khatia Dekanoidze, a member of the opposition National Movement Rally, told parliament: “Everyone should understand that saving our country, saving our young generation, saving our future lies only through the European path.”
The bill, dubbed a Russian-style law by opponents, received initial approval in parliament. In Russia, a foreign agent law has been used to silence organisations and news outlets that criticised the government. Protesters blocked both entrances to the parliament building last night, chanting: âNo to Russian law!â âRussians!â âSlaves !â
As the bill was being debated on Tuesday, the US Embassy said in a statement it raised “real questions about the ruling partyâs commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.”
“Today is a dark day for Georgiaâs democracy. Parliamentâs advancing of these Kremlin-inspired laws is incompatible with the people of Georgiaâs clear desire for European integration and its democratic development,” they said.
Georgian Dream chair Irakli Kobakhidze defended the draft law, following the unrest. He said that people had been misled with âdisinformationâ, defending the legislation as necessary to reveal who was financing those who criticised the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Brussels, 20 February 2023, H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux and Head of Mission of Uzbekistan to the EU. and NATO, organized the first Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress.
The objective was to celebrate the state of progress in Uzbekistan-EU relations. The venue, Steigenberger Wiltcherâs Hotel.
The Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress, Uzbekistan Ambassadors to the EU. recounted their accomplishments. One Ambassador managed to interest universities to establish branches of their institution in Uzbekistan.
H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the Benelux and Head of Mission of Uzbekistan to the EU. and NATO.
On the program, a discourse by Ambassador H.E. Mr Dilyor Khakimov. He started by saying âI am very glad to see the distinguished representatives of the European External Action Service, the European Commission, the European Council, the media, and all our friends. Special thanks to the distinguished Ambassadors of the EU Member States and their representatives.
Ambassador Khakimov and Mr. Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS.
I am glad to welcome my good friend, Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS.
It is very unique that at this event I am joined by my colleagues, Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to Austria – Mr. Abat Faizullaev, to Germany – Mr. Nabijon Kasimov, to France – Mr. Sardor Rustambaev and to Italy – Mr. Otabek Akbarov, are also present here tonight.
My special thanks also for the presence of the Ambassadors of our brotherly Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) and Azerbaijan. Todayâs event is dedicated to the state of the progress made in the relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union.
During the last years, under the leadership of the H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, we are building a New Uzbekistan which regards the EU as one of its key international partner and attaches particular importance to the further development of mutually beneficial cooperation on a whole range of issues.
Uzbekistan is at an important stage of its development. The large-scale program of comprehensive reforms continues in the country, the main goal of which is the steady continuation of the process of transformation of Uzbekistan into a democratic, rule of law based state with a socially oriented market economy, ensuring comprehensive protection of the interests and rights of citizens, security, sustainable development and independence of the country.
Thanks to the democratic transformations in recent years, fundamental values have become a reality in the life of society – human rights and freedoms, rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.
A strong atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance, peace and stability has been established in the country. The values of interethnic and interfaith friendship and brotherhood, which have been formed on the land of Uzbekistan for centuries, have been strengthened.
As far as the foreign policy is concerned, Uzbekistan carries out an open, neighborly and pragmatic course, aimed at turning Central Asia into a region of stability, security and prosperity. The priority of strengthening and expanding friendly relations and strategic partnership with all states of the world is being actively implemented. There is a unique mechanism for the development of regional cooperation – Consultative meetings of the heads of state of the region.
A historic document – Treaty on Friendship, Good-Neighborliness and Cooperation for the Development of Central Asia in the XXI Century – was signed in Kyrgyzstan during the Consultative Meeting on 21 July 2022.
Uzbekistanâs role in multilateral formats has intensified. Today, our country is taking important initiatives in the framework of the UN and other international organizations to address contemporary regional and global issues, such as promoting the settlement of the Afghan problem, climate change, Aral Sea disaster, achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, etc.
Uzbekistan held the Presidency in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Economic Cooperation Organization, as well as hosted the first time the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in 2022.
It is no exaggeration to say that 2022 became a new page in bilateral and interregional relations between Uzbekistan and the EU.
The first visit of President of the European Council Charles Michel to our country on 27-28 October 2022, as well as fruitful negotiations and significant agreements reached within the framework of the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the first EU-Central Asia Summit on 27 October in Astana prompted the further development of our comprehensive cooperation.
Ambassadors of Uzbekistan in Europe, together with ambassadors of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan together with the Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe at EEAS.
The visit of EU High Representative Josep Borrell to our country on 17-19 November 2022 made it possible to once again discuss topical issues.
The EU-Central Asia Connectivity Conference organized at the initiative of Uzbekistan in Samarkand on 18 November 2022 was an important event in strengthening interregional cooperation. At the end of this event, specific agreements were reached on expansion of cooperation in digitalization, green economy, energy, climate change and transport.
The key areas of our cooperation with the EU and its member states are investments, trade, financial and technical assistance, high-tech transfer, science and technology, education, ecology, tourism, health and culture, as well as strengthening regional security.
A great achievement in our bilateral relations was the successful completion by the parties of negotiations on the Expanded Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), as a result of which it was initialed on 6 July 2022 in Brussels.
I would like to emphasize that the main provisions of EPCA are fully in line with the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 adopted in January 2022.
The Strategy identifies seven most important priorities for the countryâs development in the coming years. They focus on human rights, strengthening civil society, ensure justice, rule of law and others.
The volume of bilateral trade turnover last year reached $4.48 billion (in 2021 – $3.79 billion). Currently, 1052 enterprises with investments from EU member states are working in our country, including 304 companies with 100 percent of European capital. In this regard, I would like to note that on 10 April 2021, Uzbekistan was granted the status of beneficiary of EUâs GSP+ scheme. This decision made it possible for about 6,200 types of goods produced in our country to enter the EU market without customs duties. Thanks to this, the export of Uzbek goods to the EU has increased significantly.
The Uzbek side is grateful to the European side for supporting Uzbekistanâs WTO accession and for providing the technical support (5 mln euros) in this direction. We are sure that this will serve to further expand trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and the EU.
I am confident that the close friendly and constructive relations between Uzbekistan and the EU will continue to consistently strengthen and expand in the interests of our peoples.
In conclusion I will now give the floor to Mr. Luc Devigne, Deputy Managing Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS, as well as to my colleagues, Ambassadors of Uzbekistan to Austria, Germany, France and Italyâ
Excerpts of the speeches by the above-mentioned persons now follow.ly.
Discourse by Mr Luc Devigne(EEAS)
âCelebrating the progress we have achieved in EU-Uzbekistan relations. Next year, we will celebrate thirty years of formal diplomatic relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan. It has been my honour to be the person on the EU side responsible for this relationship for nearly one third of that time.
Uzbekistan is youthful, dynamic, and rapidly growing. It is a positive force in a region that is geopolitically more and more important. Uzbekistan is outward-looking, active in promoting regional cooperation and global solutions, and a supporter of the multilateral order and the international rule of law. Our partnership is strong and based on common values as well as common interests.
Last year, it was my honour to initial the new Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Uzbekistan, as the EUâs chief negotiator. We were also able to formalise the entry of Uzbekistan into the EUâs General System of Preferences Plus, nearly two years ago. As well as giving us a new platform to discuss matters of mutual interest and international governance, this has also prompted a big increase in trade between the EU and Uzbekistan, taking advantage of the removal of tariffs on around two thirds of the product lines exported to the EU from Uzbekistan. In the first year of GSP+ membership, Uzbekistanâs exports to the EU more than doubled. Imports from the EU into Uzbekistan are also growing at a record rate.
Last Novemberâs EU-Central Asia Sustainable Connectivity Conference in Samarkand was a great success, which owed much to the energy and leadership of the host nation. It is in our common interest to build closer economic ties between the EU and Uzbekistan, to support Uzbekistanâs economic reform process and its entry into the WTO.
The global situation is a concern, we are very conscious this week of the anniversary of Russiaâs invasion of Ukraine. We understand and respect Uzbekistanâs historical relationship with Russia, and the realities which this imposes. At the same time, we acknowledge Uzbekistanâs policy of balanced neutrality. As Russiaâs war enters a second year, it is more important than ever that we work together to uphold international law and find international solutions which respect that law.
Europe is a partner for Uzbekistan as it continues to press forward with its reform programme. We are looking forward to seeing what will be achieved during President Mirziyoyevâs second term in office. We know that lessons will have been learnt from the events of last July in Nukus, particularly on the importance of broad, open consultation. The situation in Uzbekistan for human rights and fundamental freedoms has changed drastically for the better in the last few years, and we as your European partners wish to support you as you cement these positive changes with further reforms in the coming months and years.
Discourse by Uzbekistan Ambassador to Italy Mr Otabek Akbarov.
Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress. Today a stable dialogue and comprehensive cooperation in the political, economic and cultural spheres has been formed between Uzbekistan and the EU and its member countries.
We highly appreciate the new dynamics of our relations with Rome which has contributed to the intensification and expansion of cooperation in the political, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
We will always remember the first fundamental document with the EU, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, was signed with the friendly support of the Italian Presidency of the EU Council in Florence in 1996.
We highly appreciate Italyâs support in obtaining the status of a beneficiary of the GSP+ system, as well as advancing the issue of Uzbekistanâs accession to the World Trade Organization .
Central Asia is the main priority of Uzbekistanâs foreign policy, based on building good neighbourly and constructive relations with all neighbouring countries. Uzbekistan is ready to become a gateway for Italy and all of Europe to Central Asia.
The President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the first EU-Central Asia summit on October 27, 2022. in Astana, proposed the establishment of the European Union-Central Asia Economic Cooperation Committee and the development of a strategic program to deepen trade and economic cooperation.
We are working on the creation of an Italian-Uzbek Technology Hub based on Inno Technopark Uzbekistan in Tashkent together with one of the most important conditions for building a New Uzbekistan is to improve the quality of education, taking into account advanced foreign experience.
Cooperation with Italy in this area is the most advanced among all European countries. Two branches of Italian universities are already operating in Tashkent, the Turin Polytechnic University ( 2009) and the University of Pisa (2022).
Bukhara, is planning to open a branch of the Campania University named after Luigi Vanvitelli.
Last year, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan established cooperation with the leading university in Italy – the Free International University for Social Research Guido Carli(University LUISS).
There is a growing interest in Italy for the historical and cultural heritage and todayâs life of Uzbekistan.
On January 10 2023 a memorandum was signed between the Culture and Arts Development Foundation of Uzbekistan and the world-famous museum Uffizi Galleries in Florence on organisation of exhibition of paintings from the collection of the State Museum of Art named after Igor Savitsky.â
The Uzbekistan-EU: State of the Progress event was followed by a reception featuring Uzbek cuisine, a national music program and a photo-handicrafts and clothing exhibition. The Gulzoda group gave a concert featuring Maqom, an ancient type of folk art in Uzbekistan. Maqom singer Munojot Yulchiyeva is an Uzbek personality in the world of Art. Noteworthy, Maqom is on the UNESCOâs List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Uzbekistan-EU achievements make Uzbekistan feel a sense of pride and accomplishment !
Following successes of the similar programs in Europe (Vienna and Geneva notably), the Istanbul-based International Organization along with its European (think-tank, academia, cultural diplomacy and media) partners decided to launch the special executive program for emerging leaders (FLEP) on its own.
By its launch on 24th February 2023, this Program gathered participants of diverse professional backgrounds and different geographies, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East â largely the forthcoming leaders from the government, international organisations or industry. The FLEP Executive Programâs concept is rather simple: Participants are spending one entire day with top level speakers â mainly the world leaders that shaped events of the past decades (two per month, last Friday-Saturday in month) in an open, Chatham House rules-based atmosphere, all situated within the historic premisses of the eternal city on two continents.
The very opening of the program has been reserved for the paramount name of European and world statecraft, Austrian state President, Dr. Heinz Fischer, who spend the full day with the highly anticipating audience of the Program.
Excellency Fischer served as the national state president two consecutive terms (2004 â 2016). Witness to and active maker of major events of the past 4-5 decades, he also served as Minister of Science of the Republic of Austria from 1983 to 1987 (Fred Sinowatz government), and as the President of the National Council of Austria from 1990 to 2002. Between 1992 and 2004, Dr. Fischer was Deputy Chairman of the Party of European Social Democrats (PES). From 1995 to 2002 he was President of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for the Victims of National Socialism. In June 2016 Heinz Fischer was named President of the Association of Austrian Adult Education Centres, and soon after as the President of the Austrian Society for Chinese Studies.
Finally, in January 2017 Heinz Fischer was named president to the Board of the Institute for Human Science, while in August that year, Excellency Fischer was appointed as co-chairman of the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens â function he holds up to this very day.
During the day-long exchanges with the FLEP participants Excellency Fischer elaborated on his career path, notably his role in the national and European politics, on meetings with the heads of states and governments of many countries including biggest powers during his long career. He generously and enthusiastically shared elaborate views on the political climate and structures of Austria and Europe before WWI, in interwar period and especially in the post WWII recovery period. In addition, Dr. Fischer discussed the main challenges for the past 100 years â from poverty, Nazism, armaments, confrontations and lack of democratic and tolerant societal fabrics, collective actions and the crisis of the international multilateral political bodies than open the road for open military confrontation.
Vivid exchanges of views and opinions between speaker of honour and participants marked the closuring part of the 9 hours long lecturing and tour-de-table. Content intensive, inspiring reflective and farsighted, yet amicable and family-like atmosphere with a direct, personal access to the notable guest (full of coffee-breaks and meals spent together) along with the perfect organisation of principal host deeply impressed all.
Closing the event, Dr. Fischer and President of ICYF Taha Ayhan (as a principal host to the event), jointly voiced what all participants already concluded in the course of the day- that the FLEP Program offers truly unique setting, umparallel anywhere else in the world. Two Presidents both agreed that this particular format is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from the state, intergovernmental civil and corporate sectors of all meridians.
Indeed, the Program meeting hall was filled with the enthusiasm and hope for the formidable and attenable tomorrow that started on 24th February 2023 with the FLEP Istanbul program. The fascinating voyage of knowledge sets its uncharted waters sail. It will reach its next mesmerising port of wisdom and insights on 24th of March by hosting Prime Minister of Belgium and Secretary General of Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
About the author
Yagmur Ceylan Korkut Hassan
Yagmur Ceylan Korkut Hassan – author is Madinah Group Istanbul Turkey Office Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer.
She was attached to the office of European Union Youth and Education Turkey and Turkish National Agency.
The International Criminal Court marks International Women’s Day in support of global action to advance gender equality and women’s rights. The ICC promotes women’s rights and considers gender perspectives through its work.
The President of the Court, Judge Piotr HofmaĆski, stated: “The ICC is proud to be at the forefront of the movement toward gender equality in the field of international justice. With nine female and nine male judges currently on our bench, we project to the world the critical importance of the equal participation of men and women in the field of law. Yet, much more remains to be done to achieve effective equality of opportunities in our workforce. As an International Gender Champion, I am strongly committed to treating this as a continuous priority that requires tangible efforts on a daily basis.â
To ensure a safe and inclusive workplace for all, the ICC adopted its first Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture last year, and is now busy with its implementation to make equity a reality at the Court.
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC stated: “On this International Women’s Day, I reaffirm my commitment to the ICCâs Gender Strategy and my conviction that gender equality, gender diversity, and empowerment of women within my Office are key prerequisites for high performance. Our working environment must be one in which everyone feels safe, welcome, and thrives professionally.”
He added: ââOur Office also protects womenâs rights in the crimes we investigate and prosecute. That includes the crime of gender persecution – the ultimate crime of discrimination towards women, including lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex women. Effective investigation and prosecution of gender persecution, amongst other sexual and gender based crimes, are key priorities for my Office, as reflected in the new policy paper on gender persecution issued in December 2022. All strategies of my Office must bring results in the courtroom, for the sake of survivors. To this end, my Office also aims to issue a re-envisioned policy paper on sexual and gender based crimes.â
ICC Registrar Peter Lewis stated: “The Strategy on Gender Equality and Workplace Culture is the first such roadmap adopted by the Court, as well as by any international court or tribunal, binding concrete steps towards gender equality in the context of workplace culture advancements. It is a recognition that to be a beacon of justice and accountability around the world, we must start by ensuring the highest standards of equality, diversity and inclusion inside our walls, among the personnel working at the Courtâ.
The Focal Point for Gender Equality of the International Criminal Court, AntĂŽnia Pereirade Sousa, said: âTogether with the Staff Union, the ICC Bar Association and the OTP Gender Focal Point, we have invited all ICC personnel to join us in an internal conference to recognize the critical contributions of women in shaping international criminal justice, and to look ahead at the future generations of talented and aspiring women who will continue to make it a stronger instrument towards international peace, security, and the wellbeing of the worldâ.
International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women, while stressing the need to make further progress in gender balance and women’s empowerment.
