Today, 14 December 2022, Mr Bosco Ntaganda was transferred and arrived to the Kingdom of Belgium to serve his sentence of imprisonment at the Leuze-en-Hainaut prison.
The International Criminal Court relies on the support from States for the enforcement of its sentences and is highly appreciative of the voluntary cooperation of the Belgian Government in this case.
The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court held its twenty-first session from 5 to 9 December 2022 at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague. The Assembly was attended by States Parties, Observer States, international and regional organizations as well as non- governmental organizations.
The session was chaired by the President of the Assembly, H.E. Ms. Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. In closing the session, the President stated: “I trust that we will be able to carry forward the mandates contained in the resolutions which we have adopted today. I wish to sincerely thank all States Parties, members of civil society, Observer States, and of course the Court, for their support and cooperation, without which we would not have been able to successfully conclude our work.”
The Assembly elected seven members of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Five members were elected for a three-year term starting on 1 January 2023: Mr. Urmet Lee (Estonia), Mr. Daniel McDonnell (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), Mr. Klaus Stein (Germany), Mr. Pascual Tomás Hernández (Spain), and Ms. Ana Patricia Villalobos Arrieta (Costa Rica). Ms. Jasleen Chaona Chirembo (Malawi) and Mr. Sahr Lahai Jusu (Sierra Leone) were elected to share the seat allocated to the African group, serving one year and a half term each. In addition, the Assembly adopted a decision on the allocation of seats on the Committee on Budget and Finance.
The Assembly held its General debate, enriched by the participation of ministers, international organizations and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The Assembly held two thematic plenary sessions: one on cooperation and one on the Review of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute system. Numerous side events were held during the session.
The Assembly adopted five resolutions by consensus on: the programme budget for 2023, cooperation, the Review of the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute system, the strengthening the International Criminal Court and the Assembly of States Parties and on amendments to rule 140 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence. The Assembly also adopted a recommendation on the Election of the Registrar, which is submitted for consideration of the judges who will elect the Registrar in the first trimester of 2023.
The Assembly adopted the 2023 programme budget of the Court totalling €169,649,200 and a staffing level of 970.
At its closing plenary session, the President, on behalf of the Assembly, expressed the deep appreciation for the outstanding contribution of the Registrar, Mr. Peter Lewis, to the Rome Statute system and in particular for his exemplary steering of the Registry during the five years he has held the post.
The twenty-second session of the Assembly will be held from 4 to 14 December 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
December 1st 2022. The Embassy of the Philippinnes presented the Nightingale concert to the Diplomatic community and friends. It has been an indelible evening with the Nightingales.
Filipinos are known for their contribution to international law, their polyvalency, and their musicality.
The Nightingale’ Himig ng Pasko Christmas concert at the Kalayaan Hall Embassy of the Philippines The Hague on 1 December 2022 was a delight, it lifted ones spirit.
The Nightingale duo, Bernadette Mamauag and Katrina Marie Sagad.
Their repertoire included opera, Broadway classics, folksongs and popular melodies, all presented fantastically. Notably the glorious rendition of Granada. The Nightingale’ Himig ng Pasko Christmas concert has been a radiant success, a demonstration of Filipino culture.
In his remarks at the Embassy’s Kalayaan Hall, H.E. Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said, “tonight’s Himig ng Pasko, A Christmas Concert, is our way of saying thank you for your support, kind understanding, and for being part of our collective work this year 2022. We hope that through the wonderful music of the Nightingales, we can help spread the joys and cheers of the Yuletide season and convey our heartfelt appreciation.” The Kalayaan Hall was decorated with colorful Parol Christmas lanterns for the occasion.
The Nightingales’ Ms. Bernadette Mamauag and Ms. Katrina Saga, Embassy of the Philippines, The Hague.
The Nightingales stunned the crowd with their operatic opener “Pie Jesu” (Holy Jesus). It was followed by equally appreciated renditions of “Granada,” “Habanera,” “Hymne a l’amour” (The Hymn to Love) “Flight of the Bumblebee” and “Yannis Aria,” which comprised their first set of songs. These were followed by the contemporary songs “I Know Him So Well,” “Runaway” and “Someone Like You, and Christmas classic “Oh Holy Night,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time,” “Stille Nacht,”“Kumukutikutitap” (Flickering) and “Payapang Daigdig” (Peaceful World).
In a surprise number, Ambassador Malaya took to the piano and accompanied the Nightingales’ in singing “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” (It’s Christmas my dear).
Filipino-Dutch artist Ms. Sarah Jane Verouden also provided a piano intermezzo of traditional Christmas carols.
Ms. Bernadette Mamauag, Embassy of the Philippines in the Hague.
Thai Ambassador Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Mme. Nataya said that the concert was a “fascinating performance which showcased the excellent performance of Philippine artists.” “It is indeed a great way to start the Christmas celebration. I also felt the very warm hospitality of the Embassy officers and staff,” the Ambassador added.
“It was a lovely concert in a nicely renovated Embassy Chancery,” remarked Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities.
Fr. Sjaak de Boer delivered a Christmas message underscoring the importance of “taking care of our shared earth and fellowmen and women which is not only measured in material gain but of people’s happiness.”
Ms. Sarah Jane Verouden
The event was capped off by the community singing of the popular Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”
The event was in collaboration with the Music for Environment and National Development (MEND) and the Philippines-Netherlands Business Council.
Well-attended by members of the diplomatic corps and other key officials from The Netherlands’ Government and other international organizations based in The Hague, the event was the Embassy’s way of conveying thanks and appreciation to those who extended support to its initiatives and programs for the year 2022.
The Hague, on 19 November 2022, Dr Mayelinne De Lara of Diplomat Magazine welcomed the players from the diplomatic community, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international organizations in the Netherlands to participate in the 2022 Chess Tournament aiming to consolidate friendship and strengthen the solidarity among Diplomats.
Ambassador Adia Sakiqi of the Republic of Albania, Dean of the diplomatic Corps, graced the tournament with her presence.
II Diplomats Chess Tournament.
The friendly tournament also attracted children as young as eight, Victor, Max, Philip and Aiko, a very hearting phenomenon.
Furthermore, the event listed players from Albania, Cuba, El Salvador, Russia, Senegal, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
After a series of matches during which the players made their best tactical moves, Stan Cortenbach of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is affiliated with the Chess Club Docendo Discimus, emerged as the winner.
Victor Perez, Stan Cortenbach, Victor Saburov, Philip Kriger, Henry Pierre Sarr and Max Saburov winners of the III Diplomats Chess Tournament.
It has been really fun, players enjoyed the networking opportunity. In the end, the winners were given a trophy as a souvenir of the tournament.
Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to welcoming another inclusive and diverse group of participants next year, notably the younger ones.
Arusha, The Hague, 12 December 2022– Serge Brammertz, Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), today addressed the United Nations Security Council about the work of the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP).
He began by updating the Security Council on progress in the prosecution of the final trial and appeals before the Mechanism. Prosecutor Brammertz noted the swift progress in the presentation of the Prosecution’s evidence in the Kabuga trial. He announced that subject to further developments, the Prosecution anticipates that it will complete the presentation of its evidence in the 2nd quarter of 2023, while the appeal hearing in the Stanišić and Simatović case is scheduled for the end of January 2023.
The Prosecutor also briefed the Security Council about the appeal judgment in the Fatuma et al. case. He expressed his satisfaction that Augustin Ngirabatware’s attempt to influence witnesses in order to overturn his genocide convictions was detected and halted. He noted, “We trust that by prosecuting these crimes now, we deter others from similar attempts in the future.”
Turning to the search for the remaining fugitives indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), Prosecutor Brammertz updated the Security Council that cooperation with South Africa is now moving in a positive direction. He further recognized the continued support of the Government of Rwanda.
The Prosecutor further drew the Security Council’s attention to the more than 1,000 fugitives wanted by Rwandan authorities for crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. He explained that while tracking the four remaining ICTR fugitives, the OTP has been uncovering some of these other fugitives in countries around the world. He said that “to escape justice, they lied about their pasts and abused the refugee process,” and that “in their new homes, many continue to promote genocide ideology.” Prosecutor Brammertz called upon the international community to assist Rwanda to account for all fugitives suspected of genocide.
With respect to national prosecutions of crimes committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, Prosecutor Brammertz reminded the Security Council that there are still thousands of cases that need to be completed in national courts. He explained that national prosecutors continue to request critical assistance from the OTP, and that this trend will continue for a number of years to come.
Regarding the former Yugoslavia, the Prosecutor highlighted that “the most significant issue remains regional judicial cooperation,” which is “essential because today, the victims and the perpetrators often live in different countries.” He noted that while there are positive developments in cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, “prosecutors in the region report that they are not receiving the cooperation they need from Croatia in cases involving Croatian suspects.”
Prosecutor Brammertz explained that Croatian authorities had informed him that the investigation and prosecution of their nationals is a national security issue. “This stance,” he said, “turns justice into a political matter, when it should only be about an impartial judicial assessment of the evidence and the law.” He noted, “Prior to joining the European Union, Croatia was at the forefront of promoting justice and effective regional judicial cooperation. Regrettably, it is no longer playing that role.” The Prosecutor committed to continue engaging with Croatian authorities.
The Prosecutor reported once again on the continuing denial of war crimes and glorification of convicted war criminals in the countries of the former Yugoslavia. In all countries, the senior political leaders call into question the facts of the crimes committed, praise convicted war criminals and create an atmosphere of denial and glorification.
He said, “These are not the words and acts of the margins, but of the political and cultural centres of the region’s societies.” Prosecutor Brammertz called upon all officials and public figures in the region to act responsibly.
In conclusion, Prosecutor Brammertz expressed the OTP’s gratitude for the support of the Security Council.
Benjamin Franklin, the renowned scientist and Founding Father of the United States of America, once said of the sport of chess: “The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement. Several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life, are to be acquired or strengthened by it… Life is a kind of chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with.”
Considering this wise observation, and the many other frequent invocations of chess as a metaphor for diplomacy or politics, it is no surprise that many diplomats are incredibly skilled at the Game of Kings. On Saturday, November 19, Diplomat Magazine, with the generous cooperation of the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague opened the opportunity for members of the diplomatic community to not only display their skills, but to play some extremely engaging games with their colleagues. This was the second edition of the Diplomat Magazine Chess Tournament, first organized last autumn, and quickly establishing itself as a popular event!
Stan Cortenbach, Policy officer DVB/Security Policy Division from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs won the first place of the II Diplomats Chess Tournament.
Not only did the diplomatic crowd show up, but some attendees brought their children, allowing for the organizing of a miniature kids’ tournament for those who showed up and wanted to exercise or expand their burgeoning skills.
Diplomats (and families) from (but not limited to) Belgium, Senegal, Ukraine, Cuba, and the Netherlands showed up for the relaxed atmosphere of logic and mental competition. Everybody offered each other casual games and enjoyed the light attitude, where the emphasis was placed more on everybody exercising and practicing their skills; playing for the enjoyment of the game.
II Diplomats Chess Tournament in The Hague.
All guests not only enjoyed a multitude of games, but a great number of hot coffee and tea mugs were drunk, as well as a light lunch provided by the Leonardo Hotel; the weather was cold and dreary, and this event provided a fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy the company of colleagues, but to escape the fast-approaching cold with some indoor recreation.
II Diplomats Chess Tournament.
Several trophies were given to the most skilled child and adult players who attended the tournament. With such a success in this second edition, Diplomat Magazine is looking forward to hosting the next edition of this great event next spring and autumn!
By Judge Piotr Hofmański, President of the International Criminal Court
Today, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”) joins the rest of the world in marking Human Rights Day and commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on this day in 1948.
International criminal justice is inseparably connected to the global movement to promote respect for universally recognised human rights, starting with the most fundamental rights such as the right to life and freedom from torture. The mandate of the ICC, standing at the centre of the international criminal justice system, is to hold perpetrators of the most serious international crimes accountable when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so, as well as provide redress to victims and help prevent future atrocities though deterrence.
The unprecedented focus on victims provided for in the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute creates an important platform for advancing human rights through the ICC. The Court’s legal framework allows victims to participate in the proceedings with the help of legal representatives, as well as receive reparations when perpetrators are convicted by the ICC. These reparations, typically comprising psychological and physical rehabilitation as well income generating activities, are aimed at repairing the harm suffered by the victims as a result of the crimes committed against them.
The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC plays a key role in making these reparations possible, and it can also assist victims regardless of any court proceedings or their outcome in the countries where the Court is active. I witnessed the transformative effect of these measures myself just a few weeks ago, when I visited Bangui in the Central African Republic, where I met with victim-beneficiaries and local partners of the Trust Fund. I call upon all States and other entities to support the work of the Trust Fund for Victims, which depends on voluntary contributions to be able to carry out its highly important mandate.
I also reiterate my call to all States to join the Rome Statute, if they have not done so, and I encourage all States to support the ICC in its daily work as well as strengthen the capacity of their national jurisdictions to address the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
We must work together toward shared goals in order to make real progress in eradicating impunity for the gravest crimes under international law. This is crucial for advancing the global enjoyment of universal human rights, which belong to all people without distinction.
On December 1st, Dutch and India representatives from both the government and the business sector gathered to celebrate India’s decision to invite the Netherlands as a guest country in the upcoming G20, which New Delhi will preside. The gathering was an important occasion to promote business and investment relations between the two countries.
On December 1st, 2022, India officially inaugurated its Presidency of the G20, a group of powerful countries that together represent around 85% of the world’s GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world’s population. In its role as G20 President, the Indian government decided to invite the Netherlands as a guest country – a proof of the strong political and economic partnership enjoyed by the two countries. To celebrate this occasion – as well as to further stimulate bilateral economic ties – the Embassy of India in the Netherlands organized a symposium on business and investment opportunities between the two countries.
The event took place on December 1st at Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, and saw the participation of around 125 guests. The Indian Embassy was represented by H.E. Ambassador Reenat Sandhu. In addition, Ms. Ravneet Mann – Vice-President of Invest India, the agency in charge of promoting investment in the country – also flew all the way from New Delhi in order to attend the event. While the majority of the Dutch guests were business representatives, the symposium also featured the presence of representatives of the Dutch government.
Audience during the India-Netherlands symposium on business and investment opportunities.
The event started with opening remarks from Ambassador Sandhu, who voiced her government’s priority for the forthcoming G20 Presidency. “India is taking charge of the G-20 at a time when we are witnessing geopolitical tensions and experiencing economic uncertainty, rising food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions and ill effects of the pandemic. In this challenging time, the world is looking at the G20 with hope. Prime Minister Modi has emphasised that India’s G20 Presidency will be inclusive, ambitious, decisive, and action-oriented. The theme of our G20 Presidency, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, symbolizes hope and our goal to bring the world together for global good.”
The Ambassador went on to explain the specific priorities that India plans to adopt during its Presidency, reflecting on the synergies that these priorities create with bilateral cooperation efforts between her country and the Netherlands. “Sustainable lifestyles, circular economy, accelerating SDGs, food security, digital heath, energy transition, use of digital technology for development and inclusion, women led development, start-ups & innovation will be among the top priorities of India’s G20 Presidency. It is interesting that these themes also resonate in our bilateral agenda of cooperation. India and the Netherlands have identified Water, Agriculture & Health, as three priority sectors of our cooperation” – the Ambassador explained, laying out some of the specific bilateral cooperation efforts ongoing in these domains.
Ambassador Sandhu, at the business event focusing on opportunities for trade and investment in India.
Ambassador Sandhu also praised India’s economic potential and the opportunities that the country’s economy offers for Dutch businesses. “Today, India is working at more speed and scale than ever before. India is now the 5th largest economy in the world with a large talented pool of skilled manpower.
The ease of doing business in India has vastly improved. A massive push is being given to infrastructure development and to creating an efficient logistics network. Our ‘Make in India’ programme also aims to ‘Make for the World’ and presents ample opportunities for investment and joint ventures for Dutch companies.”
Ms Ravneet Mann, Vice President, Invest India speaking on the Indian growth story and the opportunities for partnership.
The Ambassador’s contribution was followed by that of Ravneet Mann, who explained some of the initiatives undertaken by the Indian government to promote trade, investment and a business friendly environment. Invest India’s Vice-President also laid out some of the opportunities for investing in India, and invited Dutch companies to invest in the country.
This contribution was compounded by those of representatives from different Dutch ministries (specifically those of economic affairs and climate policy, infrastructure and water management, foreign affairs, and agriculture), as well as by speakers from the private sector (representing Royal Philips and Poonawalla Science Park). The speakers praised the current state of cooperation between India and the Netherlands, reflecting on existing opportunities to further strengthen this partnership.
Mr. Michiel Sweers, Deputy Director-General for Enterprise & Innovation at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy speaking on bilateral cooperation in the area of technology and innovation.
Overall, the event celebrated and cemented the solid bilateral economic ties enjoyed by the two countries. The Netherlands is now India’s 4th largest trading partner in Europe, with total bilateral trade exceeding USD 17 billion in 2021-22. The Netherlands is also the largest export destination for Indian goods in Europe, and in 2022 it has become the 3rd largest export destination for Indian goods in the whole world.
Investment ties are also very strong: the Netherlands is the 4th largest investor in India, with USD 42 billion worth of investments, while also being the 4th largest destination for Indian overseas direct investment (ODI), worth USD 22 billion. More than 350 Indian companies have a presence in the Netherlands, and a similar number of Dutch companies are present in India.
After this fruitful event, this number is likely to increase further.
So many unique experiences within hours of landing at the airport!
Referred to as ¨Bridge of the World¨ (Puente del Mundo) and ¨Heart of the Universe¨ (Corazón del Universo), Panama is a country to be discovered! Panama achieved a remarkable 30% protected marine area and 32% protected land mass by 2021, becoming one of a handful of countries to meet the 30 x 30 ODS goals 9 years ahead of time!
Panama’s Corredor de Coiba allows for the protection of an ecosystem that is one of the last major refuges for rare and endangered species of tropical America. Although the yearly average temperature of 27 degrees varies only slightly, from December to April rainfall is unusual and it is dry, while May through November is humid and a daily tropical downpour is almost guaranteed but sandwiched between sunshine before and after.
With a direct flight departing from Amsterdam, you arrive to a city that amazes most first-time visitors with its unexpected skyline. Panama City, capital of the Republic of Panama, is home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, resembling Miami or New York.
Although we have countless beaches, mountains and exotic adventure, it is highly recommended that time be spent in the dynamic city of Panama. Panama City is home to the ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the first Spanish establishment on the Pacific, which is separated from Casco Viejo (the renown historic district) by 5 world class shopping malls, the banking and financial center, many architectural wonders, multi-cultural neighborhoods and restaurants offering a varied gastronomic experience, all within a distance of 14 kilometers.
Casco Viejo, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1997, is the historic area composed of picturesque brick-paved streets with renovated buildings on either side. Walking around or relaxing in one of its numerous plazas, discovering history, boutique shopping or enjoying the evening rooftops attracts both locals and foreigners alike.
A short hike up Cerro Ancón gives you a magnificent view of Casco Viejo, the city, the Pacific Ocean, the Panama Canal and Taboga island, called Isla de las Flores (island of flowers). Taboga is a beautiful and relaxing day trip that is accessible only 30 minutes away by ferry boat.
You can head west or east from the city depending on what experience you seek. Daily flights depart from the smaller airports but most destinations are connected by road. To the east you head towards the most remote province, commonly called the Darien Gap, as it is a primary forest considered the most important “natural lung” in the Americas. This protected area contributes to Panama’s being one of three carbon negative countries in the world.
The Comarca de Guna Yala (previously known as San Blas), is home to the Gunas, the first indigenous group to gain autonomy in Latin America. The reservation, comprised of its mainland as well as 365 islands in the Caribbean, is known for its beautiful pristine white beaches surrounded by turquoise water, its warm sea breeze and waving palms, the indigenous cultural tourism, kayaking, snorkeling, and ocean-to-plate gastronomy.
Guna Yala is certainly worth a visit if you seek a once in a lifetime experience in paradise!
Men playing drums and women performing congo dances at San Lorenzo spanish colonial fortress. Chagres, Colon province, Panama, Central America.
However, if you choose to go west, upon crossing one of several bridges over the Canal, you venture into a reality that includes secondary cities, small villages and numerous beaches with warm tropical waters and a range of sand that goes from almost black to white. Restaurants or side of the road “fondas” serving traditional food are very reasonably priced and delicious. You can enjoy a number of folkloric festivities primarily between January and April.
El Valle, Panama.
A mere 2 hours away from the bustling city life, you can also visit El Valle de Anton, a micro climate utopia. El Valle is the largest continually inhabited volcanic crater in the world with an average temperature of 22 degrees. El Valle offers endless possibilities of adventure, horse-back riding, relaxation, flora and fauna appreciation, outdoor market shopping or simply enjoying the gastronomical variety.
The weather is usually perfect for a hike along the numerous trails, or a canopy tour after wandering through the jungle enjoying the splendor of the waterfall and the river. There is nothing comparable to an afternoon walk while listening to the sounds of the surrounding wildlife. Hiking up Cerro Gaital you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, a unique experience that only Panama can offer.
Palm tree islands and thatched houses. San Blas archipelago, Caribbean, Panama, Central America.
Chiriqui is the most westward province. Located here is the Baru Volcano, the tallest mountain in Panama at almost 3,500 meters. Because of the fertile soil it has provided over centuries, this province is known for agriculture. Our Geisha coffee stands out worldwide as the most expensive coffee sold at auctions, year after year. The Circuito del Café (coffee farm tour) is equaled only by the wine tours in Europe or Australia. Chiriqui is known as Little Switzerland and its beauty is breathtaking. You can enjoy bird watching, hiking, river rafting, and so much more.
A drive or short flight will transport you from Chiriqui to the province of Bocas del Toro. Bocas, a brightly colored and laid-back Caribbean city, is a combination of races, ethnicities and religious groups. A magical feeling of being lost in time permeates as you stroll the streets or travel by water taxi. The unrivaled natural beauty of Bocas is to be enjoyed while walking or biking, eating or reading a book under a palm tree.
Panama City, Panama
Be it the historic center, mountain trails, the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea, volcano craters, lush tropical rainforests that house 10% of all known bird species, farmland or laid-back living, it is all within reach in a few hours. Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise in the Pacific over a cup of coffee and set in the Atlantic with a cocktail in hand while the Panamanian people welcome you during your journey!
Panama, the undiscovered country to LIVE FOR MORE!
Arusha, The Hague, 8 December 2022 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, in New York. It was their first meeting since Judge Gatti Santana assumed the presidency of the Mechanism on 1 July 2022.
The Secretary-General started by welcoming President Gatti-Santana, and reiterating his ongoing and strong support to the important work and mandate of the Mechanism.
In turn, President Gatti Santana conveyed to the Secretary-General her gratitude for the trust placed in her as President of the Mechanism. She also expressed her utmost appreciation for his continuous backing of the Mechanism and outlined the priorities of her presidency. President Gatti Santana then provided the Secretary-General with an update on the progress made with respect to the Mechanism’s judicial workload, including the ongoing trial of Félicien Kabuga.
The President also explained a number of challenges encountered by the Mechanism, in particular related to the enforcement of sentences and the eight acquitted and released persons relocated to Niger. Finally, President Gatti Santana emphasised the importance of the legacy of the Mechanism and assured the Secretary-General that she is committed to advancing the achievements of the international criminal justice system.
President Gatti Santana is currently in New York to present the twenty-first progress report of the Mechanism to the United Nations Security Council on 12 December 2022.
