Oman dispatches Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi for top diplomatic post in Germany

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Oman dispatches Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi for top diplomatic post in Germany

Tuesday, 22 November 2022, Berlin, Bellevue Palace, Germany: German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier received the letters of credence from Omani top envoy Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi.

She was subsequently received for a bilateral conversation with the German head of state focusing on the legacy of His Majesty The Sultan of Oman‘s official visit to Germany, wherein the latter was received by both, the Federal President and the Federal Chancellor, mid-July of the present year.

At the time His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said was accompanied by a business delegation that advanced economic opportunities across various sectors, particularly in alternative energy, capitalizing on Oman’s natural resources including hydrogen, solar and wind power.  

Previous to her ambassadorship, Maitha Al Mahrouqi served in the capacity as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for eleven years. Therein she was responsible for the oversight of the ministry’s strategic ambitions to drive economic growth through tourism. She also sat on a number of boards of directors and committees in ministries, governmental entities and companies with financial and economic legislative mandates.  

Ambassador Al Mahrouqi began her professional career in the aviation sector, working for Gulf Air, and becoming the youngest General Manager in the airline’s history. Thereafter she moved on to serve the country’s national carrier, Oman Air, as Country Manager, transforming the Oman office into a main hub for the airline.

Maitha Al Mahrouqi holds a Bachelor of Arts from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom. She is fluent in English and Arabic, and will also be in charge of relations vis-Ă -vis the Nordic countries from the Omani embassy in Germany. 

She was awarded the Oman’s Civil Order (3rd Class) in 2015 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said. 

For further information

Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Federal Republic of Germany: https://fm.gov.om/berlin/#Bilateral-relations

———–

Image courtesy of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Germany

Eurojust supports crackdown on criminal network

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Eurojust supports crackdown on criminal network

Judicial and law enforcement authorities in Romania, with the support of several other countries, have dismantled an organised crime group (OCG) suspected of money laundering and CEO/BEC fraud. The volume of transactions is believed to exceed EUR 70 million.

Eurojust and Europol supported the investigation, which led to the detention of nine suspects and the seizure of over EUR 5 million worth of assets. Eurojust supported the judicial cooperation and coordination with more than 20 countries and assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

The suspects allegedly set up companies in Romania and subsequently, within a very short period of time, opened bank accounts for these companies where consistent and successive transfers from various foreign companies were being conducted. The investigation showed that the money in these transfers came from fraudulent activities, including CEO/BEC fraud.

CEO/BEC fraud occurs when an employee authorised to make payments is tricked by a fraudster into paying a fake invoice or making an unauthorised transfer out of the business account. The perpetrators often impersonate a high-ranking figure within the company (e.g. the CEO or CFO).

The amount of the money transferred by the criminal network is estimated at over EUR 70 million. Some of the bank transfers involved more than EUR 3 million per transaction.

In an action day on 6 December, nine suspects were detained in Romania and one was placed under judicial control. A total of 24 house searches were carried out, 13 in Romania, 7 in the Republic of Moldova and 4 in Sweden. The total value of the seized assets is over EUR 5 million.

The case was opened at Eurojust at the request of the Romanian authorities in September 2019. A JIT was established in June 2020 between Romania and Ukraine, and extended to Italy in June 2021. More than 20 countries, including EU Member States and third countries, have been involved in the investigation.

Eurojust facilitated the judicial cooperation and provided extensive support for the coordinated investigative efforts. The Agency hosted four coordination meetings and facilitated the transmission and execution of many European Investigation Orders (EIOs) and requests for mutual legal assistance.

Europol facilitated the exchange of information between law enforcement authorities.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

  • Romania: Prosecutor’s Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism – Central Structure; General Inspectorate of Romanian Police –Directorate for Combating Organised Crime
  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bologna; Postal and Communications Police Service
  • Ukraine: Prosecutor’s Office General; Dnipropetrovsk region Prosecutor’s Office; Kryvyi Rih’s Central local Prosecutor’s Office; Main Department National Police of Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk region – Police Division № 4 of Police Local Department; Cyber Police Department National Police of Ukraine – Cybercrimes combating Office in Dnipropetrovsk region
  • Republic of Moldova: Specialised Prosecutor Office on Combating organised crimes and Special Causes
  • Sweden: National Public Prosecution Department, National Unit against Organised Crime

ICC and Spain conclude Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
ICC and Spain conclude Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences

The International Criminal Court and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain have concluded an Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences. Under the agreement, persons convicted by the ICC may serve sentences of imprisonment in Spain if so decided by the Court and accepted by the Government of the Kingdom of Spain.

On 8 December 2022, the President of the Court, Judge Piotr HofmaƄski, and H.E. María Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Spain to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, signed the agreement during the plenary session on cooperation at the twenty-first session of the Assembly of States Parties in The Hague.

The Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty, provides that sentences of imprisonment imposed by the ICC “shall be served in a State designated by the Court from a list of States which have indicated to the Court their willingness to accept sentenced persons”.

In expressing the Court’s appreciation for Spain’s commitment and long-standing support, President Piotr HofmaƄski stated: “In signing this Agreement today, the Kingdom of Spain demonstrates its steadfast support and commitment to ensuring the proper functioning of the Court. It is enshrined in the Rome Statute that States Parties should share the responsibility for enforcing sentences of imprisonment pronounced by the Court. With its signature, Spain has assumed this responsibility”.

H.E. MarĂ­a Consuelo FemenĂ­a Guardiola, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Spanish Kingdom said that: “We underline once again my country’s commitment to the Court in the performance of its functions as a judicial body. We are well aware of the need for this kind of cooperation in the practical implementation of the Court’s mandate, in the last phase of the judicial process. Today’s signing aligns with other actions already undertaken by Spain in the fight against impunity”.

Similar agreements on the enforcement of sentences are currently in force between the ICC and Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Mali, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Mexican Flavors

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Mexican Flavors

ASEAN First Coffee Morning

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
ASEAN First Coffee Morning

The ASEAN Ladies Circle, or ALC in The Hague, organised the first ASEAN Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 22 November 2022 to honour the solidarity and togetherness of ASEAN’s women, as indicated in the ASEAN motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” and introduce the Netherlands’ international community to the rich culture of ASEAN nations.

The ALC invited the members of the Ambassadors Spouses Association (ASA) and Diplomat Magazine to participate on this special first ASEAN Coffee Morning.

The program promulgated the ASEAN identity by showcasing the vibrant culture of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. The event featured a fashion show, cultural entertainment, and delicious Southeast Asian cuisine.

Nataya Archjananum, ALC President during her welcome speech.

The festive program started with the singing of the ASEAN Anthem, followed by the welcome remarks by ALC President Madam Nataya Archjananun, spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand and current president of the ALC for the term 2021 – 2022. She stated “In the past, the ALC has taken in turn hosting coffee mornings, among ALC Embassies, to strengthen ASEAN sisterhood and networking. This year, we have decided to take our coffee mornings collectively to the next level.

We want to provide the Netherlands and the international community at large a glimpse to the rich cultural of ASEAN nations represented by the ALC. ASEAN nations are rich in cultural diversity, friendly people with natural charms, many beautiful sites to visit, and delicious food, and is on track to become 4th largest economy in the world. Imaging yourself taking a tour to visit ASEAN. So, fasten your seat belts and please enjoy your trip today. Kopkun mark ka. “”

Guests were introduced to performances of Panyembrama Dance from Indonesia, Wan Bulan dance from Malaysia, Igorat Cordillera Dance from the Philippines, and Rum Plern Dance from Thailand.

ASEAN Fashion Show

In addition, they were also introduced to the traditional attire of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. The fashion show became even more spectacular as the spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia paraded in their exquisite attires with Dr. Mayelinne De Lara of Diplomat Magazine graced the finale.

Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher, Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.
Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador.
Ms. Nataya Archjananun, Spouse of the Ambassador of Thailand.

Her dress represented ASEAN unity in diversity wearing Tusuk Konde or hair pin and a Batik scarf from Indonesia; a Philippines wrap around banaca blouse, a mudmee silk and a sarong/ikat  from Thailand. On her right hand, Dr De Lara carried  the Malaysian songket miniaudiere and a red fan from Viet Nam.

Every ASEAN country’s celebrations include delicious food, a warm ambience, and entertaining activities. Guests were invited to sample unique dishes from each ASEAN country, such as Nasi Lemak, Sa-te, Chendol, Pad Thai, Goi Cuon, Palabok, and Ube Macapano cupcakes.

The celebration ended on a high enjoyment, thanks partly to ASEAN Line Dance, performed by ASEAN Madams and all the attending guests.

The event was joined by members of the Ambassadors’ Spouse’s Association (ASA) and guests of the ALC. 

ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organisation presently comprising 10 Southeast Asian nations. The ALC comprises spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors and diplomats, and female diplomats and staff members of 5 ASEAN Embassies based in The Hague, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

ICC and Ireland sign a Memorandum of Understanding

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
ICC and Ireland sign a Memorandum of Understanding

ICC and Ireland sign a Memorandum of Understanding on voluntary contributions to three important trust funds of the Registry

On 5 December 2022, on the margins of the twenty-first session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), the Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Mr Peter Lewis, and the Acting Legal Adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Mr Declan Smyth, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) establishing the terms and conditions governing contributions made by Ireland to support the following ICC trust funds managed by the Registry: the Special Fund for Relocations, the Trust Fund for the Development of Interns and Visiting Professionals and the Trust Fund for Family Visits.

“I am extremely grateful for the generous support from the Irish authorities to the work of the Court and of the Registry in three crucial areas. It will contribute to the efficient implementation of the Court’s mandate in the areas of protection of witnesses and family visits to the ICC’s indigent detained persons, as well as to ensure geographical diversity amongst its interns and visiting professionals”, said ICC Registrar Peter Lewis.

With this MOU, a significant contribution will go to the Special Fund for Relocations. This Trust Fund is set up to manage donations from States to relocate witnesses in third countries through a cost neutral arrangement. This Fund allows States, who are able to donate some money towards relocations, to support those who are willing to receive relocated witnesses, but lack the financial means to do so. The donation will allow the Registry to support the relocation of several witnesses and their family members.

Another part of the donation will go to the Trust Fund for the Development of Interns and Visiting Professionals. This Trust Fund was established with the aim of providing funded internship and visiting professional placements to nationals of developing countries that are States Parties to the Rome Statute. The Trust Fund therefore contributes to the Court’s efforts to increase geographical representation and to give fair opportunities to all individuals willing to work at the Court.

Finally, a third part of the donation will be provided to the Trust Fund for Family Visits. This Fund contributes to protecting the right to and respect of family life for all indigent persons detained at the ICC Detention Centre. It ensures that during their time in detention, which usually spans over several years, indigent detained persons are able to receive visits from their nuclear families, who lack the means to afford such visits and travel.

The Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Brendan Rogers, said: “International justice is a profound idea, but many practical steps are required for its achievement. With these contributions Ireland will enhance key support functions at the ICC so that the Court can focus on delivering justice for victims of the most heinous crimes. Ireland is proud to contribute The Special Fund for Relocations, the Trust  Fund for Interns and Visiting Professionals and the Trust Fund for Family Visits. We encourage all States Parties to consider how they can use voluntary contributions to complement the work of the Court.”

ICC Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
ICC Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution

The Prosecutor of the ICC, Karim A.A. Khan KC Publishes Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution

Today, I am launching the new Policy on the Crime of Gender Persecution that will guide my Office in its fight against impunity for sexual and gender-based crimes. With this initiative, I believe we are taking a significant stride towards fulfilling my promise to address sexual and gender-based crimes in a more systematic and effective way.

If we are to deliver justice for victims and ultimately break cycles of gender-based violence, we must first comprehend the discrimination that fuels these egregious acts. We must also recognise the complex nature of victimisation. Only then can we successfully advance accountability for the crime against humanity of persecution on the grounds of gender under the Rome Statute. I am firmly committed to ensuring that my Office systematically addresses sexual and gender-based crimes, and takes a deeper and more focused approach to investigating and prosecuting gender persecution. This latest policy paper initiative is another commitment to this necessary objective.

This new Policy takes a comprehensive approach to sexual and gender-based crimes that may amount to the crime against humanity of persecution on the grounds of gender (gender persecution). It recognises all of its victims, namely women, girls, men, boys, including/and LGBTQI+ persons. It also recognises that acts or crimes of gender persecution may include, but are not always manifested as, forms of sexual violence or any physical violence or physical contact. They may include psychological abuse. They may also take forms other than physical injury to persons, including acts such as cultural destruction or confiscation and prohibition of education for girls. 

Accountability for gender persecution crimes can help to disrupt the normalisation of institutionalised gender discrimination and violence. By promulgating this Policy, my Office signals its commitment to ensuring that in all our future cases we properly reflect the specific facts and evidence. We will do this by charging gender persecution and persecution on any other ground where it exists. To this end, I will ensure that this Policy is effectively implemented.

I am particularly grateful to Professor Lisa Davis, my Special Adviser on Gender Persecution who led the drafting of this Policy at my request. Complementing and building on the 2014 Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes, this new Policy will help to further promote accountability, transparency, and predictability in the Office’s work in this crucial area. The Office has already taken steps in this direction, first confirming the charge of persecution on grounds of gender (and religion) in the case of Prosecutor v Al Hassan.

It was vital for me that the Policy be informed by the voices of staff and external actors, especially those with valuable experience addressing gender-based violence. Critically, we sought to ensure the voices of the victims of such crimes are reflected in our new approach. Taking direction from my initiative to strengthen engagement with civil society, the Policy was developed through an extensive year-long consultative process, engaging staff, civil society and affected communities. I want to thank the more than 500 organisations, institutions, States, UN experts, independent experts, activists, survivors, scholars, and academics, representing over 100 countries and territories who provided input. Their comments signal the importance of developing this Policy.

I am positive that this new approach will allow my Office to increase transparency, clarity, and predictability in the application of the legal framework. I look forward to taking the next necessary steps to expand cooperation, broaden accountability for gender persecution, and enhance the Rome Statute’s preventive impact in relation to gender crimes.

Art Work Returned to Vietnam in Collaboration with Vietnam Embassy The Hague

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Art Work Returned to Vietnam in Collaboration with Vietnam Embassy The Hague

By Roy lie Atjam

The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam in the Netherlands organized a ceremony for the donation of two art objects from the personal collection of Mrs. Ellen Berends, a retired diplomat who served in Vietnam. The ceremony took place at the Chancellery of Vietnam in The Hague on 17th November 2022.

During her stint in Hanoi – Vietnam (1997 – 2002) Mrs Berends acquired two artworks by the Vietnamese artist  Phung PhĂąm (1) a Lacquer painting on wood of a standing woman in traditional dress entitled “Proud” (“Tá»± HĂ o”) and (2) Lacquer painting on wooden folding screen entitled “Love Kisses”.

However, Mrs. Ellen Berends has decided to donate the two works of art to the Vietnam Museum of Fine Art and the people of Vietnam. According to Berends, the works are part of the Vietnamese cultural property. A noble and generous move indeed. Bravo!                    

Former Dutch diplomat in Vietnam Ms. Ellen Berends.

                                        

Ambassador Pham Viet Anh and Ellen Berends during the ceremony for the donation of two artworks by the Vietnamese artist  Phung PhĂąm from Ms Berends personal collection. The two pieces will be part of the Vietnam Museum of Fine Art’s collection.

Mrs Berends recounted how she came across the two works and ultimately purchased them. She had to do some savings before buying the objects. She has never regretted buying them, the pieces accompanied Berends on all postings abroad she has had over the years.

The Ambassador of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh took a keen interest in the dossier, and despite some minor hiccups, he facilitated an appropriate and smooth transfer.

Former Dutch Ambassadors Ellen Berends and Monique Frank.
Mrs. Le Thi Hien Anh, Vietnam’s Ambassador spouse, Ms. Vo Thi Ngoc Diep, Commercial Counsellor – Head of Trade Office, Arjen IJff, a Dutch designer who was born in Vinh Long province (Viet Nam) and Mrs. Thi Lan Huong Nguyen from the Embassy of Vietnam.

After the signing of the deed and other documents, witnessed by friends of Vietnam, the diaspora, and Dutch government representatives notably Ms. Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International and Cultural Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ms. Margriet Kim Nguyen, Policy Officer International Affairs at the Department for Heritage and Art, Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Ambassador  Pham Viet Anh, lauded Mrs. Ellen Berends and expressed his government’s gratitude for the generous donation. Also present, the former Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Ms. Monique Frank.

The two works will soon be on their way back home, to Vietnam!

Le Procureur de la Cour pénale internationale présente son Rapport annuel

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
Le Procureur de la Cour pénale internationale présente son Rapport annuel


Aujourd’hui, mon Bureau prĂ©sente son premier rapport annuel intitulĂ© « AvĂšnement d’un monde plus juste : un effort de tous les instants ». La publication de ce rapport est le reflet de mon engagement Ă  accroĂźtre la transparence des activitĂ©s de mon Bureau et Ă  renforcer le dialogue avec les parties prenantes que la lecture du rapport pourrait intĂ©resser, qu’il s’agisse des communautĂ©s touchĂ©es, des autoritĂ©s Ă©tatiques, de la sociĂ©tĂ© civile, des organisations internationales ou de nos partenaires rĂ©gionaux et internationaux.

Au travers de ce rapport annuel, nous entendons rendre compte des progrĂšs accomplis, des difficultĂ©s rencontrĂ©es et de la stratĂ©gie mise en Ɠuvre en fonction des prioritĂ©s que nous nous sommes fixĂ©s. Cet exercice de rĂ©flexion nous a permis de dresser le bilan des initiatives entreprises et des Ă©vĂ©nements survenus entre le dĂ©but de mon mandat et la fin du mois de novembre 2022.

J’espĂšre que cette publication permettra de mieux faire comprendre les activitĂ©s qui ont Ă©tĂ© entreprises en exĂ©cution du mandat dont nous sommes investis ainsi que le changement institutionnel et culturel amorcĂ© au sein de notre organisation. Sans ĂȘtre exhaustif, le rapport annuel couvre un large Ă©ventail de sujets tels que les efforts dĂ©ployĂ©s pour mener encore plus d’activitĂ©s sur le terrain, le recours aux technologies, la mise en place de partenariats avec la sociĂ©tĂ© civile, la rĂ©organisation du Bureau et notre volontĂ© d’insuffler plus de dynamisme Ă  la complĂ©mentaritĂ©.

J’ai conscience que nous ne pourrons pas mettre en Ɠuvre cette vision du changement positif si nous fonctionnons en vase clos. Comme je l’ai dĂ©jĂ  dit Ă  plusieurs reprises, l’une des principales prioritĂ©s de mon Bureau consiste Ă  entretenir un dialogue plus soutenu avec l’ensemble de nos partenaires tels que les survivants, la sociĂ©tĂ© civile et les autoritĂ©s nationales. La CPI n’a pas vocation Ă  devenir la plus haute instance judiciaire mais plutĂŽt une plaque tournante pour la coopĂ©ration et les Ă©changes, et mon Bureau entend jouer son rĂŽle pour traduire concrĂštement cette aspiration et lui accorder tout son sens.

Ce rapport est le tout premier du genre Ă  ĂȘtre publiĂ© par mon Bureau. Je ne doute pas qu’il serait possible d’en amĂ©liorer certains aspects et nous tenterons de le faire dĂšs l’annĂ©e prochaine. Cela Ă©tant, il s’agit lĂ  d’un effort sincĂšre visant Ă  amĂ©liorer notre visibilitĂ© auprĂšs de tous nos partenaires afin qu’ensemble, nous puissions tenir nos engagements. Nous vous remercions de bien vouloir nous faire part de vos commentaires sur la façon dont nous pourrions l’amĂ©liorer.

Le travail assidu de l’ensemble du personnel de mon Bureau au cours des 18 derniers mois m’emplit d’espoir et d’optimisme mais je suis bien conscient qu’il reste tant Ă   faire pour rĂ©pondre aux attentes lĂ©gitimes des survivants et des familles des victimes et que nous ne devons pas relĂącher nos efforts. Nous poursuivrons dans la voie sur laquelle nous nous sommes engagĂ©s il y a un an et demi afin d’atteindre l’objectif que nous partageons : mettre un terme Ă  l’impunitĂ© pour les crimes internationaux. Notre capacitĂ© Ă  changer le cours des choses dans la vie des personnes qui nous accordent leur confiance et comptent sur nous permettra d’évaluer l’efficacitĂ© de notre action.

Nous continuerons à nous acquitter en toute impartialité et en toute intégrité du mandat qui nous a été confié, avec un dévouement et un respect sans faille, à chaque instant.

21st session of the Assembly of States Parties opens in The Hague

Diplomat Magazine
-
0
21st session of the Assembly of States Parties opens in The Hague

The twenty-first session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened today at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague, The Netherlands. The session is scheduled from 5 to 10 December 2022. 

At this session, in The Hague, States Parties to the Rome Statute, observer States, invited States, international and regional organizations and representatives from civil society will discuss key challenges facing the Statute. States Parties will also adopt resolutions on important issues pertaining to the functioning of the Court and the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), including on their respective budgets, on cooperation and the recommendation on the Election of the ICC Registrar.

Calling for the renewed support to the Court, H.E. Silvia FernĂĄndez de Gurmendi, President of the Assembly of States Parties, stressed its “vital role in the international legal framework to ensure the accountability of perpetrators of atrocity crimes and bring justice to victims. The increased cooperation of States Parties and the promotion of the work of the Court are essential to achieve the global aspirations of the Court’s mandate.”

The President of the Court, judge Piotr HofmaƄski, emphasised that the Court was ending an exceptional year: “The Court’s workload reached unprecedented heights, with new trials as well as new investigations. We celebrated the ICC’s 20th anniversary, a mark of significant maturity for our institution. And we returned to full physical presence at the Court’s premises. 
The demands and expectations toward the ICC may be higher today than ever before. And the Court is responding to these expectations with fullest dedication.” The President also called for enhanced cooperation from States with the Court and an increased budget: “It is critically important to build capacity now so that we can cope effectively with the workload that awaits us. We need a sufficient and balanced regular budget for that purpose,” he stated. The President also mentioned the importance of making the ICC system more universal: “Many non-party States are present in this room today – I call upon you all to take steps toward joining the Rome Statute without delay.”

ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC stated: “At this moment, almost 25 years on since Rome, we need the law and the International Criminal Court more than ever. In 2022 my Office has implemented significant changes to make us more agile, field-focused and increase our capacity to partner effectively with survivors and impacted communities. While there are still many challenges to address and overcome, the progress we have made in implementing this vision is testament to the commitment and dedication of all members of the Office. I believe we now stand ready to deliver more effectively for survivors and the families of victims”. 

Prosecutor Khan also underlined the need to deepen partnerships to render collective work towards justice more effective: “My time thus far as Prosecutor has shown again and again that we will only achieve the true promise of the Rome Statute by working together, across all actors. The Assembly of States Parties is an opportunity for us to convert the words of justice, and the important words of support for the Court we have heard this year, into concrete action that can be felt by those who look to this Court for the vindication of their basic rights”.

The Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, Minou TavĂĄrez Mirabal, stated: “This Board of Directors has strongly pushed for better communication and visibility about its numerous programmes and for increasing fundraising efforts. Based on the fundraising strategy presented to the Board in July 2022, the Trust Fund for Victims has developed its new Strategic Plan 2023 to 2025. The new strategy makes use of the TFV’s strongest asset: The Trust Fund for Victims and the Court together are the pillar of reparative justice of the Rome Statute. Together we can work to put in place transformative reparations for and with victims. Together we can mitigate the negative effects of Rome Statute crimes for the next generations. Together we can work for peace and stability. We call upon all States Parties to consider providing additional voluntary contributions, including development funding for the benefit of victims and their families.”

The ICC, governed by the Rome Statute, is the world’s first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide, and the crime of aggression. In accordance with article 112 of the Rome Statute, the Assembly is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is composed of representatives of the States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute.

1...124125126...856Page 125 of 856