A dual identity – A Personification of a logo

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A dual identity – A Personification of a logo

By Arjen IJff

Last September, I participated in a logo design contest organised by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Hanoi and the Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City, on the occasion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam 1973–2023. At the beginning of October I received the news that I was selected as the winner. I was completely overwhelmed, because for me this is not merely a logo – it reflects my dual identity.

In January 1975, 48 years ago, I was born in the Mekong Delta, in the Vĩnh Long province. As a new born baby, only a few days old, I have been abandoned without any note at the Good Shephed Convent & Orphanage at the To Thi Huynh Street in the city of Vĩnh Long. This orphanage was run by Roman Catholic nuns.

After a few days, I was brought to the residence of the Dutch Embassy in Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, through Father Aarts, a Dutch priest and missionary of the Roman Catholic organization of Don Bosco, who worked in Vietnam and was a friend of the Dutch Embassy. He drove a van and brought some children to the Friends of the Children of Vietnam. This was a large orphanage in Go Vap District, also run by nuns. From there, the orphans were distributed to several adoption agencies and embassies. Father Aarts had good contacts with orphanages, especially the Sisters of the Good Shephard in Vĩnh Long.

Arjen IJff in front of the old residence of the Dutch Embassy where he has been cared the first three months of his life by Mr. and Mrs. Van Roijen.

Orphans with mixed background were ‘in demand’ at the time, partly because babies with lighter skin were favored, but partly also because these children would have a hard time growing up in Vietnam. You could be discriminated or banned from your family because of the tight and hierarchic family culture. My skin was lighter and the blue ‘birth mark’ above my buttocks – the so-called Mongolian spot that is visible in almost all Asian babies at birth – was absent.

For the first months of my life, therefore, I was taken care of in the residence of the Dutch Embassy in Saigon by Mrs. Carolina van Roijen, wife of the Dutch Chargé d’Affaires Jan Herman van Roijen.

In April 1975, just two weeks before the end of the war, Mrs Van Roijen transferred me – together with 26 other orphans – to the Netherlands. We were adopted by lovely parents and built up a good life.

Official launch identity ‘NLVN50, 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and Vietnam 1973 – 2023’ with Kees van Baar, Ambassador, Liesje Schreinemacher, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade & Development Cooperation, Arjen IJff, winner design contest and Daniël Stork, Consul-General.

I grew up on the countryside of Beemster Polder, a green and low lying land area below sea level, which has similarities with the Mekong Delta. That’s why the tulip and Lotus flower, which I used in the logo, not only connects both countries, but also my both backgrounds – respectively Beemster and the Mekong Delta. I always feel like a child of both countries.

Now, after almost 50 years, I have created a visual identity for the Netherlands Embassy in Vietnam. It was meant to be, the circle is almost complete. In this 50 years of ties between the Netherlands and Vietnam – and in the Year of the Cat, my Vietnamese zodiac sign – it feels like this is the ultimate chance to find my biological relatives.

Arjen IJff in front of the tamarind tree — the only witness left, along the Mekong River in the city of Vĩnh Long.

Unfortunately the orphanage in Vĩnh Long was demolished after the war. A large square has replaced it. Only a tamarind tree, between the square and the Mekong River, reminds me of the orphanage, my ‘place of birth’. This tamarind tree has now a symbolic meaning for me: it is – so far – the only witness left of my early existence.

To be continued. Chúc mừng năm mới!

www.arjenijff.nl

instagram.com/ijffoto

www.arjenijff.nl

instagram.com/ijffoto

Crackdown on criminal network that robbed ATMs in Germany

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<strong>Crackdown on criminal network that robbed ATMs in Germany</strong>

The Hague, 2 February 2023

With the support of Eurojust, the German and Dutch authorities have taken action against an organised crime group (OCG) suspected of having blown up numerous Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in Germany since 2021. In Bavaria alone, it concerned 31 explosions with a total haul of about EUR 3.4 million, causing damage estimated at approximately EUR 4 million. Nine suspects were arrested during a joint action day also supported by the Belgian authorities. They are in preliminary custody pending extradition. Fifteen places were searched in the Netherlands and one in Belgium.

The seizures included four kilos of explosives, which had already been prepared for further attacks in nine explosive packages, one rapid vehicle, which was used to commit the crimes, several phones, cash, tasers, gloves, crowbars, sledgehammers, navigation equipment, a digital radio scanner and valuables such as expensive watches and handbags.

In total, more than 270 members of the police and judiciary, as well as the Dutch defence explosives ordnance disposal service, were involved in the action day.

The perpetrators allegedly travelled from the Netherlands to the German states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg to blast open teller machines. They used crowbars to open the doors and solid explosives to destroy the machines. After stealing the cash inside, they escaped in cars.

The OCG was highly organised, with a clear division of roles ranging from preparing explosives to dealing with logistics, driving or blowing up the ATMs at the locations. The OCG was able to steal up to EUR 250 000 per attack.

The case was opened at Eurojust by the German authorities in May 2022. Two coordination meetings were hosted by the Agency to facilitate judicial cooperation and the preparation of the joint action day.

The following authorities took part in this investigation:

·        Germany: Public Prosecution Office of Bamberg, State Criminal Police Office of Bavaria and State Criminal Police Office of Baden-Württemberg

·        The Netherlands: Public Prosecution Office Midden-Nederland, Specialized ATM Blastings Team of the Police Midden-Nederland (Dienst Regionale Recherche), Police Limburg

·        Belgium: Public Prosecution Office Limburg, investigative judge, Federal Judicial Police of Limburg, Local Police zone Maasland

The Arts Society The Hague Presents: ‘Troy: Myth, History & Archaeology’ by Steve Kershaw

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The Arts Society The Hague Presents: ‘Troy: Myth, History & Archaeology’ by Steve Kershaw

Come to The Arts Society The Hague in the Warenar theatre in Wassenaar or join us via Zoom from home for a very special lecture given by accredited speaker Steve Kershaw on ‘Troy: Myth, History and Archaeology’ on Tuesday 14th February 2023 at 20.00 hours.

THIS IS A ZOOM HYBRID LECTURE IN THE WARENAR CULTURAL CENTER (WASSENAAR)

We do hope that members and guests will take the opportunity to come to the Warenar.

As a Classics Tutor for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education, Professor of History of Art for the European Studies Program of Rhodes College and The University of the South, Steve has spent much of the last 30 years travelling extensively in the world of the Greeks and Romans both physically and intellectually. He has published A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths (Robinson, 2007) and A Brief Guide to Classical Civilization (Robinson, 2010) and is currently working on A Brief Guide to the Roman Empire. It has been said that there probably isn’t any place in all the stories ever told that is as famous as Troy.

This talk will focus on the mythology of the Trojan war, which gave rise to some of the finest Ancient Greek literature and art, and will then turn to the fascinating tale of the discovery and excavation of the “topless towers of Ilion” at the site of Hisarlık in Turkey by Heinrich Schliemann and others.

Using slides and video we will explore some splendid archaeological finds, such as the ‘Jewels of Helen’, and finally, via encounters with Greeks, Trojans, Hittites and others, we will turn to the burning issue of whether Homer’s Trojan War really happened.

Join us for what will certainly be a very entertaining and informative event that will shed new light on a story that has captivated the world for millennia.

To register for the online lecture go to https://theartssociety.org/the-hague

Please note that you have to register before Monday February 13, 2023. The lecture starts on Tuesday 14 February at 20.00 pm.

Fee (non-members): € 13,-. A membership (8 lectures and other activities) is € 65,- per year and € 120,- for a couple. A half-year membership (4 lectures and other activities) is € 32,50 per year and € 60,- for a couple

Renewal SPO commitment to prosecute witness intimidation

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Renewal SPO commitment <strong>to prosecute witness intimidation</strong>

Acting Specialist Prosecutor Alex Whiting welcomed today’s judgement in the appeal of Hysni Gucati and Nasim Haradinaj, and made clear that the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office would continue to prosecute all cases of witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses and obstruction of justice.

“I welcome today’s judgement from the Specialist Chambers Appeals Panel, which reinforces the rule of law in Kosovo and sends a clear message to anyone involved in witness intimidation, retaliation against witnesses and obstruction of justice,” the Acting Specialist Prosecutor said.

“The SPO takes these crimes extremely seriously and will continue to investigate and to prosecute anyone and everyone involved in every instance.

“This case has been about the conditions required for the fair administration of justice and what is needed to make the rule of law a reality,” Mr Whiting continued. “Witnesses must be able to testify without fear of retaliation or retribution.”

Special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the EU focus on Afghanistan

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<strong>Special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the EU focus on Afghanistan</strong>

Friday, 20 January 2023, Brussels, European External Action Service: The third meeting of the special representatives of the Central Asian countries and the European Union on Afghanistan took place in the framework of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the European Union and the Central Asian states of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. 

The agenda of the event included a review of regional security challenges in the context of the current situation in Afghanistan as well as the collaboration between the parties to provide assistance to the Afghan people directly. 

The meeting participants noted the increasing role of the Central Asian countries in establishing long-term stability in Afghanistan, and the effective provision of international humanitarian assistance for the Afghan populace. 

HRH The Countess of Wessex visits International Criminal Court

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HRH The Countess of Wessex visits International Criminal Court

​On 2 February 2023, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), where she was received by the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, as well as the Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan KC, the Deputy Prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, the Registrar, Peter Lewis, and the Acting Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims, Franziska Eckelmans.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Judge Piotr Hofmański thanked The Countess for her visit to the Court and stated: “The support of the international community is of crucial importance for the ability of the International Criminal Court to carry out its vital mandate of justice and accountability.”  

Issues discussed with The Countess included the work of the Court and of the Trust Fund for Victims, particularly in relation to sexual and gender based violence, the restorative aspect of ICC’s work in the form of reparations to victims, outreach, awareness raising, as well as the protection of victims and witnesses, amongst others. The Countess also had a guided visit of the ICC Courtroom with ICC Judge Joanna Korner.

Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Summit – an indicator of new trends in the Central Asian region

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Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Summit – an indicator of new trends in the Central Asian region

By Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kyrgyzstan ended the day before. Undoubtedly, the significance of its results will go down in the history of bilateral relations. Moreover, they mark a new stage in the process of regional cooperation. I would even say that the significance of the results of the visit goes beyond the region and may even play an important role in stabilizing the entire system of international relations.

There are good reasons for such an assertion. During the visit, an end was finally put to the issue of settling the state border, which for many years was a source of interstate tension and held back the full potential of bilateral cooperation, moreover, served as a pretext for positioning the region as a hotbed of permanent instability. This had a negative impact on the efforts of our countries to attract investment and implement long-term plans for sustainable development. Earlier, Uzbekistan settled the issue of delimitation of borders with Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and closed the issue of demarcation with Kazakhstan. This, of course, is a big breakthrough and will become a new starting point in the formation of a new architecture not only for bilateral, but also for regional cooperation.

In addition, during the visit, the parties confirmed their firm political will to continue joint work on the implementation of projects for the construction of the China – Kyrgyzstan – Uzbekistan railway, as well as the Kambarata HPP-1. Moreover, the parties signed an investment agreement on the implementation of the Kambarata-1 project, agreed on the construction of small hydroelectric power plants, including on the Chatkal River in Kyrgyzstan. An agreement on the joint production of cars, building materials, pharmaceutical products and medicines, knitted fabrics, garments and knitwear, yarn, coal, electrical engineering, and agricultural products has become extremely important. All of these projects, which supplement similar agreements previously reached with other neighboring countries, can act as triggers for the development of many sectors of the economy not only of individual countries, but of the entire region. They will make it possible to unlock the huge production, transport, logistics and energy potential of Central Asia, ensure sustainable development and integration of the region into international value chains.

In general, the results of the Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan Summit in Bishkek allow us to draw several important conclusions.

First, the countries of Central Asia are actively forcing the formation of a new regional model of economic cooperation. There is a transition from commodity exchange to deeper economic integration through the development of industrial cooperation based on the use of competitive advantages and complementarity of the economies of the states of the region. This contributes to the development of manufacturing products with a higher level of industrial processing and added value, which in turn makes it possible to replace expensive imports in domestic markets, as well as enter the markets of third countries with more competitive products, and relieve the economy of the Central Asian states from dependence on raw material exports. It also increases the stability of the markets of our states in the face of external factors caused by the disruption and rises in the cost of production and supply chains, volatility in prices for food and energy products. An interconnected self-sufficient capacious market, a space for industrial and technological development is being formed in the region.

The joint use of the hydropower potential of the region will become an important step not only toward creating a common energy market, but also increasing the competitiveness of the Central Asian economy in the world market. The development of industry based on the use of clean energy with a low share of fossil fuels is a competitive advantage for the region in the context of a green transformation and a steady trend in the transition of most countries to a low-carbon economy.

Second, in the context of growing geopolitical tensions, loss of trust and lack of dialogue in international relations, which exacerbates interstate conflicts, Central Asia demonstrates high responsibility for the future of the region, relies on diplomacy and the search for mutually acceptable compromises on all complex key issues for the sake of general security and prosperity. This shows the maturity of the political elites of the Central Asian states, their readiness to build a foreign policy in the interests of the peoples of their states, which become the ultimate beneficiaries of the Central Asian rapprochement.

This is confirmed by the economic indicators of the region. Thus, the total foreign trade turnover of Central Asia today has reached about $200 billion, showing an increase of 60% compared to 2016. At the same time, the share of intra-regional trade increased twice, overcoming the mark of 10%. The inflow of foreign investments into the region is also growing. So, while in 2019-2020 worldwide, FDI inflows decreased by 35%, in Central Asia there was an increase, even in the pandemic year of 2020 by 3%, and in 2021 by 71%. In general, over this period, the share of investments in Central Asia in the total volume in the world increased from 1.6% to 2.5%. As a result, the growth rate of regional GDP in recent years was within 6%, by the end of 2022, according to preliminary estimates, will be more than 4%, and in 2023 it is expected at a level of about 5%. This will bring the region’s GDP to $400 billion, almost twice as much as in 2010.

It is obvious that the approach chosen by Central Asia to building interstate relations, based on the principles of mutual respect and consideration of interests, good neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation, today justifies itself, is in great demand in international relations and, as a model, can influence other regions of the world as a multiplicative effect.

Third, today we are witnessing a new trend – the strengthening of Central Asian identity. This is reflected in the statements of the leaders of the states of the region that all efforts to develop good neighborly relations are aimed at turning Central Asia into a space of security, stability and common prosperity. This also manifests itself in mutual acts of solidarity. So, in a pandemic, for example, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan assisted each other. Uzbekistan sent humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan four times and built 3 modular infectious diseases hospitals (in Kadamjai district of Batken region, Bishkek city and Chui region). In turn, during the man-made disaster at the Sardoba reservoir, Kyrgyzstan provided humanitarian support to the victims. All this also suggests that the Central Asian rapprochement is a fait accompli. The states overcome “national egoisms” and realize that only together, it is possible to reach the trajectory of sustainable growth and new frontiers of joint development.

The Central Asian states today are jointly forming a new paradigm of perceiving the region as an integral, interconnected, not only politically but also economically cohesive space. This is no longer a “powder keg”, but a space for sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation. And this significantly increases the international subjectivity of Central Asia, making it more resistant to external and internal challenges.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day The Hague 2023

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International Holocaust Remembrance Day The Hague 2023

By John Dunkelgrün

On January 30th, the Vredespaleis hosted the commemorative symposium organized by ChAI, the cultural and educational foundation of the NIG, the orthodox Jewish community of The Hague together with the city of The Hague and the Embassy of Israel. Following two ‘digital’ corona years it was once again possible to have the symposium in person.

The symposium, which aims to show light on how the Holocaust has influenced the development of international criminal law, this time focused on six photographers who recorded images of the occupation and the persecution of the Jews in the Netherlands.

The importance of this event is evidenced by the roster of speakers that consisted of the Mayor of The Hague, Mr. Jan van Zanen, Minister of Justice and Security, H.E. Ms. Dilan Yesilgöz Zegerius, H.E. Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Professor Leora Bilsky, H.E. Ambassador Modi Ephraim of Israel, Mrs. Deborah Maarsen-Laufer survivor of Ravensbruck and Bergen-Belsen and Rabbi Shmuel Katzman.

Among the public in the almost full hall were ambassadors, politicians, lawyers, former ministers, senior members of international organizations, academics, and students of international law. Unfortunately, there were no representatives of the printed press.

Minister of Justice and Security, H.E. Ms. Dilan Yesilgöz Zegerius.

Mrs. Maarsen-Laufer gave a moving account of how she and her parents survived Ravensbrück, Bergen Belsen, and Birkenau. Her message was most powerfully expressed in her closing words:

“Don’t lose hope, not then, not now, not ever!”

Most speakers and especially the minister of Justice and Security stressed the importance of education, formal and within the family, of the facts of the Holocaust, of the dangers of discrimination and especially antisemitism. She pointed to the rise of antisemitism’s ‘ugly head’, and the influence of false facts entering the minds of our youths through social media. It was why General Eisenhower ordered photos and films to be made of the horrors the Allied armies found in the concentration camps. He foresaw that these crimes might be denied. “After all ’the’ truth can consist of many different truths, and we must always be alert to the danger of malicious actors trying to control the narrative” ‘, she said.

Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague.

Comemorating and celebrating are not enough. It is also a problem of the here and now. It is about prevention, education, and corrective action where needed. How we plan to do this you may read in the action plan of the NCAB, the National Coordinator for Combating Antisemitism.

Internationally renowned professor Bilsky in her keynote speech ‘Rachel Auerbach: The Eichmann Trial and a new concept of victim testimony’ spoke about the influence of Auerbach on the empowering of witness’ accounts in trials of genocide and crimes against humanity since the Eichmann trial. No longer would such trials merely rest on archival evidence, but surviving witnesses would become proactive rather than just victims.

Ambassador Modi Ephraim told about the six photographers who were limelighted in this symposium, while their photographs were projected onto the screen and Mrs. Maarsen-Laufer lighted a candle as their names were mentioned.

The six photographers are:

  • Maria Austria
  • Rudolf Werner Breslauer
  • H.C. Damen
  • Jan Duimel
  • Johan de Maas
  • Lydia van Nobelen Risouw

In his closing words, rabbi Katzman emphasized the role of iconic photos in building our understanding of events. “Believing is seeing”, he emphasized. The photos help in the war of the narratives. Rabbi Katzman also stressed the importance of education because “laws alone will never preclude crimes’.

After the symposium, the Dutch member of Parliament, Mr. Ulysse Ellian, was very enthusiastic about the event. It was well-organized and the message of the speeches was important and necessary, but there were hardly any young people. “If everyone agrees that education about the Holocaust is so crucial, why weren’t there any schoolchildren?”

While this symposium was discussing the influence of the holocaust on international criminal law, an aggressive war is being waged by Russia in the east of Europe with many charges of heinous crimes against humanity. In part because of that, there appears to be a movement to add ‘Aggression’ to the crimes of ‘Genocide’ and ‘Crimes against humanity’ on the list of war crimes.

The organizers should have no problem finding a focus for next year’s International Holocaust Memorial Day-The Hague.

Photography courtesy of John Dunkelgrün and Stichting CHAJ 

The Italian Embassy honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day

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The Italian Embassy honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day

By John Dunkelgrün

On January 27th, H.E. Sr. Giorgio Novello invited fellow ambassadors, heads of international organizations, rabbis, and others to a gathering in the Pacifico Marchesini Library at the Embassy of Italy to mark the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The library was named after Mr. Marchesini, an embassy Employee who in July 1942 helped fifteen people from two families escape the Nazis. Sr. Novello gave an impassioned speech stressing the importance of helping your fellow human beings in their hour of need.

He then asked a handful of the invitees to speak. Mr. Libero (Bino) Marchesini told of a recent visit in Montreal to an 85-year-old survivor of the escape that his father had made possible. He was deeply touched by meeting a woman who would not have been alive but for his father’s bravery.

He also spoke, as did several others, of the recent poll that indicates that for teenagers and young adults in the Netherlands, knowledge about the Holocaust is sketchy, and 23% even deny that it has even happened or consider it way exaggerated. That this is happening while after decades of peace, a totally unexpected war is raging in Europe, is startling and dangerous. Lessons unlearned.

H.E. Mr. Giorgio Novello, Ambassador of Italy. Photography by Hans Linsen.

The ambassadors of Canada and Colombia, H.E. Ms. Lisa Helfand and H.E. Ms. Carolina Olarte Bácares, both grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, testified with barely controlled tears, that without people with compassion and bravery, similar to that shown by Mr. Marchesini, they would not have been there.

Rabbi Marianne van Praag. Photography by Hans Linsen.

To conclude Sr. Novello took the opportunity to introduce more than half a dozen new members of his diplomatic staff.

He announced that the importance of keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive was such, that the Embassy of Italy would make this ceremony an annual occurrence.

Criminal network suspected of tax fraud in workforce rental in Norway and Lithuania dismantled   

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Criminal network suspected of tax fraud in workforce rental in Norway and Lithuania dismantled   

  

The Hague, 26 January 2023

With the support of Eurojust, judicial and law enforcement authorities in Norway and Lithuania have taken action against a staffing network suspected of extensive tax fraud in workforce rental for fish farms in Norway. During a joint action day, five suspects were detained and nine locations were searched. Eurojust supported the judicial cooperation and assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.

After a wide investigation carried out in the fishing industry in northern Norway in 2019, the Norwegian authorities responsible for combating work-related crime identified ten Lithuanian companies and one Norwegian company that they believe are part of the criminal network. The estimated damage caused by the tax fraud amounts to approximately NOK 8 million (EUR 800 000).

The case was opened at Eurojust at the request of the Norwegian authorities in July 2021. In addition to supporting the establishment of the JIT and providing it with funding, Eurojust actively facilitated the cross-border judicial cooperation between the national authorities involved. The Agency organised four coordination meetings and facilitated the execution of several requests for mutual legal assistance.

In a coordinated action carried out in Lithuania and Norway on 13 December 2022, five suspects were arrested. They are charged with extensive tax fraud or complicity in this crime. Nine locations were searched and fifteen people involved were interrogated.

The following authorities took part in the investigation:

Norway: Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim); Nordland police district; Finnmark police district

Lithuania: Vilnius Regional Public Prosecutor’s Office; Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service (FCIS/FNTT)

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