| HRWF’s human rights report mentioned in LE MONDE and EU TODAY HRWF (29.07.2022) – On the eve of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Benin, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) filed a report with the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Benin, in which the organisation outlined its concerns over human rights abuses in Benin, with particular regard to the continued detention of opposition figures Reckya Madougou and Joël Aivo and the fact that they were not included in a list of 17 detainees due to be temporarily released after a 13 June 2022 meeting between President Patrice Talon and Thomas Boni Yayi, former President of Benin (2006-2016). A press release with a copy of the report was sent to more than 500 French journalists and media, as well as to the members of the French Parliament and Senate. Eighty MPs signed an open letter denouncing the continued destruction of democracy by President Talon since 2016. |
Macron in Benin
Russia to withdraw from International Space Station
July 26, Moscow. Yuri Borisov, Director of the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, announced that it will withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024 and that Russia will focus on building its own orbital base.
The announcement, amid high tensions between Moscow and the West over the war in Ukraine, casts doubt on the future of the ISS, with experts saying it would be extremely difficult to keep it running without the Russians.
The International Space Station has been a symbol of international cooperation after the Cold War, but it is now one of the few areas of cooperation prevailing between the United States and Russia. NASA and its partners had planned the continuation of this operational collaboration until 2030. For scientists this is distressing news because of the valuable professional collaboration between the space agencies to date.
Borisov’s statement confirmed earlier comments by Russian officials about Moscow’s intention to abandon the ISS after 2024, when current international agreements for its operation end. Russian authorities have complained on many occasions that the wear and tear on the ISS puts the station’s safety and lifespan at risk.
Algeria celebrate double anniversary – Independence and Youth
Algeria celebrate every July 5th, the double anniversary of the Independence and Youth. In the wake of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Day, this year, the Embassy of Algeria in The Hague held on July 03rd 2022 a commemorative ceremony in presence of a sizable number of Algerian nationals living in the Netherlands.
After flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies in remembrance of Algerian Martyrs, H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak gave an address in which she paid tribute to heroism ad abnegation of martyrs and veterans during liberation war. In this regard, she pointed out the necessity of perpetuating ideals and values that guided our ancestors throughout their longstanding fight for freedom and emancipation.
Moreover, Ambassador Abdelhak lauded the deep-rooted attachment of Algerian diaspora overseas including Nationals in The Netherlands to their homeland and their contribution in the economic and political progress of Algeria and its cultural radiance in today’s world.
In this context, she renewed her commitment alongside with entire embassy staff to serve the Algerian community living in The Netherlands and employ all legal means to safeguard their interests in compliance with the President of the Republic’s guidelines.
Afterwards, an entertaining competition dubbed “Algeria Quiz” which consisted of series of questions related to the culture, geography and history of Algeria was convened, with a remarkable participation of 22 Algerian children. Despite its playful and enjoyable aspect, this contest enabled us to teach participants many relevant information about Algeria.
Later on, nine young girls took part in a traditional dress show, during which they come onto the stage wearing national dresses of the various regions of Algeria, to display richness and diversity of local culture.
Eventually, medals and gifts were offered to the young participants whereas two big pies and savoury snacks were served to the general public amid a friendly atmosphere.
Pakistan Minister for Commerce and Investment visited the Netherlands
By Roy Lie Atjam
The Pakistan Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment H.E. Syed Naveed Qamar visited the Netherlands on 24th May 2022. He underscored the longstanding friendly and cooperative relations with the Netherlands and wishes to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade and economic linkages in the years ahead.
Bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands have been consistently on upward trajectory, a reaffirmation that came from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment, Syed Naveed Qamar and Mr. Paul Huijts, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands after their meeting in the Hague to discuss the new GSP+ scheme.
The Minister held meetings with the GSP+ stakeholders including Dutch officials, businesses, trade bodies and civil society organisations. The visit was part of Pakistan’s campaign to sensitise the stakeholders in EU member states about the milestones achieved by Pakistan in implementation of conventions under the GSP+ obligations.
Minister Qamar highlighted that the GSP Plus was an excellent template and a success story of mutually beneficial cooperation as EU exports to Pakistan have grown by 69% whereas Netherlands’ exports to Pakistan have grown by 107% since the grant of GSP+ in 2014. Pakistan’s exports to EU have grown by 86% whereas exports to the Netherlands have grown by 108% in the meantime. He expressed the hope that the new GSP Plus regulation would continue to focus on its central tenets of supporting sustainable development, poverty alleviation and good governance in the beneficiary countries.
The Minister underscored that Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoyed excellent relations, which were based on mutual respect, trust, and common interests. He emphasised that strong trade and investment cooperation were important components of Pakistan-Netherlands bilateral relations. The Netherlands is the second largest trade partner of Pakistan in EU and a key investor in various sectors of Pakistan.
Mr. Paul Huijts appreciated the positive trajectory in the overall bilateral relations, including substantial growth in bilateral trade. Mr. Huijts also thanked Pakistan for its support and facilitation for the Netherlands’ evacuation operation from Afghanistan.
Later, Minister Syed Naveed Qamar addressed a seminar, attended by Dutch businesses, investors, trade associations, Civil Society / Non-Governmental Organisations and the Netherlands-based Pakistanis importing from Pakistan. He apprised the audience of key achievements made in implementing GSP Plus requirements. He also spoke broadly about the trade and investment opportunities and possible avenues for collaboration between the Dutch and Pakistani businesses.
The Minister apprised his audience of sensitivities and the challenges likely to be faced by any developing country like Pakistan with regards to new GSP+ scheme replacing the existing one, spanning from 2024 to 2034. “There is no lack of sincerity in implementing GSP+ related conventions on part of Pakistan.” the Minister reiterated. “Three successful biennial reviews are a testimony to the fact that Pakistan has made huge strides in meeting its human rights, governance, and environment related obligations.”
The Minister was of the view that while designing new scheme, capacity of the developing countries must be borne in mind. Moreover, GSP+ is a development assistance tool; hence it should not turn into a commerce restrictive at the end. Improvement in human rights, governance, environment, and socio-economic uplift of masses are the common goals achieved through GSP+ which must be preserved rather stalling further progress in these areas.
Concluding the session, the Minister invited the Dutch companies to explore business opportunities in Pakistan in agriculture, dairy, water management, maritime and clean energy. The Minister also responded to various queries from the audience.
Apart from the Netherlands, Minister Syed Naveed Qamar went on to visit major EU capitals of Berlin, Brussels and Paris where he met his counterparts.
Minister Syed Naveed Qamar met with the media and briefed them about the targets his visit achieved.
Dedication Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall Philippine Embassy The Hague
ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall Inaugurated at Philippine Embassy in The Hague
19 July 2022, The Hague – The ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague was inaugurated Tuesday, 19 July 2022, in a ceremony attended by the Vice President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), four other judges of the ICJ, and other international legal luminaries, diplomats and Filipino community members.
The event was held in honor of Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon as the first and so far the only Filipino Judge of the International Court of Justice, who served a full nine year-term at the World Court from 1967 to 1976. Also honored were two highly acclaimed Filipino jurists, Justice Florentino Feliciano, former Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and founding Member and then President of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (1995 to 2001); and Dean Raul C. Pangalangan, Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (2015 to 2021).
In his keynote address, ICJ Vice President Kirill Gevorgian praised the valuable experience of Judge Bengzon as Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court which provided a different perspective to the members of the ICJ and gave added flavor to the work of the Court and the development of international law.
“Judge Bengzon made significant contributions to the work of the Court and to the development of international law… He contributed to a number of seminal judgments and advisory opinions that have become crucial to the protection of human rights around the world,” added Gevorgian.
Gevorgian recalled how he met Bengzon for the first time in the 1970s in Moscow, when Gevorgian was a young lawyer, during a lecture given by Bengzon on the protection of human rights.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Judge Bengzon is known as a staunch defender of human rights. He served for many years as a Member and President of the Philippine section of the International Commission of Jurists, an international non-government organization dedicated to the defense of human rights and the rule of law worldwide,” said Judge Gevorgian.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, in his video-recorded remarks, alluded to the Dutch saying, “Als er één schaap over de dam is, volgen er meer” (if one sheep crosses the dam, more will follow), to underscore Bengzon’s greatest contribution to the Philippine legal profession as blazing the trail for Filipino jurists and lawyers alike to enter and serve in the world’s highest courts and tribunals.
Bengzon’s ‘appointment to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) capped a brilliant career in the service of his fellow men and women…. This honor given by the Philippine Embassy is but a fitting tribute to a man who is an epitome of integrity and excellence, a Philippine magistrate who had made waves throughout the world,” Gesmundo said.
Meanwhile, ICJ Judge Iwasawa Yuji, in his remarks, highlighted the achievements of the two other honorees. “Justice Feliciano was a towering figure in international law. I was fortunate to work with him, and as his colleague, I was especially impressed with his meticulous nature and attention to details. His expertise went far beyond international trade law and international commercial arbitration. He was also a prolific academic whose scholarship touched on almost every area of international trade law ranging from the law of war, to the law of the sea, and human rights law,” according to Judge Iwasawa.
Judge Iwasawa also noted Judge Pangalangan’s profound impact in the ICC where he served as a judge from 2015 to 2021. “In addition to his extensive involvement with the ICC, Judge Pangalangan has made significant scholarly contributions to the fields of international criminal law and international humanitarian law. In particular, he has lectured and taught at the University of the Philippines, Harvard Law School, and The Hague Academy of International Law, among many other prestigious institutions. Although his work is primarily international in nature, Judge Pangalangan has also greatly enriched the legal culture of his native country,” said Judge Iwasawa.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, said that “by having this event, the Embassy and the Philippines Government reaffirm its abiding faith and commitment to international law and the rule of law in inter-state relations. We do this by recalling the valuable services of three eminent Filipinos who in their own ways have made significant contributions to the international legal institutions they served and to the field of international law generally… By inaugurating the ICJ Judge Bengzon Hall, we hope that it would be a place that would memorialize the legacies of Bengzon, Feliciano, and Pangalangan not only for the Philippines and other countries, but to the The Hague, which we call affectionately as the international city of peace and justice.”
Bengzon is the sole Filipino and Southeast Asian to have sat at the ICJ, Malaya noted.
In attendance were a number of international law luminaries and diplomats, notably ICJ Judges Peter Tomka and Hilary Charlesworth, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of The Hague Academy of International Law, Prof. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Director of the Netherland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Department of Asia and Oceania, Karin Mossenlechner and Mr. Jules van Eijndhoven, Head of the MFA Treaties Division. Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva Manuel Teehankee also attended the inauguration.
The members of the Bengzon and Feliciano families, who came all the way from the Philippines and the U.S. for the occasion, were appreciative of the tribute accorded to their forebears. “We, the family of Cesar Bengzon, are grateful to the Philippine Embassy and Ambassador Malaya for extending to us the invitation to attend the inauguration of the ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall. We are truly privileged and deeply honored to be here today,” Mr. Anthony Bengzon, grandson of Chief Justice Bengzon, said in his message.
The family of Justice Feliciano, through daughter Ms. Josephine Feliciano Reyes, was equally thankful of the honor given to Justice Feliciano. As she fondly recounted the happy memories of her father, she narrated how in everything he did, “the underlying motivation was love for the country because the Philippines and the Filipino people have much to offer to the world.” In a letter he wrote to a young Filipino lawyer who was offered a position in a law firm abroad, Justice Feliciano said “I hope you will come back to the Philippines, because if all bright young minds leave the Philippines, who will be left to care about her?”
Judge Pangalangan in his eloquent message of thanks, underscored the key role international law has played in Philippine history and for every Filipino. “International Law has always played a central role in the shaping of Filipino history. Today it is no longer the domain solely of diplomats, high-level jurists, and high-minded scholars alone. Today it has become part of the mundane, quotidian needs of the ordinary Filipino, authenticating a birth certificate of a child born abroad, getting a foreign divorce recognized locally, and conversely respecting the rights of spouses in mixed marriages, on one hand, and on the other, securing the hopes for redress of human rights victims and asserting our claims to the resources of the oceans for the next generation of Filipinos.”
“Personally, I am gratified that our Republic gave me a chance to participate in that noble work. International law is not just about rules and provisions. It is actually about ideals and hopes—dreams that will outlive us all. We are merely temporary custodians, and I wish we prove ourselves worthy,” Pangalangan added.
Pictures by courtesy of the Embassy of the Philippines.
New Zealand’s Craig Hawke presented credentials in Germany
Monday, 18 July 2022, Berlin, Germany: At Bellevue Palace, German Federal President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier was delighted to receiving New Zealand’s new top envoy to Germany, Craig John Hawke, during an accreditation ceremony that took place in the saloon Langhanssaal, and was followed by a tête-à-tête focused on bilateral relations between the Head of State and Ambassador Hawke.
Craig Hawke arrived in Berlin after having served in the capacity as New Zealand Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York City between 2017 and 2021.
Before his UN assignment, Craig Hawke was Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prior to the this, Deputy Secretary, International Development 2013-2014. In the latter role he was the Foreign Ministry’s Chief Adviser on Pacific and International Development Cooperation issues. He has held a variety of other roles within the Foreign Ministry including the one of Chief Operating Officer – International Development, and has headed the Multilateral and Humanitarian Division as well as the Pacific Division at the Foreign Ministry. He has also worked on Africa, Asia, and environmental issues during his prolific career.
His other offshore assignments have paramountly been focused on the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, he served in the capacity as Deputy Ambassador in the Independent State of Samoa, 1998-2001, and First Secretary at New Zealand’s Embassy in the Republic of Korea, 1993-1996. He served in the New Zealand Trade Minister’s Office as Private Secretary from 1997-1998, and was seconded to the Australian Foreign Ministry in 1991 working on trade and Latin American issues.
Ambassador Hawke holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Economics from the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
During his tenure in Germany, he will likewise serve as non-resident head of mission responsible for relations to the Czech Republic, the Swiss Confederation as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein. Accreditations to these countries will follow in due course.
For further information
Embassy of New Zealand to Germany, Czechia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/germany/new-zealand-embassy/craig-hawke/
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Image courtesy of the Embassy of New Zealand in Germany
Tourism for all
The Ministry of Tourism of Greece, in collaboration with the Ministries of Digital Governance, Finance, and Development & Investments, launched a new online program to stimulate the domestic tourism activity as part of the government’s broader strategy for supporting Greek households and businesses against the effects of the global inflationary crisis.
The government’s revamped “Tourism for All” subsidy program launched online on Saturday.
It is available on vouchers.gov.gr, and concerns the subsidization of holiday expenses for some 200,000 people.
With the new “Tourism for All” pass, beneficiaries will be able to issue a virtual, digital debit card, which they can use for their stay at hotels and other accommodation.
Source: ANA-MPA /Naftemporiki.gr
Greece’s population up to date
The latest nationwide census in Greece yielded unexpected figures that show a clear reduction in the overall population.
In the 2021 census the results were 10,815,197 which contrasts with the 2022 results which were a total of 10,432,481. A difference of 382,716 people including 5,357,232 women and 5,075,249 men.
Data from the independent statistics agency ELSTAT.
Algeria works and it is worth it
By H.E. Ms Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Netherlands
I was delighted to participate, with an Algerian trade mission, to “Africa Works 2022” Conference after a lengthy pause due to Covid-19 pandemic as a sign of a business bump. The sessions dedicated to Algeria, gave me the opportunity to outline the priorities of my tenure as Ambassador of Algeria in the Netherlands and shed light on the significant potential of Algerian Dutch cooperation and partnership.
Indeed, the assessment of the economic relations between Algeria and The Netherlands shows their great potential in setting up a strong partnership. If they are still relying on exports of hydrocarbons from Algeria and agricultural products from the Netherlands, with an overall volume of trade exchange of 2.2 billion dollar, they are likely to multiply and diversify. In my book, hydrocarbon from Algeria represented in 2021 more than 85% of the overall volume of trade cooperation. As for The Netherlands, agriculture evolves around 3 top-areas; sustainable potato production, dairy sector and rational use of water in agriculture.
Training programs designed for young entrepreneurs in agriculture and agro-food industries holds also lion’s share of an agreement between the two countries. As for water management and given the fact that the Netherlands are well-seasoned in this very field, cooperation prospects are even more promising, particularly in terms of flood control and basin development pouring. Public works and transport are not the least when it comes to investment opportunities as the two parties are considering to kick off a cooperation project between the Ports of Oran and Rotterdam.
These results are commendable. However, I do believe that we can do much better turning our efforts into a comprehensive med-long term strategy that would pave the way for a more diversified partnership.
Sectors have been already depicted as vital by both parties such as port management, renewable energies (solar, wind and hydrogen), water resources management, mining exploration, transports facilities upgrading, innovation, start-up and waste management. In addition, the Dutch are known for their commercial dynamism, importing different products for resale on the European market. Algeria could take advantage of Dutch expertise in the field of re-exporting products in order to promote the Algerian label on international markets.
The Dutch business community are invited to explore further the massive Algerian market and play its due part alongside with other local and international companies operating in Algeria, in country with a thriving economy and a genuine treasure trove of both human and natural resources that are only awaiting for keen explorers like the Dutch.
To be attractive Algeria has lifted constraints and adopted incentives to facilitate trade and investment, including the abolition of the 51/49 rule governing foreign investments in 2020 and the adoption of the new investment Law. Other many preferences are available for products originated in Algeria within the African free Trade Area (AfCFTA) where Algeria is a founding member .
An Algerian incoming Trade Mission toured the Netherlands
In close coordination with the Dutch Embassy in Algeria and with its valuable support, an Algerian trade mission visited the Netherlands from June 27 to 30, 2022 as part of its participation in “Africa works 2022”.
Co-chaired respectively by the President of the Algerian Economic Renewal Council (CREA), Mr. Kamel Moula and the President of the Algerian-Dutch Business Council (CAAN), Mr. Mohamed Djadi, the delegation was made up of 8 businessmen, including CEOs of major companies operating in the sectors of industry, waste management, agri-food, hydraulics and maritime transport as Laboratoires Venus (Industry), Sopi Mama (agrifood), Copresud (transport of energy), Union Froid (agrifood), Agrivil (agrifood and pharmaceutical and veterinary industry), Alpo ( agrifood) and Green Sky (energy and environment).
The Algerian delegation accompanied by H.E. the Ambassador of Algeria to The Netherlands, Salima Abdelhak participated in the opening ceremony of « Africa Works” held on 28 June 2022 in The Hague.
Convened by the Africa-Netherlands Business Council (NABC), the Conference dedicated two successive sessions, scheduled field visits and B2B for the Algerian delegation.
The sessions offered an opportunity for the Algerian delegation to introduce the Algerian market and advocate for Dutch-Algerian partnership. While Ambassador Abdelhak reviewed the bilateral relations between Algeria and The Netherlands highlighting Algeria’s potential for a strong and diversified partnership, the chairs and the member of the Algerian delegation instructed the attendance on business environment and opportunities of the Algerian market as well as on the incentives recently enshrined in the new Algerian investment law, which are likely to foster partnership between the two countries.
The presentations have drawn a great deal of interest among Dutch businessmen and economic operators. On the other hand, Algerian participants concluded by calling for acceleration of the financing of priority investment projects and establishing business relations and partnership between companies of both sides.
As part of their mission in The Netherlands, The Algerian delegation made a tour to some energy and water facilities in Rotterdam. Afterwards, they visited the Port of Rotterdam and some diary and mushrooms production plants where they have been thoroughly instructed on the functioning of these vital facilities.
The Algerian delegation had also the opportunity to meet with officials from the ministry of agriculture and established contacts with Dutch economic operators within the framework of B2B meetings and visited Dutch companies.
Later on, H.E. Mrs. the Ambassador of Algeria in The Hague offered a cocktail dinner in honour of the Algerian delegation amidst a friendly and pleasant atmosphere at the Residence of Algeria, drawing the participation of representatives of Dutch official institutions, African Ambassadors and Dutch business leaders active in the port, agricultural, renewable energy and industry sectors and enabled the Algerian delegation to continue its discussion and networking.
Ambassador Salima Abdelhak gave a welcome speech to her guests, introduced the members of the Algerian delegation and dressed the objectives of their visit.
Mrs Fens Rosmarijn, Managing Director of NABC commended the Algerian Mission being the first one after a long break and expressed her wishes to receive many others in the upcoming months.
About Mr. Kamel Moula
Mr. Kamel Moula, President of the CREA hailed the mission of the CREA, and recalled its main role in boosting the economic development of Algeria.
Putting ahead the size and potential of the Algerian market, he has drawn the attention into the new legal incentives put in place in order to attract investments especially the new investment Law.
Elected for three years, Kamel Moula, 44 years old, becomes the first Chairman of the Council for Algerian Economic Renewal (CAER/CREA).
The CREA was officially created on February 19, 2022 following a recommendation of the National Conference on Industrial Recovery held from December 4 to 6, 2021, under the high patronage of H.E. the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune during which he emphasized the importance of mobilizing all actors around the objectives of economic recovery.
The Council was created at the initiative of the leaders of 69 public and private sector companies based throughout the national territory, including internationally renowned companies such as the national oil company Sonatrach, the mobile operator Mobilis, the insurance company SAA, the pharmaceutical group Saidal and the External Bank BEA.
This employers’ organization is a key player in the national business community and an essential interlocutor of the various foreign business organizations. It will constitute a force of proposal and action on the national and international levels with the common objective of creating an attractive business climate conducive to development in order to achieve the economic renewal of Algeria.
Kamel MOULA has been, for 20 years, the CEO of LABORATOIRES VENUS, of which he has made a flagship of the Cosmetics Industry in Algeria. Passionate about his job, he makes of his business, a vector of innovation by providing it with a R&D and three quality control laboratories.