FLEP – Two Presidents and the best of their workings

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FLEP – Two Presidents and the best of their workings

By Yagmur Ceylan Korkut Hassan

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 – largely the forthcoming leaders from the government, international organisations or industry. The FLEP Executive Program’s concept is rather simple: Participants are spending one entire day with top level speakers – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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.

International Women’s Day at the Court

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International Women’s Day at the Court

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 Hofmański, 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.”

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 ICC’s 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: ‘’Our Office also protects women’s 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.”

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 Court”.

The Focal Point for Gender Equality of the International Criminal Court, Antônia Pereira de Sousa, said: “Together 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 world”.  

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.

Piano concerts in honor of The Day of Diplomat of Armenia

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Piano concerts in honor of The Day of Diplomat of Armenia

Piano Pearls from Armenia

On Friday, March 3 on the occasion of the Day of Diplomat of Armenia, The Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Dr. Tigran Balayan hosted a piano concert by pianists Professor Anahit Nersesyan and Marina Gevorgyan in the Hague.

Both pianists came directly from Yerevan to perform a series of concerts in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Ambassador Balayan organized another great event, always giving the floor to the best Armenian artists. Ambassadors from Panama, Serbia, Costa Rica, and Argentina, diplomats, together with Armenians from The Hague Diaspora enjoyed the master concert.

Antropologe and feminist Dunya Verwey, talked about the Museum Geelvinck collection of Dutch grand historic pianos from the 18th and 19th century and their restoration program.

Marina Gevorgyan explained the details of the great music program including pieces from Armenian composers Khachaturyan and Komitas. After the concert Ambassador Balayan offered a reception with Armenian wines. 

H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica, the Ambassador of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, H.E. Ms. Ksenija Milenkovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia and H.E. Mr. Mario Oyarzabal, Ambassador of Argentina.

Museum Geelvinck

In Amsterdam both Armenian pianists performed in Museum Geelvinck. The museum manages the largest Dutch collection of pianos from the 18th and 19th century (more than 300 instruments). This also includes the most important collection of early Dutch-made pianos, as well as the Sweelinck Collection. It gives a picture of the development of the piano’s mechanics in interaction with classical music. The unique timbre and playing technique of these special pianos provide inspiration for contemporary composers.

Antropologe and feminist Dunya Verwey.

The Geelvinck Salon was set up eighteen years ago. This series regularly brings concerts with varying classical programming; especially fortepiano. But also early music ensembles, crossovers with world music, and music theatre. Museum Geelvinck started in 1991 and today it is located in the catacombs of the Posthoornkerk in Amsterdam and also in the countryside Huize Kolthoorn in Heerde (NO-Veluwe). Both locations can be visited on request. New public presentations and various music activities are planned for 2023. Museum Geelvinck is included in the Museum Register and accepts the Museum Card. 

Geelvinck Music in Museums encourages musicians, piano technicians and music scientists to work with historic pianos. Under their management, it is played by young, professional musicians and ensembles. Historic pianos are a source of inspiration for musicians and composers.

Marina Gevorgyan.

Both pianists from Armenia Marina Gevorgyan and Professor Anahit Nersesyan were amazed by the quality of the pianos and thanked the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia H.E. Dr. Tigran Balayanfor for the wonderful opportunity to play on these unique instruments in Museum Geelvinck.

Professor Anahit Nersesyan.

Donation of historic pianos

Most historic pianos are still waiting for restoration.
Support this initiative!
Your gift is tax-deductible: the museum foundation is a ‘cultural ANBI’: become a Friend of Museum Geelvinck or make a contribution to bank account no. NL55 RABO 0314238131 for Museum Geelvinck o.v.v. “donation of historic pianos”. All your financial contributions and also gifts or a legacy of your grand piano, fortepiano carré, music books, sheet music, etc. are very welcome!

Support the preservation for future generations and donate for restoration. Give our living musical heritage a resounding future!

More information: www.geelvinck.nl

Prosecutor Khan concludes visit to Ukraine

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Prosecutor Khan concludes visit to Ukraine

ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC concludes fourth visit to Ukraine: “Amidst this darkness, the light of justice is emerging”

I have now completed my fourth official visit to Ukraine. This mission came at a pivotal moment, allowing us to take key steps forward in our investigative work, deepen our engagement with national authorities and meet with those impacted by alleged international crimes in Ukraine. I leave Ukraine with a sense that the momentum towards justice is accelerating.

In Kyiv, I joined our team of investigators and analysts who have been on the ground continuously since May last year, visiting sites of alleged attacks on critical civilian infrastructure as well as homes destroyed by missile strikes. Together with the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, Andriy Kostin, we underlined our collective commitment to ensure that such acts are fully investigated and those responsible for alleged international crimes held to account.

During my visit, I was pleased to meet on two occasions with the President of Ukraine, His Excellency Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our common message was clear: the pursuit of justice is a collective one, and one that requires collaboration and effective communication while respecting the independent exercise of the respective mandates of my Office and those of Ukrainian authorities.

This spirit of cooperation was reflected in a key step taken during my visit: the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine of the Agreement on the Establishment of the Country Office of the International Criminal Court in Ukraine.  This will allow us to significantly enhance our existing field presence, increase missions across Ukraine and, crucially, allow us to work more closely with survivors, members of impacted communities, and civil society.

Since taking up my position as Prosecutor, I have repeatedly said that children must no longer be the forgotten victims of conflict. My mission to Ukraine has underlined this imperative. In southern Ukraine, two kilometres from the frontlines, I visited a care home for children.

The drawings pinned on the wall and the cupboards full of clothes spoke to a context of love and support that was once there. But this home was empty, a result of alleged deportation of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation or their unlawful transfer to other parts of the temporarily occupied territories. As I noted to the United Nations Security Council last September, these alleged acts are being investigated by my Office as a priority. Children cannot be treated as the spoils of war.

Prosecutor with cribs

These allegations, and the lived experiences of so many in Ukraine, reflect a deeply challenging, often tragic, context. But during my visit it was also clear that this darkness has allowed us to see new ways of coming together, new ways of building partnerships towards justice.

This was the common message across all actors at the United for Justice Conference in Lviv which I was pleased to attend. It is unprecedented that as conflict takes place, literally as bombs fall, such a groundswell of collective work is being undertaken to ensure that the law is felt on the frontlines.

Concrete action was taken at the conference, with the establishment of the Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group to increase information-sharing and awareness across all relevant actors. My Office was also pleased to take part in a meeting of the joint investigation team (JIT) on alleged core international crimes committed in Ukraine.

UKR Press statement_photo 3 - #U4J conference (2)

I underlined to those present that the situation in Ukraine must also set a new standard for concerted action to achieve global accountability for international crimes. From Kharkiv to Khartoum, from Kyiv to Cox’s Bazar, survivors should feel this sense of collective urgency and benefit from the innovation we see we are now capable of.

While in Lviv, I was also pleased to meet with key counterparts including EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders and Mr Merrick Garland, Attorney General of the United States. This moment requires us to come together, to find new ways to collaborate and share information if we are to deliver for those that have suffered injustice.

My Office remains committed to continue to work with all partners, across civil society, national authorities, and international organisations, so that we can deliver tangible results and demonstrate the relevance of the rule of law in real-time. I will also yet again reach out to the authorities of the Russian Federation and seek their cooperation with my Office.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and to all representatives of relevant ministries and agencies who dedicated time to meet with me during this visit despite the exceptionally difficult circumstances currently faced by all in Ukraine.

Initiative promotes contemporary Irish arts and culture in Germany

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Initiative promotes contemporary Irish arts and culture in Germany

Friday, 3 March 2023, Republic of Ireland: The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, and Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, announced a €2 million joint investment in a season of Irish arts and culture which will take place in Germany.

The season will be a joint partnership between Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs, with the aim of deepening Ireland’s cultural engagement with Germany, as a key partner in Europe, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of our membership of the European Union.

In line with the ambition of Global Ireland, Ireland is committed to strengthening our global cultural presence and impact and places a strategic priority on arts and creativity as a key outward expression of our identity. This initiative aims to provide a special focus on the presentation of contemporary Irish arts in Germany. The Irish Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate-General in Frankfurt, with on-the-ground engagement, will work alongside Culture Ireland to co-fund, plan and deliver the programme.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, commented as per statement linked below:

“Germany is a vital political and economic partner for Ireland and our bilateral relations are excellent, with a major increase in contacts and coordination between Ireland and Germany since the 2018 strategic review of Ireland’s relations with Germany and the subsequent German-Irish Joint Plans of Action were launched. I am delighted that my department and our Embassy in Berlin and Consulate General in Frankfurt are partnering with Culture Ireland to present a curated season with a vibrant, contemporary and high-quality cultural programme in major venues, institutions and festivals across Germany, and which will grow German audiences for Irish arts.”

This new initiative follows Culture Ireland’s successful delivery of previous special projects, including the international culture programme as part of Ireland 2016 and more recently, Culture Ireland GB18, which focussed on cultural activity in Britain. This new initiative will create new opportunities for artists and companies across artforms to perform across Germany as well as develop their networks of contacts with German-based artists and cultural institutions.

For further information 

Government of Ireland: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/081a1-unpublished-announcing-ireland-in-germany/

Culture Ireland: https://www.cultureireland.ie/news/article/ireland-in-germany-2024-calls-for-expressions-of-interest

Irish Embassy in Germany (Ambassador Dr Nicholas O’Brien): https://www.dfa.ie/irish-embassy/germany/news-and-events/news-archive/ankundigung-von-ireland-in-germany—eine-saison-irischer-kunst-und-kultur-in-deutschland-2024.html

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Kosovo @ 15 Celebrated with a Concert and Reception

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Kosovo @ 15 Celebrated with a Concert and Reception

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Republic of Kosovo celebrated its 15th year of Independence with a stellar concert by the Trio Don’t Listen To Your Neighbours made up of Adhurim Grezda: bariton-vocalist, Dalvin Mamusha: violin, and Endrit Xerxa: guitar.

Kosovo 15th Anniversary. Trio Don’t Listen To Your Neighbours.

The repertoire consisted of soul-stirring traditional Kosovo-Albanian folk songs in a modern style with elements of jazz. Folk songs such as  Vendi Im, My Homeland, Kori I fshatit tone, The stream of our village, to mention a few.

It has been a dazzling show, the trio captivated the attention of the audience consisting of friends and well-wishers of Kosovo, business relations and a large contingent of the diaspora.

Ambassador Doli and his spouse welcomed the Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Mr. Marc Anthony Pace.

A good number of Ambassadors and diplomats attended the event, among them  Costa Rica, Malta, IOM, Colombia, Finland, Tunisia, Malaysia, Luxembourg, Albania, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Bangladesh.

After the concert, a reception followed with a selection of savoury  Kosovo food: qebapa, burek, cheese, baklava and much more.

As for the music, Kosovo-Albania folk songs, yet very much international as guests seemingly identified beats and vibrations from southern Italy, Maghreb and Caribbean vibes and tunes. The drum and tambourine might have contributed to perceiving the rhythms.

Ambassador Doli and H.E. Mr. Jean-Marc Hoscheit, Ambassador of Luxembourg.

In his opening remarks H.E. Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dren Doli presented  the Dutch translation of the book ‘’Glimmer of Hope, Glimmer of Flame’’-‘’Een sprankje hoop, een lont’’ by Ag Apolloni(Kosovo) The book was translated in Dutch language by Jan Jansen.  Guests received a complimentary  copy of the book and had the opportunity to have their book signed by the author. Ambassador Dren Doli gave an abstract of the book. He stated, “Here is a book about hope and hopelessness, it is about our history. The book tells the story of two Kosovo mothers, Ms. Pashka and Ms. Ferdonije.

The Ambassador of Kosovo welcome H.E. Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Antero Similä, Ambassador of Finland..

Pashka’s two sons had been murdered by the Serbian forces during the Kosovo war in 1999. After the war when remains of Pashka’s sons were found, Pashka lost all the hope. She decided to end her life. She could not live in a world that ignored her prayers to reunite with her sons.

But in Ferdonije’s story there’s a grim of hope, although she lost all of her four sons and her husband. They were taken from her during the war and she never saw them again. Years after, Ferdonije got the news that the remains of two of her sons were discovered in mass grave. They were 24 and 14 years old. To this day, she is hoping that her other 2 sons and her husband will return.  She is waiting. “

“My family home is a few blocks from Ferdonije’s.” said Ambassador doli. “Each time I visit my parents in my hometown I pass by her house where she still lives, and it makes me think that could have been my own house, my destiny, my story. And it is.”

Concert Kosovo’s 15th Anniversary. The Hague.

Ambassador Doli went on with his welcome remarks, “Today, as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of our Independence, we cannot stop but think about our own stories, filled both with hopelessness and hope, and yet again, use them to look forward and build our future.

At the same time, in today’s world, these truths, these personal stories that characterise our modern history, make us even more determined to protest, to oppose and to denounce this unjustified war in Ukraine.

My dear guests, since February 2008, Kosovo has built a strong and resilient democracy, with modern and robust legal system, a thriving economy that managed to surprise sceptics.

For example, in 2021, we reached a 10% economic growth, while in 2022, despite the inflation and war related market pressures we were able to achieve a 4 % growth. Today, Kosovo stands as a proud and independent nation, hopeful of brighter and better future for the next generation.

I would to use this day to thank our Dutch and international friends for their continuous support in the Netherlands and beyond. As the Ambassador of Kosovo to the Netherlands, I would like to reiterate that the Netherlands has been an important partner of Kosovo in all fronts for many decades now.

I will share with you few recent examples of these strong bonds. In 2022 Manifesta, a Dutch organization,  hosted its 14 edition of one of the biggest contemporary art exhibitions in our capital Prishtina.

Dutch companies operating in the ICT and service Sector, including recycling, food industry and agriculture have become important players in our economy.

Celebrating Kosovo’s 15th Anniversary.

Finally, I, would also like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for our Diaspora living in the Netherlands. They have shown remarkable courage and determination and have become the bridge that links Kosovo and the Netherlands. You are an inspiration to us all at the Embassy, and I am honoured to serve as your Ambassador in the Netherlands.”

17 February 2023  at the Concordia Theatre in The Hague was a memorable Kosovo cultural evening.

Guests left the event in high spirits!

Interaction and cooperation in the field of reliable protection of human rights and freedom

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Interaction and cooperation in the field of reliable protection of human rights and freedom

On February 23 this year, an international conference was held on the topic “Interaction and cooperation in the field of reliable protection of human rights and freedom” at the Congress Center of the “Silk Road Samarkand” complex in the city of Samarkand. It was in connection with the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the institution of the Ombudsman or Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights.

The main purpose of the event dedicated to the 28th anniversary of the Ombudsman is to exchange experience with the Ombudsmen of foreign countries, national institutions, competent state bodies and international organizations in ensuring human rights and freedoms, strengthening cooperation in protecting the interests of our compatriots working in foreign countries.

The conference was organized by the Authorized Person for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis (Ombudsman) in collaboration with OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan, USAID Legal Reform Program. The conference was attended by representatives of national human rights institutions, international associations and the diplomatic corps of about 20 foreign countries, including the ombudsmen of Portugal, Serbia, Hungary, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Russia, Thailand, the Kingdom of Morocco, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan. The event was also attended by members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights and a number of state organizations, members of the commission under the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman), representatives of civil society institutions, as well as the media.

The word ombudsman is understood all over the world as a “defender of human rights”. The main task of the ombudsmen is to inform the government about the problems that exist in society in the field of human rights, based on the analysis of citizens’ appeals. The relevant organizations, following the recommendations of the Ombudsman, increase the efficiency of their activities by eliminating shortcomings in the system. At present, ombudsman institutions have been introduced in almost 180 countries of the world.

On February 23, 1995, the Ombudsman institution was introduced in Uzbekistan as one of the first among the CIS countries. Over the past period, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman) has taken a worthy place in protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, including those held in closed institutions with limited freedom of movement. More than 20 memorandums of cooperation have been signed with national human rights institutions in a number of foreign countries. The Ombudsman has become a member of such international associations as the International Ombudsman Institute, the European Ombudsman Institute, the Asian Ombudsman Association, the Association of Turkic Speaking Countries and National Human Rights Institutions, and the Eurasian Ombudsman Alliance.

Parliament, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

In addition, since 2022, in accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional representatives of the Ombudsman have begun their activities on an ongoing basis. This made it possible to quickly ensure the protection of citizens, save time and costs for their arrival at the center, promptly study applications on the spot, and increase the number of monitoring visits.

The international conference was divided into sessions. Topical aspects of protecting the rights of women and youth, persons with disabilities and persons held in penitentiary institutions, as well as issues of mutual cooperation of the Ombudsman with state bodies and representatives of civil society were discussed.

In the first session, the participants of the international event got acquainted with the best practices for respecting the rights of women, youth and ensuring their interests.

It was noted that ensuring equal opportunities in the exercise of human rights and freedoms, creating sufficient conditions for persons with disabilities is one of the topical issues. In the course of its activities, the Ombudsman pays special attention to the appeals of persons with disabilities. Based on the analysis of appeals, in 2022, at the initiative of the Authorized Person monitoring studies of the conditions created for persons with disabilities in public places and ensuring the rights of prisoners (convicts) who cannot move freely due to their disability were studied, parliament and relevant state authorities were provided with information on the identified shortcomings.

In 2022, the Ombudsman and public groups made 381 (in 2020 – 76, in 2021 – 177) monitoring visits to places of detention of persons with limited freedom of movement. They conducted collective and individual interviews with more than 6,000 convicts (prisoners) and 1,657 convicts (prisoners), respectively. Representatives of the public and the media participated in these monitoring visits as well.

As part of the event, memorandums on bilateral cooperation were signed between the Ombudsmen of Hungary, Serbia and the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (ombudsman).

As a result of the international conference, the Samarkand resolution was adopted.

International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression made official at United for Justice Conference in Ukraine     

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International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression made official at United for Justice Conference in Ukraine     

           

The Hague, 5 March 2023

The Ukrainian authorities organised the United for Justice Conference from 3-5 March in the city of Lviv, bringing together a great number of stakeholders involved in the efforts to ensure accountability for core international crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine. As a key outcome of the conference, the seven partner countries* of the Eurojust supported joint investigation team (JIT) decided to amend the agreement between them in order to reflect the future role of the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression (ICPA).

The ICPA will be part of the existing support structure for the JIT, with a specific focus on supporting and enhancing investigations into the crime of aggression. The current amendments to the JIT agreement formalize Eurojust’s role in support of the ICPA and specify that JIT partner countries may benefit from the additional logistical, financial and operational support it offers.

As a JIT participant, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court may take part in the cooperation via the ICPA when certain conditions are met. Now that the ICPA is officially part of the JIT agreement, Eurojust will proceed with the practical implementation. The  main building blocks are expected to be in place by the summer.  The JIT members, the OTP and Eurojust will continue their smooth cooperation regarding ongoing investigations on alleged core international crimes in Ukraine.  

Commenting on the revised JIT agreement, Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘These amendments are a crucial milestone in the process of setting up the ICPA. They reflect the ambition of all JIT partners to address the impunity gap and give Eurojust a solid legal basis to proceed with the practical implementation as swiftly as possible. The fact that the amendments were agreed upon during such an important conference in Lviv is a symbol of our continued commitment to ensuring justice for the Ukrainian people.’

The United for Justice Conference also marked the official launch of the Ukraine Accountability Dialogue Group, aimed at promoting dialogue and coherence across the diverse range of accountability initiatives currently in motion. The decision to set up the Dialogue Group was taken by 45 countries at the Ukraine Accountability Conference, held in The Hague on 14 July last year. Together with the Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office, Eurojust will co-chair a workstream on national investigations with the aim to identify key challenges faced in core international crime cases and jointly propose solutions at policy level.

The conference was officially opened by Ukrainian President Mr Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as by a video message of the European Commission President Ms Ursula von der Leyen, and amongst the participants were Prosecutor General of Ukraine Mr Andriy Kostin, European Commissioner for Justice Mr Didier Reynders and Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC. Over the course of three days, there were many panel discussions on a wide range of topics related to the ongoing accountability efforts.

* Ukraine, Lithuania, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Slovakia and Romania.

UNDP and The Ocean Cleanup Team Up To Tackle Plastic Pollution

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UNDP and The Ocean Cleanup Team Up To Tackle Plastic Pollution

February 9, 2023, New York, NY – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Ocean Cleanup today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on eliminating plastic pollution in oceans and rivers around the globe.

The goal of the partnership is to reduce leakages of plastics into marine ecosystems by boosting policies and behavior change aimed at advancing sound plastic waste management systems and reducing overall plastic pollution, and accelerating the deployment of interception technologies in rivers to end marine plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution poses an existential threat to the health of the world’s oceans and the billions of people who depend on marine resources for food and income. Partnerships play a critical role in addressing this complex global challenge.

“Eliminating plastic pollution in all its forms is key to protecting human and planetary health and safeguarding sustainable development,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “This alliance is an important step to curb the flow of plastic pollution into oceans and rivers but also to raise awareness, support sound policy making, and trigger behavioral change along the entire plastic value chain.”

“After our valuable experience working with local UNDP teams to tackle riverine plastic pollution in the Dominican Republic, we are excited to partner with UNDP to further promote sustainable ocean health,” said The Ocean Cleanup founder and CEO Boyan Slat. “We believe that, through this alliance, we can help accelerate the deployment of our technologies to eliminate plastics from the oceans and rivers, as well as support broader policies aimed at waste management and reducing plastic pollution.”

This new partnership comes at a critical time as negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, are taking shape.

UNDP representative Inka Mattila and Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup Boyan Slat in Dominican Republic
Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup and Inka Mattila, Resident Representative UNDP Dominican Republic visiting The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor 004 in Rio Ozama, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo: The Ocean Cleanup, 2021

Wisdom of Future Meeting the Experience of the Past United Kingdom in Mediterranean

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Wisdom of Future Meeting the Experience of the Past <strong>United Kingdom in Mediterranean</strong>

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 future leaders on its own.

Hence, by the Program’s launch on 24th February 2023, this format gathered participants of diverse professional backgrounds and varied geographies, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East – largely the emerging leaders from the government, intl organisations or industry. The FLEP Executive Program’s concept is rather simple: Participants are spending a whole day with top level speakers – 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 city on two continents.

The second to the former Austrian state President, was the UK Tony Blair’s cabinet member, Defence Secretary Geoffrey William Hoon, who spend the full day with the highly anticipating audience of the Program.

Worth of mentioning is that Excellency Hoon received his education at Jesus College in Cambridge. Later in his exceptional career, he has taught at universities in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Secretary Hoon is a trained lawyer and a former senior cabinet member in the Tony Blair’s government of the United Kingdom. He has held a number of senior ministerial roles in addition to his time spent as a Member of Parliament (1992–2010) and a member of the European Parliament (1984–1994). From there, Secretary Hoon worked his way up to become an experienced senior industry executive with AgustaWestland, where he operated in both the defense and civil aerospace markets on an international scale. And more recently, he has held positions as a non-executive director (NED) as well as the chair of a charity and a private sector organization.

During the day-long exchanges with the FLEP participants Excellency Hoon elaborated on his career path, notably his role in the Labor Party, while contextualizing it in the general historical framework (premodern and modern political history) of Britain. He generously and enthusiastically shared elaborate views on the political structure of the United Kingdom and its main power brokers. In addition, he discussed the political development of the nation’s history in the post WWI, interwar and post-WWII periods.

The Post-war recovery, European integrations, Cold War, formation of multilateral forums in Europe (such as the Council of Europe, EEC, and Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe), fall of the Berlin wall and subsequent democratization in Eastern Europe, NATO and its R2P role, Brexit, Euro-MED dialogue as well as the war in Ukraine were main point that mesmerized participants all through the day.

Vivid exchanges of views and opinions 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) deeply impressed all. Closing the event, Excellency Hoon and President of ICYF Taha Ayhan (as a principal host to the event), jointly encapsulated what all participants already concluded in the course of the day- that the Program offers unique setting, unparallel anywhere else in the world. They both agreed that this particular format is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for emerging leaders from the state, intergovernmental and corporate sectors of all meridians.

And, indeed, the Program meeting hall was filled with the future that started on 24th February 2023 with the FLEP Istanbul program. The magic ship of knowledge and wisdom now sets its sails. It will reach its next fascinating port on insights in exactly a month time.

About the author:

Shaikha Al-Marri

Shaikha Al-Marri, of Queen Mary University of London (MS in Intl Public Policy). She was attached to the office of the Qatar’s Minister of Sports and Youth (Youth Advisor).

Represented her country at the UNESCO Pre-Summit 2022. She is active friendship ambassador for the Foundation of Friendship Ambassadors associated with the United Nations.

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