Celebrating Armenia’s 31st Independence Anniversary in the Netherlands and Armenia’s Science and Technology Contributions

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Celebrating Armenia’s 31st Independence Anniversary in the Netherlands and Armenia’s Science and Technology Contributions

By Dr. Lorenca Bejko

The 31st anniversary of Armenia’s independence was commemorated with a series of events in the Netherlands, organized by the Embassy of Armenia and the King’s Commissioner in the province of Drenthe.

The day began with a visit to Frederiksoord village, where the Governor of Drenthe, Ms. Jetta Klijnsma, welcomed over 40 ambassadors, representatives of international organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and journalists  and guided them through historical sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The group then moved to Assen, where they visited the exhibition “Under the Spell of Ararat: The Treasures of Ancient Armenia” at the Drents Museum.

A reception dedicated to the National Day of Armenia followed, with H.E. Ambassador Tigran Balayan delivering a speech that highlighted the challenges faced by Armenia, including Azerbaijan’s aggression and the need for international support.

Mr. Harry Tupan, Director of the Museum of Drenthe,
Mr. Harry Tupan, Director of the Museum of Drenthe and the Ambassador of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan.

The ambassador also mentioned the strengthening of Armenian-Dutch relations, including the visit of the Armenian Prime Minister to the Netherlands and the implementation of agreements reached during the visit. The day ended with an awarding ceremony, where the Governor was presented with the Medal of Honor of the Embassy, the Director of the Museum, Mr. Harry Tupan, received the Gold Medal of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, and Mr. Nikolay Romashuk-Hayrapetyan was awarded the Medal of Honor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia for his contribution to the organization of the exhibition and the promotion of Armenian Culture in the Netherland.

Mr. Nikolay Romashuk-Hayrapetyan, Ms. Jetta Klijnsma and Mr. Harry Tupan.

The Ambassador Tigran Balayan’s welcoming remarks at the celebration of the 31st anniversary of Armenia’s Independence in the Netherlands highlighted the importance of the event and expressed gratitude to the King’s Commissioner in the province of Drenthe and the Governor of Drenthe for their hospitality.

The Ambassador noted that the last time a group of Ambassadors visited Drenthe was in 2009 and expressed excitement about the opportunity to gather in the premises of the famous Drents Museum.

H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia.

The Ambassador also acknowledged the challenges faced by Armenia, including the military aggression in violation of international law and order, and emphasized the need for solidarity and assistance in defending the country against autocracy. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of the year 2022 in terms of Armenia’s bilateral relations with the Netherlands, including the visit of Armenia’s Prime-Minister in May and the implementation of agreements reached during the visit. The Ambassador concluded by thanking everyone for sharing this important day with them.

Armenian musicians at Drenthe Museum.

Armenia has a long history of science and technology, especially during its time as part of the Soviet Union.

Armenia’s 1991 separation from the Soviet Socialist Republics caused temporary scientific and economic isolation, including cancelled computer orders and a lack of access to cutting-edge scientific research.

It was the USSR’s “Silicon Valley,” producing computers for all other republics while also housing thriving advanced institutes in physics, chemistry, biology, astrophysics, and computational science, among other fields.

Ambassadors visiting the exhibition “Under the Spell of Ararat: The Treasures of Ancient Armenia” at the Drents Museum.

Armenia had the largest electron accelerator in the USSR, competing with accelerators at some of the world’s leading institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Germany.

The events enabled the Armenian community in the Netherlands to celebrate their country’s independence and rich history, raise awareness about Armenia’s contributions to science and technology, and promote cultural exchange between Armenia and the Netherlands.

Museum Panorama Mesdag presents a major retrospective of artist Suze Robertson’s work

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Museum Panorama Mesdag presents a major retrospective of artist Suze Robertson’s work

Suze Robertson. Dedicated. Individualistic. Modern.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of her death, a major retrospective on The Hague-based artist Suze Robertson (1855-1922) is set to open in Museum Panorama Mesdag on 24 September. This will mark the first time in forty years that so many of her paintings and drawings – including many obscure works – have been brought together from museums and private collections for display to the public. Based on groundbreaking new research into her work, studio practice and life, this exhibition presents the most comprehensive portrait possible of this undeservedly forgotten artist. 

A radical innovator

Suze Robertson was and is considered one of the great artists of her time and a radical innovator. As one of the first women to become a professional artist in the Netherlands, both her artistic convictions and her lifestyle challenged the prevailing notions of her era in terms of what was typically feminine. Determined to succeed, she devoted nearly four decades to a self-aware and unshakeable quest to build an oeuvre in which every element bears her unmistakeable visual signature. 

Suze Robertson / Museum Panorama Mesdag

‘Suze Robertson’s paintings of housekeeper Pietje Prins, set against a gold-leaf background, are among her most iconic works. There is something mysterious and majestic about them: viewed through Robertson’s artistic lens, the housekeeper from Leur becomes an earthly Madonna. But few people are aware that three versions of this composition exist. The complete series is on display in this exhibition – a unique occurrence,’ according to Suzanne Veldink, guest curator at Museum Panorama Mesdag. 

Herald of expressionism

Through her expressive manner of drawing and painting, Robertson elevated art to new heights at the dawn of the twentieth century. The virtuosity with which she applied her media evinces a deeply driven character. In her work, line and colour are no longer merely in service to the goal of depicting the visible world as faithfully as possible, but have themselves become a means of conveying emotion. Robertson’s personal quest ushered in the end of the impressionism favoured by The Hague School and established her position as a pioneer of modern art in the Netherlands: a herald of expressionism. 

Suze Robertson / Museum Panorama Mesdag

Museum director Minke Schat: ‘Museum Panorama Mesdag has a special connection to Suze Robertson and her art. The founders of the museum – Hendrik Willem Mesdag and Sientje Mesdag-van Houten – were friends of hers. They collected her work and they, too, exhibited Suze Robertson’s art in the museum in their own day. We feel confident that this exhibition and the accompanying publication will ensure that, one hundred years after her death, Robertson is given her rightful place in the art historical canon of the Netherlands. It’s about time.’

Exhibtion

The exhibition Suze Robertson. Dedicated. Individualistic. Modern. will be on display from 24.09.2022 through 05.03.2023 in Museum Panorama Mesdag in The Hague. 

Central America Nations Celebrated Independence Day

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Central America Nations Celebrated Independence Day

September 15 is a very important date in the Central American nations of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica: it is the date on which all five of these nations declared their independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821. Now, 201 years later, the diplomatic corps came together on this day to celebrate independence, national food and culture, and the general revelry that such a holiday merits.

The Ambassadors of Nicaragua, H.E. Mr. Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klee Arenales, of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Carmen Maria Gallardo Hernandez, and of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro.

The Ambassadors of Nicaragua, H.E. Mr. Carlos Jose Arguello Gomez, of Guatemala, H.E. Mr. Jorge Skinner-Klee Arenales, of El Salvador, H.E. Ms. Carmen Maria Gallardo Hernandez, and of Costa Rica H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro were all in attendance and welcomed their esteemed guests to the celebration in the Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag.

The co-hosting the National Day celebration has become a tradition in The Hague and many may remember past editions. This collaboration is a fitting reflection of shared heritage and the influence of diplomacy in a time when it is important to find reasons to bring people together.

Ambassador Brenes Castro, speaking on behalf of all his colleagues, offered brief welcoming remarks to the attendees, thanking them for their presence, as well as urging all to enjoy the celebration with good food and good company. He stressed the symbolic importance of hosting the event in the Hague as a way to renew the bonds of friendship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands and other members of the diplomatic community and their shared values in multilateralism.

Finally, he spoke warmly about the international community and how, even though the republics of Central America share certain challenges related to the effects of climate change, organized crime, and others, it is through the partners and friends on the world stage who will help bring things to pass.
           

Central America Republics’ Independence.

Each of the four republics hosted a table at the event where attendees could sample a tasty variety of national flavours. The event was lively, the atmosphere was joyous, and the whole world joins in celebrating 201 years of Central American independence.

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Photography August Zeidman.

Eurojust and ICC Prosecutor launch practical guidelines for documenting and preserving information on international crimes

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Eurojust and ICC Prosecutor launch practical guidelines for documenting and preserving information on international crimes

The Hague 21 September 2022

Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have today published practical guidelines for civil society organisations on documenting core international crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. This will empower as well as support civil society organisations that seek to collect and preserve information to contribute to investigations and prosecutions at the national level or before the ICC. The guidelines aim to assist in fighting impunity and have been drawn up building on the expertise of the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC, Eurojust, the Genocide Network, civil society organisations, national prosecutors and international partners.

Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran said: ‘With the war in Ukraine, peace and justice are under the most severe pressure, and accountability for core international crimes and violations of human rights is more than ever essential for international criminal justice. These guidelines will be a key building block in efforts of authorities and civil society organisations to collect and preserve information and evidence that may become admissible in court. With this joint effort of Eurojust and the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC we provide practical assistance to get justice done.’

Mr Karim A.A. Khan KC, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, stated: ‘Civil society organisations are critical partners in our common goal to achieve accountability for international crimes.  Now more than ever we must work together to strengthen our common work towards justice. Through this publication, we also seek to highlight how we can work together more effectively to protect the most vulnerable when engaging in documentation efforts.  This is particularly important in situations involving crimes against children or victims of sexual abuse. It is my hope this document can serve as a basis for deepening this dialogue together.’

This publication responds to requests from many different organisations asking for clearer guidance on effective documentation approaches that can be supportive to action before national and international courts. Importantly, these guidelines seek to protect the most vulnerable when engaging in documentation efforts. They emphasise in particular the importance of ensuring persons are not interviewed several times. This can not only affect their safety and well-being, but also compromise their willingness to contribute to accountability processes by sharing their testimonies. In line with this goal, the guidelines contain advice on key areas, including:

  • Approaching vulnerable persons,
  • Taking a person’s account, photographs and videos,
  • Dealing with documents, digital information and physical items,
  • Storing, safeguarding and analysing collected information.

To assist their use in the field, the guidelines also contain a checklist setting out the core principles and practical steps that can be followed.

Building on extensive good practice tools developed by civil society organisations in the past, the guidelines are intended to be a living tool to be further developed as collective experience grows over time. Civil society organisations who wish to use these guidelines as part of their documentation practices are invited to share their further input and questions in order to develop a continual two-way dialogue that will ultimately strengthen our collective work.

Reflecting this intention, an online technical briefing for civil society organisations will be held on 6 October 2022, to be followed by a broader dissemination campaign in the coming months.  The guidelines will also be used as a framework for discussion of dedicated sessions of the upcoming first session of ICC-OTP NGO Thematic Roundtable, addressing the issue of crimes against children.

“Guidelines for Civil Society Organisations on documentation of International Crimes and Human Rights Violations”

Action against Italian mafia in Spain

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Action against Italian mafia in Spain

Supported by Eurojust and Europol, authorities in Spain and Italy have taken action against two organised crime groups (OCGs) with suspected links to the ‘Ndrangheta mafia and allegedly involved in drug trafficking, money laundering and extortion. The OGCs operated in Italy (Milan area) and Spain (Ibiza).

In an action carried out in Spain, 32 suspects were arrested and a total of 40 places were searched across Ibiza, Barcelona, Malaga and Tenerife. Furthermore, EUR 300.000 in cash, 18 kilograms of amphetamine and 4.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized, as well as firearms and ammunition. Also, during the operation a cannabis plantation with 600 plants was dismantled.  

The investigation in Italy focused on a mafia-type criminal organisation based in Milan that also operated in Ibiza. The head of the OCG is assumed to be related to the boss of one of the most powerful Calabrian ‘Ndrangheta families. The OCG is allegedly involved in extortion, drug trafficking and money laundering, through many economic activities, and linked also with the Sicilian Cosa Nostra mafia.

It is believed that the OCG was able to fully exert its power on the territory of Ibiza according to the mafia modalities and patterns that normally are exercised only in Italy.

In Spain, the investigation focused on an OCG involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The suspects allegedly used sailing boats to import large quantities of cocaine from South America to be sold in Ibiza. The criminal network also ran several businesses in Ibiza to mask their illegal activities, including real estate businesses and rental apartments for tourists.

Thanks to the information provided by Italian authorities, it was established that two members of the OCG who had settled in Ibiza allegedly belong to the ‘Ndrangheta family and are involved in committing extortion in Ibiza to the detriment of local businessmen.

The case was opened at Eurojust by the Italian authorities in April 2022. The Agency hosted two coordination meetings to facilitate judicial cooperation and provide support for the coordinated investigative efforts, including the organisation of an action day in Spain.

Europol supported this investigation by providing tailored expertise and extensive analysis support and facilitating the exchange of information through its secure channels. During the live phase of the operation, a Europol mobile office was deployed to Spain to facilitate the real-time exchange of information.

This case falls under the EMPACT Operational Action 2.3 on ‘Ndrangheta and the Sicilian mafia, the first EMPACT action led by the National Antimafia Directorate (Direzione Nazionale Antimafia) in which Eurojust is co-leader with Europol.

EMPACT tackles the most important threats posed by organised and serious international crime affecting the European Union. EMPACT strengthens intelligence, strategic and operational cooperation between national authorities, EU institutions and bodies, and international partners. EMPACT runs in four-year cycles focusing on common EU crime priorities. Fraud, economic and financial crimes are among the priorities for the 2021-2025 Policy Cycle.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

•  Spain: Court of the First Instance No. 3 of Ibiza (Juzgado de Instrucción 3 de Ibiza); Balearic Superior Court (Fiscalía Superior de Baleares); the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil)

•   Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Milan (Procura della Repubblica Milano)

ICC judges agree on reforms in response to Independent Expert Review at annual retreat

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ICC judges agree on reforms in response to Independent Expert Review at annual retreat

From 15-18 September 2022, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held their annual judicial retreat at the Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights, with the support of the Italian government. The retreat concentrated on proposals developed by the judges in response to the Report of the Independent Expert Review conducted in 2020 (“IER Report”), and on related proposals, focussing in particular on the recommendations concerning victims’ participation and the reparations process.

At the retreat, the judges acknowledged that victims’ participation and reparations constitute one of the key aspects of the Rome Statute. The judges discussed at length the participation of victims at the initial stages of proceedings. It was agreed that at the preliminary examination and investigation stage, victims should be encouraged to present views and concerns directly to the Office of the Prosecutor, although this is without prejudice to their participation in judicial proceedings at early stages when judicial intervention becomes necessary.

The judges highlighted the manner in which recent innovations already incorporated into the Chambers Practice Manual, such as the adoption of a model for the decision on the ‘Directions for the Conduct of Proceedings’ and the use of the ‘A-B-C Approach’ for considering applications for victims participation are already functioning to enhance efficiency and consistency. The judges further agreed that a working group of judges would continue working on victims’ participation and reparations.

The judges also continued their ongoing discussion on ensuring accountability for ethical conduct and improving the working conditions of staff members in the judiciary. Reflecting upon an evaluation of working conditions in the judiciary completed by the Independent Oversight Mechanism in July 2022, the judges agreed to establish an informal mechanism, within the judiciary, by which staff members may seek assistance from judges to informally address any concerns as to discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, and abuse of authority by judges. Such informal mechanism supplements the available Court-wide formal and informal mechanisms. The judges of the Court also agreed to amend the Code of Judicial Ethics to provide that the Court’s Administrative Instruction on Investigations of Unsatisfactory Conduct and the Administrative Instruction on Addressing Discrimination, Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, and Abuse of Authority apply to judges, thus enhancing transparency, accountability and the application of consistent principles, procedures and obligations to all categories of persons working at the Court.

The judges also adopted three fundamental principles concerning the decision confirming the charges, which will facilitate drafting and the efficient transition of cases from the pre-trial stage to the trial stage. 

During their stay at the Siracusa International Institute, the judges of the Court participated in a ceremony to honour the Institute’s fiftieth anniversary, with the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański,

The Embassy of Ireland and the Trust Fund for Victims conclude a joint monitoring visit

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The Embassy of Ireland and the Trust Fund for Victims conclude a joint monitoring visit

The Embassy of Ireland and the Trust Fund for Victims conclude a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda between 13 – 17 September 2022

From 13 – 17 September 2022, the Embassy of Ireland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), with the assistance of the Embassy of Ireland to Uganda, led a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda.

The objective of the monitoring visit was to provide delegates with the opportunity to witness first-hand the transformative work of the TFV in northern Uganda, focusing on the lasting impact of the conflict and the individuals and communities affected by the many atrocities committed. Delegates on the visit hoped to gain insight into reparation implementation programmes and hear directly victims’ experiences of court-ordered reparation programme in the Lubanga and the Katanga case in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Honourable Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Uganda said, “Although the guns have gone silent, the wounds are still deep”. He added, “We highly appreciate this important monitoring visit with so many delegates and we are certain that they will bring back great impressions of Uganda after their personal interactions with the victims of the LRA. It has become apparent that mental health is very important to be addressed. We have to ensure that psychosomatic services among others are continued as some victims will require this assistance to lead a normal life. The work of the Trust Fund for Victims is of utmost important to the thousands of victims in northern Uganda and we hope that the assistance will be prolonged. Without the assistance of the Government of Ireland, this visit would have not been possible, and we shall welcome you again, any time. “

The Chair of the TFV Board of Directors, Minou Tavarez Mirabal, said, “Medical treatment, trauma counselling and livelihood support are life changing services that afford recognition and a form of justice to victims of Rome Statute crimes and redress for the harm they have suffered. The TFV calls for collective efforts to restoring hope, transforming lives and achieving long-term reparative justice for victims”, she added.

Speaking on Ireland’s hopes for the visit and support of the TFV’s work, H.E. Ambassador Brendan Rogers of Ireland to the Netherlands said: “This visit is the bridge between The Hague and the field. Delegates are now better informed and have seen with their own eyes the impact of the work of the TFV on the ground. We now have a family of supporters of the Fund that can take that support back to The Hague and beyond.”

Participating delegates came to better understand the deeply rooted harm persisting in northern Uganda sixteen years after the LRA conflict and the need to redress this harm. Beneficiaries of the programme called upon the delegates to provide reparative measures more broadly to the victims, their children and communities. Delegates committed to advocate for increased international awareness and support in order to allow the TFV to continue its programmes in northern Uganda, complementing the efforts of the Government of Uganda.

Recalling the commitment to victims and affected communities of atrocity crimes, President of the Assembly of States Parties, Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, called on States Parties of the Rome Statute to step up providing support to victims. “States Parties should cooperate with the ICC in order to ensure perpetrators of crimes are brought to justice, and the rights and needs of victim survivors are addressed. During my mandate I will do my utmost to promote the important work of the Trust Fund for victims”.

Fourteen States participated in the monitoring visit this year, including the President of the Assembly of the States Parties, and representatives from the governments of Australia, Belgium, Chile, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda, United States, and the European Union. Also, Legal Representatives of Victims in the Ongwen case and civil society organisations participated in the visit.

Brasil Celebrates 200 Years of Independence

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Brasil Celebrates 200 Years of Independence

By Roy Lie Atjam

Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Paulo Roberto França and his spouse, Mrs Ivana Mainenti França, cordially welcomed the hundreds of guests to a reception celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Independence of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The festivities took place in Wassenaar on 7 September 2022.

The National Anthem of Brazil and the Netherlands was by Brazilian artist Elizabeth Fadel on the Piano.

The venue was filled to capacity, and scores of ambassadors and diplomats from all continents attended. Namely, India, Thailand, Cameroon, Panama, Morocco, Costa Rica, Portugal, UK. and many others. Further, Dutch dignitaries and business people, academia, DG and Deputy DG of the OPCW, Internationals, the Brazilian diaspora and numerous friends of Brazil. It was an exciting atmosphere!

The Brazilian National Day reception is one of the first major activities in the diplomatic community after the summer holidays. One Ambassador amicably observed that it looks like “the first day of school”, and people are eager to reconnect with colleagues and friends.

Brazil 200 Years of Independence’s reception.

On the program, a Piano performance by Elisabeth Fadel, Brazilian artist Andrew Laureth performing Brazilian music, and a Capoeira sessions by Academia de Capoeira Senzala under the stewardship of Mestre Claudio Lemos. 

Capoeira de Angola is a dance-fight game that enslaved Africans brought from Angola to Brazil. Capoeira is music, spirituality, dance, attack, defence, cunning and playfulness. 

Independence Day celebration in Brazil, the President spearheaded a civil-military parade. Further activities, patriotic performances, fireworks, waving flags and banners. People dance sing songs, play football, go for outdoor fun activities and much more.

The day is remembered throughout Brazil with different celebrations at various institutions. But those noteworthy remembering are the children’s school parades. Colour, music and enthusiasm fulfil a unique atmosphere.

Brazilian pianist Elizabeth Fadel

With elections looming around the corner, a candidate made use of the independence day celebrations and went on the campaign trail, visiting a football match at Maracanã stadium and the Copacabana beach canvassing to solicit votes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs illuminated its headquarters with the beautiful colours of the Brazilian flag. A true kaleidoscope of colours.

Ambassador Paulo Roberto França started his welcome remarks “ It is a great pleasure to have all of you here today, on this joyous occasion in which we celebrate the bicentenary of Brazil’s independence.

I arrived here with my family in December 2020, and had the honor of presenting my credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander just a few days later.  Since then, despite the restrictions we all faced during the tougher periods of the pandemic, I have sought, through contacts and travel, to extend my familiarity with the country, beautiful country. I have been continuously impressed by the vibrancy that is evident on so many levels, and am thankful for the warmth with which I have been received.

Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Paulo Roberto França and his spouse, Mrs Ivana Mainenti França.

It is particularly gratifying to be Ambassador for Brazil in a country with which bilateral relations have such a long and rich history. Brazil and The Netherlands, besides shared history, have fostered strong ties of friendship and cooperation in so many different areas.  Since my arrival, I have been a witness to the diversity of converging interests and partnerships that bring our countries together.  I have also actively engaged, mobilizing the efforts of the Embassy, in their promotion.  Many of you present here today, whether Dutch or Brazilian, contribute, on a daily basis, to strengthening these bonds through your work in academia, the cultural sector and in business, amongst others.

In this regard, I would like to address the Brazilian community in the Netherlands.  Brazil-Dutch relations are rooted in common principles and aspirations, but it is from people-to-people contacts that they gather strength.  With your permission, I would therefore like to say a few words in Portuguese to the Brazilians residing in the Netherlands present here today.

É uma alegria enorme recebê-los hoje para comemorarmos o bicentenário do nosso Brasil.  Este ano preferimos realizar a festa neste espaço, e não na Residência Oficial, para permitir uma comemoração maior, à altura da importância da data de hoje.  Quero reconhecer e agradecer a contribuição de todos vocês para a aproximação entre o Brasil e os Países Baixos.  Contem conosco, na Embaixada na Haia, bem como com meus colegas no Consulado em Amsterdã, representado aqui pelo consul-geral, embaixador Cezar Amaral, para apoiá-los  nos seus esforços.  

Desejo a todos uma ótima festa. 

Since I have addressed our Brazilian community, this is perhaps a good moment to mention the list of sponsors for tonight’s event, which helps to illustrate the diversity I’ve referred to.  All of these Brazilian companies are leaders in their fields:  Braskem, in the chemical and petrochemical industry; Embraer, in the aerospace business; CBMM, in mining and development of niobium technology; Cutrale, in the fruit juice sector; and Seara and JBS, in the meat and poultry sectors.  I take this opportunity to warmly thank them for their contributions.

I can’t fail to mention, as well, our friends from Rodízio Brazilian Grill, who will be preparing grilled meats and caipirinhas for us to savor. 

Capoeira sessions by Academia de Capoeira Senzala under the stewardship of Mestre Claudio Lemos.

Dear friends, Allow me to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Professor Antonio Augusto Cançado Trindade, one of Brazil’s most brilliant and dedicated jurists, who passed away earlier this year.  Having twice been elected as a judge to the International Court of Justice, professor Trindade’s qualities are well known to the diplomatic community in the Hague. I want to acknowledge, as well, the presence at this event of Professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant, Brazil’s competent jurist with vast knowledge and experience in international Law. We are proud to launch the candidacy of professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant here in the Hague to fulfill the remainder of the 9 year term of office that had been held by professor Trindade, in the elections to take place this November. We wish professor Leonardo Caldeira Brant success, which he most certainly deserves.

Lastly, I’d like to refer to tonight’s cultural performances.  I thank them all.  Elizabeth Fadel, who we have already heard playing the Dutch and Brazilian anthems, will continue with a repertoire of Brazilian classics, including well-known chorinhos.  On guitar and voice, Andrew Laureth’s music focuses on Brazilian Popular Music. Furthermore, the capoeira Senzala school.

Finally, let me thank my team at the Embassy, that have done their utmost for a very successful commemoration of our bicentenary. 

My warmest greetings to all of you!”

The Brazil @ 200 reception has made quite a splash !

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Photography by Thainá Rodrigues from Amour Fotografie

The CFC celebrates 33 years of impact

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The CFC celebrates 33 years of impact

On the 15th of September in 1989 the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) was founded with a mission to tackle commodity dependence in developing countries and support smallholders out of poverty.

Celebrating its anniversary, it is worth looking back at the organisation’s achievements – its financial support for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) working with the world’s poorest commodity producers has indeed boosted the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

Up to 2021, the CFC had approved 448 projects worth USD 937 million, involving 70 commodities in 99 countries. As shown below, these are spread across a range of sectors in some of the poorest nations with a particular focus on the least developed countries (LDCs).

Commodity value chain

These accomplishments, however, do not preclude the disproportionate impact of pressing global issues such as climate change, health crises, conflicts and gender inequality on smallholder farmers. For this reason, the CFC is seeking to expand its impact, as reflected by the expected positive benefits on the current CFC portfolio and the 11 new investments approved in 2021.

CFC

What makes the CFC so unique is the local impact it achieves through international collaboration and knowledge sharing designed to ease the trap of commodity dependence. The CFC believes this has a key role to play in achieving the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking ahead, building more partnerships with impact investors is essential for reaching more underserved regions and providing the backing agribusinesses need to thrive. Leveraging this potential, the CFC recently became a member of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) to create more connections that will create more connections that will grow both the impact investing industry and the CFC’s impact.

The CFC is also strengthening its ability to respond to challenges such as the enduring pandemic, the impacts of war in Ukraine and the need to contribute to the sustainability agenda. Accordingly, by harnessing the power of technology to transform commodity chains and launching its new Commodity Impact Investment Facility (CIIF), the organisation will enhance its support for the communities it serves.

Poverty cannot be alleviated by acting in isolation. Supported by its member states, the CFC will continue to contribute to the fight by providing economic opportunity for many of the world’s 570 million smallholders and the SMEs they rely on.

Central to the CFC’s achievements are its brilliant team members, who combine expertise in the field with a passion for alleviating poverty. It is their work that has enabled the CFC to deliver 33 years of impact alongside the businesses the organisation supports, and their work that will keep changing lives for many years to come.

Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s publisher and H.E. Sheik Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Funds for Commodities.

What to watch for at SCO Head of States summit in Samarkand

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What to watch for at SCO Head of States summit in Samarkand

By Vita Kobiela

On the 15-16th of September, in the ancient city of Samarkand, the jewel of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan welcomed the 14 heads of state who jointly represented half of the world’s population. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin together with the other 12 Heads of State, including from India, Pakistan, Turkey, and 4 Central Asia nations – all gathered in Samarkand – to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit on the 15-16th of September 2022. The Samarkand Summit has already been called historical as its decisions and outcomes became the game-changer for the whole Eurasian continent.

Political outcomes

The number of signed documents, excluding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reached the number of 44. The procedure for granting Belarus membership of the SCO has been initiated, while Iran has signed a Memorandum of Obligations that would begin a year-long formal process for the country to attain full member status. On the 14th of September, both Qatar and Egypt signed a formal memorandum to become SCO’s official partner-States, which is the first step to potential future accession. Applications for partner status of Bahrain and Maldives were also approved.

Economic outcomes

When it comes to the economic outcomes, the total amount of contracts signed only by Uzbekistan is estimated at $26 billion. Uzbekistan and China signed agreements worth $15 billion, while a package of new investment agreements signed between Uzbekistan and Russia were worth $4.6 billion.

After 20 years of complex negotiations, within the framework of the SCO summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China have finally signed a tripartite agreement on the construction of the transnational railway. Another historical breakthrough for Central Asia is the implementation of the project, which will expand the geography of trade and transportation from China through Uzbekistan to Europe and the Persian Gulf states through the Southern Corridor. New transport routes will redesign the Eurasian connectivity per se, the goods from South and Central Asia will be travelling to Europe faster, at a cheaper cost.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan by Henri Estramant.

However, these are the side-effects of the event.

The most impressive was to see that at a time when the major powers are trying to divide the world and fight among themselves, or even wage wars, Uzbekistan calls for peaceful coexistence.

The Samarkand Declaration signed on the 16th of September within the framework of the summit, marked the beginning of a new era for the SCO, and perhaps for the entire Eurasian continent.

Uzbekistan has come up with the revolutionary idea, proposing to SCO members as well as to the whole world to rethink the value of multilateral cooperation at a time of great geopolitical and economic upheaval. The clash at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border or between Armenia and Azerbaijan that started just on the very eve of the SCO summit, just proved the pertinence and importance of the Uzbek Initiative.

Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity, coined by the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev became the cornerstone of the SCO joint political declaration.

Samarkand Initiative, which is, in fact, the practical embodiment of the UN Declaration on Dialogue among Civilizations, adopted in 2001 by the UN General Assembly – is the symbiosis of the Shanghai and Samarkand spirits. The former is built on mutual trust, benefit, equality, striving to resolve issues through 1consultations, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and movement towards joint development. The latter, as President Mirziyoyev pointed out, is an embodiment of constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, good-neighbourliness and friendship.

Within this Initiative, the President of Uzbekistan proposed to rethink the value of multilateral cooperation in the framework of the global inter-civilizational inclusive dialogue. This dialogue will be conducted in 2023 as the International Forum, the main objective of which is to engage all states concerned in a global inter-civilization inclusive dialogue, to seek concerted approaches and solutions, restore trust, defuse global tensions, uncertainty, and unpredictability to build international cooperation.

The formula proposed by the Uzbek president is simple, however, it is a “squeezing” of the independent and multifaceted foreign policy pursued by Tashkent since 2016, which in practice has enabled the country to balance the interests of medium and small countries in the SCO space, as well as upgraded its regional position and role.

With the 80 events organised at the highest level, as well as the adoption of 30 concept papers Uzbekistan has set an example of truly engaged and productive chairmanship (Uzbekistan chaired SCO from September 2021-September 2022). During its time in the organisation, the Republic has put forward more than 54 initiatives, including – for example – the current mechanism for admitting new members to the SCO (which was used for the admission of India and Pakistan). Moreover, after a detailed analysis of SCO activities since 2016 – it became clear that Uzbekistan has become the SCO’s main driver of progress.

What is more, Uzbekistan has become a well-known mediator for “dialogue” between different states and international organisations. The high level of trust in Uzbekistan and recognition of its important role in the region is evidenced by the fact that after the SCO summit, Uzbekistan will host the GCC summit, the CA-EU High Level Conference and the EBRD meeting.

14 Leaders attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Samarkand.

“Historically, the world looked upon from Samarkand has been seen as single and indivisible, rather than fragmented. This is indeed the essence of the unique phenomenon of the «Samarkand spirit», which can serve as the basis for a fundamentally new format of international interaction, including within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation”, said President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his article “The SCO Samarkand Summit Dialogue and Cooperation in an Interconnected World”.

Concluding remarks

Although the Samarkand Initiative was initially addressed to the SCO member states, it also refers to Europe as Uzbekistan has presented a unique approach that could serve as a point of convergence for two increasingly antagonising worlds – the Eurasian and the Western worlds.

One thing is clear – Shavkat Mirziyoyev is not just the president of an ordinary state – he is a visionary: he sees and assesses international processes not only globally, but also rationally and pragmatically. With his vision of the regional and global world order, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has not only breathed new life into the SCO but also showed a possible third way for the development of international relations.

At the same time we see that Uzbekistan has already become an effective platform where states with different geopolitical views and interests come together to resolve interstate, interregional and global issues. That is why there is no better place than Uzbekistan to implement this important and much needed Samarkand Initiative.

About the author:

Ms. Vita Kobiela

Vita Kobiela is an independent policy and research analyst on
EU-Central Asia and EU-EaP relations, communications consultant at Volt Brussels

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