Mechanism Mourns the Loss of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya

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<strong>Mechanism Mourns the Loss of Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya</strong>

Arusha, The Hague,  6 January 2023– The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mechanism Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya of Uganda on 5 January 2023.

“The international legal community is losing an accomplished, savvy, and committed Judge with a passion for International Criminal Law, Human Rights, and International Humanitarian Law,” said Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the Mechanism. “Not only was she a fierce advocate for empowering women, which is of vital importance in the field of international justice, but she was also keenly aware of the need to mentor and give a hand up to those following in her footsteps.”

Upon learning of the news, her Colleagues on the bench of Trial Chamber in the case against Félicien Kabuga indicated that they “were mourning the untimely death of their distinguished and much respected Colleague. Judge Ibanda-Nahamya’s personal enthusiasm and invaluable contribution to the work of the Chamber over the last two years will be greatly missed”.

Judge Ibanda-Nahamya was sworn in as a Judge of the Mechanism in March 2018 and served with distinction on several important matters including, the appeal in the case of Ratko Mladić, and most recently, as a member of the Trial Chamber in the ongoing Kabuga case.

Before her appointment to the Mechanism, Judge Ibanda-Nahamya served as a Judge of the International Crimes Division of the High Court of Uganda and as a Judge, and Vice-President, of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. Additionally, she held important roles as the Principal Defender at the Special Court for Sierra Leone and as the Trial Chamber Coordinator at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Judge Ibanda-Nahamya began her trailblazing career in Uganda, where she participated as a researcher for Uganda’s Constituent Assembly, acted as legal advisor to the Women Caucus of Uganda’s Constituent Assembly, and contributed to Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. Her legacy also includes spearheading the establishment of Transparency Uganda, an anti-corruption NGO, and founding a successful law firm whose work supported indigent citizens, particularly women and children.

Today, in honour of Judge Ibanda-Nahamya, the Mechanism is flying the flag of the United Nations at half-mast at both of its branches in The Hague and Arusha. Books of condolences for Judge Ibanda-Nahamya will be open for signatures at the Hague and Arusha branches of the Mechanism from Monday, 9 January to Wednesday, 18 January 2023. Alternatively, condolence messages may also be sent directly to Judge Ibanda-Nahamya’s family at nahmayak@gmail.com.  

Information about further arrangements will be made available on the Mechanism’s website as soon as possible.

Thai National Day

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Thai National Day

By Roy Lie Atjam

On 2 December 2022, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Mrs Nataya Archjananun invited fellow Ambassadors, government representatives, the business community, friends of Thailand and many others to celebrate the 2022 Thai National Day. Many responded positively and joined the festive reception.

The evening was animated by the “Thai Music Circle in the Netherlands” with their sweet-sounding music. The ensemble also gave renditions of the anthem of Thailand and the Netherlands. An authentic Thai buffet followed. The welcome remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Ambassador.

“It is the National Day of Thailand, and Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, whom we regard as “the Father of the Nation”. With over 70 year of the late King’s devotion to the development of Thailand and well-being of the people of Thailand, therefore the day also marks as the Father’s Day. His lifelong work of sustainable development earn international recognition. The United Nations General Assembly marked the 5th of December to be designated as the World Soil Day.

The Kingdom of Thailand and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have long span of cordial diplomatic relation since early 17th century when the first Siam envoy was sent to the Netherlands. It is founded on strong bonds between the two Royal Families till today. Thailand and the Netherlands have long shared common values. Both countries govern under constitutional monarchy with vibrant and open society. We enjoy geographical similarities. We both are leading food exporters, and are hybrid nations of being in the mainland with maritime connectivity. Despite the physical distancing in the past years, Thailand and the Netherlands cooperation continue unabated. Many people-to-people activities were held. Just to name a few.

the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand H.E. Mr Chatri Archjananun and his spouse Mrs Nataya Archjananun welcome a guest.

First, Thailand’s participation in Floriade Expo. Monthly festivities promoting Thailand’s agriculture products from plant based food to design based on circular economy were held there.

Second, the Political Consultations were held in-person first time last month where both sides agreed 2 As of 1 December 2022 to advance cooperation in all dimensions including people to people.

Thirdly, the Water Mission of the Netherlands, which will visit Thailand next year to enhance the cooperation in water resource management. (I am pleased to note that a representative from Deltares is also here with us today).

As one of the founding members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, we welcome the Netherlands’ accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in August this year. This demonstrates the Netherlands’ commitment in forging common principles of regional peace and stability. (I thank Director Karin of Department of Asia and Oceania for her contributions and continued support towards the Netherlands and ASEAN relation).

This year marks a special year for Thai’s regional diplomacy as Thailand successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC Summit last month. Amidst the geopolitical tension and divergences among member economies, the APEC Ministers and Leaders at the end, came to adopt not one, but three outcome documents by consensus, including the Bangkok Goals on Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, the first APEC roadmap on sustainability.

“Thai Music Circle in the Netherlands”

With development cooperation, Thailand strives to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and will be ready to work together with other countries for tomorrow. Excellencies, In closing, I am honoured that the Mayor of The Hague will also join us today reception as I know that he is fond of Thai food. We have varieties of popular Thai dishes for you, please enjoy. As we will soon have more festivities to celebrate, my wife and I together with all our staff wish you a happy new year and enjoyable holidays.

Now, I would like to invite you to join me to toast for the good health and happiness of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand and His Majesty King Willem- Alexander of the Netherlands.”

 An authentic Thai buffet concluded the 2022 edition of the Thai National Day.

IndoFest 2022 – A Different  Feature of Festival

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IndoFest 2022 – A Different  Feature of Festival

By Roy Lie Ajam

IndoFest 2022  is an Indonesian festival held in Rijswijk,  a city adjacent to The Hague. The date was  10 – 11 December 2022.

The Indonesian Embassy brings Indonesian experiences to the Netherlands through  IndoFest 2022. IndoFest is a phenomenon known in Indonesia since 2015.

The Indonesian Ambassador Mayerfas and the Vice-Mayor of Rijswijk, Larissa Bentvelzen, officially launched INDOFEST 2022. One could see this year’s IndoFest as a festive tribute to the EU-ASEAN Commemorative summit of 14 December 2022. 

Ambassador  Mayerfas underscored the fact that IndoFest 2022 highlighted Indonesian culture,  and not only that, it also demonstrated the potential of the Indonesian diaspora in the Netherlands.

Ambassador Mayerfas and the Vice-Mayor of Rijswijk, Larissa Bentvelzen mingle with performers.

As one of the top cultural events organized by the Indonesian Mission in the Netherlands, IndoFest 2022 collaborated with various stakeholders to present a diverse program. Take for instance, the cultural performers, the music performers, “Ngamen” Stage, and even administrative matters such as Immigration & Consular services.

Despite the freezing weather, thousands of people flooded IndoFest 2022 during the two festival days.

The turnout was beyond expectation. Not only Indonesians attended, but individuals of sister ASEAN- and others countries also joined in the fete.

The amazing program included captivating items with takeaways for everyone, dances, fashion, music, food and a feeling of being at home.

The 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Awarded on the Sidelines of UN General Assembly

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The 100 Most Influential People of African Descent Awarded on the Sidelines of UN General Assembly

NEW YORK– MIPAD, Most Influential People of African Descent, a global civil society in support of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, hosted its annual event – Most Influential 100 Recognition Week 2022, following the opening of the 77th UN General Assembly in 2022. This 2022 edition featuring Global 100 Under 40 and Global 100 Law & Justice was organized in partnership with CNN.

Geovanny Vicente-Romero, writer, CNN en Español columnist, strategist and professor at Columbia University was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) on the Sidelines of Un General Assembly, alongside global leaders such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Costa Rican former Vice President and current President of the UN’s Permanent Forum of People of African Descent Epsy Campbell, Bidco Africa chairman and Kenyan tycoon (industrialist) Vimal Shah, among other young leaders of African descent from across the globe.

Geovanny said, “Beyond thrilled to be name one of the Most Influential People of African Descent, alongside leaders such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Kenyon businessman Vimal Shah and former Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Cambell”.

Geovanny Vicente-Romero and former Vice President of Costa Rica, Epsy Cambell.

Based in Washington, D.C., Vicente-Romero writes an internationally acclaimed column for CNN and teaches Strategic Communications for Professionals at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies (SPS).

Currently, he serves as Chief Advisor in Strategic Communications for the Inter-American Institute on Justice and Sustainability (IIJS), an international advisory institution in Washington, D.C. Geovanny publishes investigative and analytical articles on political communication, democracy, development, human rights, governance, elections, the environment, and the role of women in society. He founded the Dominican Republic Center of Public Policy, Development, and Leadership (CPDL-RD). Geovanny earned a masters degree in political communications and strategic governance from The George Washington University among other degrees in law and public administration from Spain and Dominican Republic. Geovanny is the recipient of the Dominican National Youth Award for professional excellence, the nation’s highest honor for people 35 and under. 

In November 2022, he was appointed to Columbia University’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee as a member representing the Columbia Faculty.

In 2022, Geovanny Vicente-Romero, was recognized as one of the He-For-She Champion for The Denim Club, a group of male figures that work to close the gender equality gap by promoting equity and more opportunities for the recognition and visibility of female leadership. At the same time, Vicente-Romero joined the G100 as Global Advisor on Mentoring & Motivation a committee.

Kamil Olufowobi, CEO,MIPAD said, “Congratulations are in order for all MIPAD Honorees for their outstanding contributions and service towards the advancement for people of African descent worldwide.” Olufowobi also said that the global lists are in continuation of the group’s effort towards highlighting and showcasing the positive contributions made by people of African descent worldwide. “This celebration is a milestone year in MIPAD’s journey. MIPAD working in support of United Nations and in partnership with a leading global media company like WarnerMedia sets the stage for us to further amplify global black narratives to showcase the many untold stories of our struggles and triumphs in every corner of the world, sometimes in unexpected places and high positions,” he added.

The United Nations Department of Global Communications also invited honorees to the film screening that will mark the culmination of the recognition week. An episode of the series, “Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade”.

Croatia joins Schengen area and Eurozone

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Croatia joins Schengen area and Eurozone

Sunday, 1 January 2023, Zagreb, Republic of Croatia: Croatia adopted the euro as its currency and fully joined the Schengen area. This marks an important milestone in the history of Croatia, of the euro and Schengen areas and of the EU as a whole.

With Croatia, 20 EU member states and 347 million EU citizens share the EU’s common currency. As for Schengen, this is the eighth enlargement and the first after 11 years.

The euro will gradually replace the kuna as the currency of Croatia. In line with a consistent record of exchange-rate stability, the kuna will be exchanged at a conversion rate of 1 euro for 7.53450 Croatian kuna. The two currencies shall be used alongside each other for a period of two weeks. When receiving a payment in kuna, the change will be given in euro. This will allow for a progressive withdrawal of the kuna from circulation.

The Schengen area is one of the main achievements of the European project. It started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between five EU countries, namely France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Now it has gradually expanded to become the largest free travel area in the world.

An enlarged Schengen area without internal border controls will make Europe safer, through reinforced protection of our common external borders and effective police cooperation; more prosperous, by eliminating time lost at borders and facilitating people and business contacts; and more attractive, by significantly expanding the world’s largest common area without internal border controls.

Since its accession to the EU in 2013, Croatia has applied parts of the Schengen acquis, including those related to the external border controls, police cooperation and the use of the Schengen Information System.

For further information 

European Commission: 

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/STATEMENT_23_7947

A new publication in Russian by a Brussels-based NGO

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A new publication in Russian by a Brussels-based NGO

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF), a Brussels-based NGO, is officially launching a project to fight fake news, disinformation and censorship Russian citizens are constantly and forcefully fed with.

In the last few months, HRWF has progressively put in place and tested a weekly newsletter in Russian, especially for Russian citizens about a number of issues that are unreported, biasedly covered or censored by their media.

Russian online media outlets and journalists operating in exile from the European Union and Ukraine as well as Russian-speaking people, press correspondents, researchers, analysts and political decision-makers in the West are receiving this newsletter for free and are encouraged to share it through their channels with people living in Russia. The news are also distributed through social media and on HRWF’s website, including in a specific online database.

The topics covered during the test period were:

  • RUSSIA: Soldiers refusing to be cannon fodder on the Ukrainian frontline 
  • UKRAINE: “I want to live” – Russian soldiers surrender through Telegram channel to save their lives
  • RUSSIA: No political will to repatriate dead bodies of their soldiers
  • RUSSIA: ‘Cannon fodder’: Why elite Russian soldiers serving in Ukraine are angry
  • RUSSIA: Shooting down of MH17 flight: Three life sentences and Russia should be on trial
  • RUSSIA: 70 women travelling from Belgorod to Luhansk to find husbands
  • RUSSIA: Despite Kremlin crackdown, new independent media outlets appearing outside of Moscow
  • RUSSIAN FAKE NEWS CORNER: Jehovah’s Witnesses prepare an anti-Putin coup, says Russian lawyer Alexander Korelov
  • RUSSIA: Sexual violence and rapes as abuses of power in Russia’s war on Ukraine
  • RUSSIA: Rapper commits suicide, refusing to go to war
  • RUSSIA: Kremlin spokesman’s son refuses to join Russian army in prank call
  • RUSSIA: Who overpowered Russian forces in Kharkiv Oblast? NATO, according to Moscow
  • RUSSIA: Conflicting values and conflicting narratives: the case of Russia’s war on Ukraine
  • RUSSIA: Criminal trial against six Muslims following Turkish theologian Said Nursi
  • UKRAINE: NATO membership, human rights and peace

A partnership has been concluded with The European Times in Brussels to republish the news on its Telegram channel in Russian. The European Times, an internationally rising news outlet, has a specialized section on Human Rights on its multilingual platform and channel.

Published by HRWF

Tripartite summit between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey

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Tripartite summit between Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey

Wednesday, 14 December 2022, Türkmenbaşy (Avaza), Turkmenistan: the first trilateral summit of its kind was held at the Congress Centre of the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone with the participation of the hosting President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as well as the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. 

During the exchange of views on priority issues of cooperation, it was emphasised that the summit will significantly strengthen trilateral political and diplomatic ties, expand interaction in the trade and economic sector, investment, cultural and humanitarian fields.

As a result of the first trilateral summit, the Joint Statement of the First Summit of the heads of state of Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Türkiye was adopted.

In the presence of the partaking heads of state, the following documents were signed:

  • Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on trade and economic cooperation.
  • Framework programme on cooperation in the field of science, education and culture for 2023-2025 between the Government of Turkmenistan, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye.
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Turkmenistan, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on the establishment of a joint Consultative Commission on Customs Cooperation.
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the State Concern “Turkmengaz”, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye on the further development of cooperation in the field of energy.
  • Memorandum of Understanding between the Transport and Communications Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey on the further development of cooperation in the field of transport.

For further information 

https://usa.tmembassy.gov.tm/en/news/108005

The statue of Russian Empress Catherine the Great removed from its pedestal in Odesa

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The statue of Russian Empress Catherine the Great removed from its pedestal in Odesa

By Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers

On Wednesday night, Ukrainians removed the statue of the 18th-century empress of Russia Catherine the Great in the southern city of Odesa after the regional council passed a resolution to dismantle monuments symbolising the Russian imperial past. A de-russification of Ukraine in answer to Putin’s de-ukrainization of the occupied territories.

On 27 October 2007, I was in Odesa and I attended the inauguration of the statue of Catherine II which was already controversial at that time.

On the one hand, there were fireworks and after the ceremony, a concert by the Odesa Philarmonic orchestra. On the other hand, there were numerous attempts from the highest authorities to counteract the installation of the monument in Odesa. Then-President Viktor Yushchenko spoke out against the monument. Representatives of Ukrainian nationalist parties and movements arrived to the city especially to disrupt the event. The Cossacks demonstrated against the official ceremony stressing that they had been persecuted by the Russian Empress when she conquered the regions along the Black Sea from the Ottoman Empire. For security reasons Ekaterinskaya Square was surrounded by the police cordon that then separated supporters and opponents of the ceremony.

At that time, public opinion was still very much divided between supporters of Ukrainian sovereignty hostile to Russia and pro-Russian Ukrainians in the eastern and southern parts of the country who usually voted for Russophile political parties at each election. This rip came to an end with the election of Volodymyr Zelensky as president of the country who was known and appreciated as a famous comedian by all segments of society. In 2019, he won the presidential election in almost all the oblasts.

A difficult but democratic decision

Since the 24 February invasion, the statue of the city’s founder, which towers over a central square and looks onto the Black Sea, has been vandalised repeatedly, which prompted many Ukrainians to reject their country’s historical ties to Moscow. There were vivid debates among the population, political parties and in the city council. The inhabitants of the Black Sea Pearl were largely consulted about the fate of the statue.

On 30 November, Odesa City Council supported the dismantling of monuments to Russian military leader Alexander Suvorov and the “Founders of Odesa”, better known as the monument to Russian Empress Catherine the Great.

Earlier, a vote on the monument to Catherine II was held in Odesa. According to the mayor of the city Gennadiy Trukhanov, the majority of Odesa residents who voted supported the idea of dismantling the monument. Subsequently, the decision was supported by the executive committee of the city council.

It seems that the statue will be housed at the Odessa Art Museum. The option of moving the monument to another location essentially suited the conflicting parties.

Bottom picture by Willy Fautré on 27 October 2007 – Published by HRWF

Justice Ministry seeks dissolution of Moscow Helsinki Human Rights Group

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Justice Ministry seeks dissolution of Moscow Helsinki Human Rights Group

The Moscow Times (20.12.2022) – https://bit.ly/3v7T74C – Russia’s Justice Ministry has filed for a court order to shut down one of the country’s most prominent and respected human rights organizations, the RIA Novosti news agency reported on Tuesday.

In its legal filing, the Justice Ministry claimed that the Moscow Helsinki Group had violated unspecified “legal requirements” while carrying out its activities, a statement on the group’s website said. 

Founded in 1976 by a group of Russian dissidents led by Soviet physicist Yuri Orlov, the group was named for the landmark 1975 Helsinki Accords on human rights and grew to become one of the principal civil society mechanisms for exposing human rights abuses in both the Soviet Union and Russia.

As well as working to protect human rights, the Moscow Helsinki Group has for years also been sending proposed legislative initiatives to the State Duma, requesting the transfer of those held in pre-trial detention to house arrest, calling for an amnesty of prisoners and urging the state to protect journalists. 

In order to avoid being labeled a foreign agent in 2012 in the wake of new legislation, the group announced that it would no longer accept any foreign funding to finance its work. 

Even if the legal move to “liquidate” the organization is successful, it won’t be the group’s first experience falling foul of the law. In 1982, following the arrest or forced emigration of many of its members, the group’s activities ceased, only for them to start up again just seven years later when Mikhail Gorbachev’s policy of perestroika took hold.

In March, a Russian court confirmed the dissolution of another prominent rights group, Memorial, which was subsequently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.



Photo credits: kremlin.ru

Published by HRWF

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya elected President governing body Permanent Court of Arbitration

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Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya elected President governing body Permanent Court of Arbitration

The so-called Administrative Council comprised 122 member States governing the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). The PCA was established in The Hague in 1899 during the first Hague Peace Conference. It provides services to resolve disputes that arise out of international agreements between member States, international organizations or private parties and deals with a variety of cases.

In 2021, the PCA registered 204 cases, consisting of seven inter-State arbitrations, 114 investor-State arbitrations, 80 contract-based arbitrations and 2 other proceedings. Topics are for instance inter-State arbitrations arising from the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It deals with a wide range of economic sectors like oil and gas, mining and quarrying, construction, real estate, financial and insurance, electricity and power, telecommunications, and transportation and storage.

The Administrative Council is responsible for the general governance and oversight of the PCA’s activities, as well as financial and budgetary matters. The ambassador of The Philippines in The Hague, H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya, has been appointed President for the period 2023-2024 during a Council meeting this month. Ambassador Malaya is a lawyer himself, vice-president of Philippine Society of International Law and a distinguished member of the Executive Council of Asian Society of International Law.

Ambassador Malaya is the first Philippine national to have been elected to this relevant position. He is a renowned figure in diplomatic circles. Ambassador Malaya is the author (or editor) of nine books on international law, diplomacy and history, such as “Stewards of the Nation” considered a classic for everyone who is interested in the history of the Republic of Philippines.

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