Reuters (07.06.2022) –https://reut.rs/3O12ACg – Russia’s parliament on Tuesday passed a pair of bills ending the European Court of Human Rightsâ jurisdiction in the country, a rupture provoked by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The break removes a legal avenue that Russians, including jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, have used in the past to raise high-profile cases that had been rejected by national courts.
Parliament’s lower house, the Duma, approved two bills – one removing the country from the courtâs jurisdiction and a second setting March 15 as the cut-off point, with rulings against Russia made after that date not to be implemented.
The bills were passed nearly unanimously, with only one deputy from the opposition Communist Party voting against. They must now be signed by President Vladimir Putin before becoming law.
In 2017, the court ordered Moscow to pay compensation to survivors of a hostage crisis who alleged failings on the part of the security services when they stormed a school seized by Islamist militants in 2004. The siege in the town of Beslan ended in a bloody gun battle in which more than 330 hostages died, including at least 180 children.
In February 2021, the ECHR ruled that Navalny, the country’s leading opposition figure, should be released from prison after being jailed on charges he described as politically motivated. Russia described the ECHR’s ruling as “unlawful”.
Russia was admitted to the Council of Europe, which was founded after World War Two to promote human rights and democracy in Europe, under President Boris Yeltsin in 1996. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, Russia was stripped of its voting rights in the Council’s Parliamentary Assembly, which it began to boycott from 2016.
On March 15, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe decided to expel Russia from the organisation, of which the ECHR is part, in response to Russiaâs deployment of troops to Ukraine in February.
Russia has said that it independently decided to leave the Council of Europe, with former President Dmitry Medvedev saying that Russiaâs exit from the organisation represented an opportunity to restore the death penalty, which the Council of Europeâs rules prohibit.
The theme of the 2022 Independence Day celebration is âKalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukasâ (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).
In commemoration of the 124th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, The Embassy of the Philippines organized a piano concert by Dr Victor Santiago Asuncion at the Kalayaan Hall, Chancellery of the Philippines.
The event was well-attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, Ambassadors from: Bangladesh, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Deputy Director General of the OPCW, key officials from the Dutch Government and other international organizations based in The Hague, as well as Filipino-Dutch community leaders, entrepreneurs and artists, among others.
Ambassador Malaya interpreted the National Anthems of The Philippines and the Netherlands.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said that âThe Filipinos are renowned as a musically inclined people. Through this event, we are pleased to introduce to our Dutch and other friends Filipino music, which also reflects the various traditions that have enriched our Southeast Asian culture, notably Muslim, Spanish, and American.â
The piano recital featured Dr. Victor Santiago AsunciĂłn, a renowned Filipino-American pianist based in Chicago, who has performed in concert halls in Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, US, Brussels, and the Philippines.
Pianist Dr. Victor Santiago AsunciĂłn and cellist Mikko Pablo,.
âIt was my first time watching a Filipino performance in this setting. Dr. Asuncion is a very talented musician who showed such intense emotion. He told me that he is going to tour in the Philippines. When I am in Manila, I am sure to watch his performance,â incoming Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts said.
Ambassador Saskia De Lang, former Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines, said that the concert is âa showcase of Filipino musicality â the pianist and the cellist also enjoyed the music themselves and such is contagious. It reminds me of how much Filipinos live with music as part of their everyday lives. Filipinos love music and they sing very well.â
H.E. Mr. Chatri Archjananun, Mrs Sazia Ahmed. and spouse H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Datoâ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia and spouse and H.E. Mr. Pham Viet Anh, Ambassador of Vietnam. Congratulating Ambassador Malaya during the Independence commemoration 2022.
Dr. Asuncion played well-loved Filipino compositions âAng Larawanâ (The Portrait) by Francisco Buencamino, âRomanceâ by Lucio San Pedro, âUsahayâ (Sometimes) by Gregorio Responso Labja, and âAno Kaya Ang Kapalaranâ (What Would our Fate Be) by Francisco Santiago, and the Dutch composition âSix Variations on Mein Junges Leben Hat Ein endâ by JP Sweelinck. He also entertained the audience with the popular songs âSomewhere Over The Rainbowâ and âEmbraceable Youâ, and concluded with endearing renditions of F. Chopinâs three major works â Nocturne in E flat major Op. 9, No. 2, Etude in E major Op. 10, No. 3 and Fantaisie Impromptu Op. 66.
In his playing of the Filipino compositions, Dr. Asuncion was joined in by Mr. Mikko Pablo, a very gifted young Filipino cellist based in Belgium.
The singing of the Philippine National Anthem âLupang Hinirangâ and The Netherlandsâ National Anthem âWilhelmusâ was led by Ms. Mary Ann Morales, a Filipino-Dutch based in The Netherlands, and accompanied on piano by Ambassador Malaya.
Sponsors of the event were the Knights of Rizal-The Hague Chapter, the United Filipino-Dutch Association, and the Andre Kerstens, distributor of the Philippinesâ Don Papa Rum and Santa Ana Gin.
Congratulating Ambassador Malaya during the Independence commemoration 2022.
âThanks to Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and the whole team at the Philippine Embassy in The Netherlands for such a lovely evening of music, elegant food, and fine wine. Congratulations on the successful renovation of the chancery. You have all made us proud to be Filipinos this month while we celebrate our Independence,â Filipino-Dutch artist Charlie Curilan added.
Attended by a hundred guests, the event is the inaugural cultural performance at the Chancery after its first comprehensive renovation work since the property was acquired by the Philippine Government in 1968.
In a rare display of praise and acknowledgement of the sincere but innovative work of an international organization, the Dean of African Ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Irene Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands, congratulated Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), for their excellent work for the smallholders and SMEs in Africa and beyond.
Ambassador Irene in her Africa Day 2022 welcome address stated that âFor us in the Netherlands, Institutions such as Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) can play a significant role in relieving Africa from nutrition insecurity because CFC focuses on strengthening agro-food systems through investing in African Small Holders and Small and Medium Enterprises. Our production systems must change and encourage value addition practices to our commodities and minerals and generate real value to boost income for people. We need to invest in food fortification and promote the consumption of nutrients rich foodâ.
Over its 33 years of existence, the CFC has provided financing for around 440 projects in the total value of USD 798 million in more than 90 countries. The CFC currently operates as an impact investment fund, blending its own financial resources with those of public and international partners to support commodity sector development projects.
By Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.
There is no valid reason for war. There is no immaculate war, no necessary war, and no virtuous war. And most importantly, there is no war that cannot be avoided by collective will, common sense and diplomacy.
A peaceful solution to the conflicts between countries is always the most desirable option in order to achieve peace and prosperity among nations. At Diplomat Magazine, we all truly hope that governments will every day do their best in order to look for ingenious solutions that can lead to a lasting peace. The maelstrom of war drags the whole world down â but even in these difficult moments the whole world should keep having faith in diplomacy, and in its potential to bear fruit.
In the spirit of brotherhood that governs Diplomat Magazine, we offer a space where diplomats and academics can express themselves and where ideas can flow freely.
On the cover page of this issue, we welcome Erika Mouynes,Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, with an article on climate change and conservation action through international collaboration and green diplomacy.
Minister Erika Mouynes, visits Coiba National Park at the COIBA AIP Scientific Station and its laboratory, the only one of its kind in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. January 2022.
A world for everyone to live with dignity is the theme discussed by the Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta, on the occasion of the presentation of arguments for the âStatus and use of the waters of the Silalaâ before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
Foreign Minister of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Rogelio Mayta
The issue also celebrates the successful 70th anniversary of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Together with IOMâs Chief of Mission in the Netherlands Antonio Polosa, we explore the organizationâs history, from the 1951 Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants to todayâs configuration as a United Nations body.
Prof. Jeannette Bayisenge, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion of the Republic of Rwanda.
We also recommend you to read our exclusive articles regarding the war in Ukraine, with the contribution of journalist Imane Rachidi and English teacher Ali Redling. Moreover, we offer you some insights into the Young Water Diplomacy Program at the International Institute of Water Education in Delft.
Finally, the diplomatic social life is getting back to speed. Over the past times, Diplomat Magazine has organized its Flavors Festival, in collaboration with Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague and in Amsterdam. Food events from Iran, Tunisia and Thailand have been extraordinary.
The Hague, 25 May 2022. The Embassy of Malaysia, and MATRADE, organised a MIHAS 2022 Networking Session. MIHAS stands for Malaysia International Halal Showcase. The 18th edition of this fair will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 7-10 September 2022. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), through its office – the Commercial Section of the Embassy of Malaysia in the Netherlands – organised a networking session with the Dutch Halal Industry players on 25th May 2022, in the Hague, the Netherlands.
The 18th MIHAS emphasises connectivity, furnishing local exporters and international buyers with innovative and sustainable initiatives which will catapult the Halal economy to higher levels.
The networking session in The Hague aims at boosting the upcoming MIHAS 2022 and an opportunity to meet prospective participants.
Trade Commisioner Emeliana Zainol at MIHAS’ registration desk.
Organised in collaboration with Halal Quality Control (HQC) Netherlands, the event was hosted by H.E Datoâ Nadzirah Osman, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Netherlands. Attended by 30 representatives from multiple industry portfolios such as Food and Beverages (F&B), modest fashion, cosmetics, halal consultancy & training, the networking session has successfully brought together key industry players not only in the Netherlands, but from other parts of Europe too such as Belgium and Denmark.
During the event, MATRADE shared various business opportunities in the Halal industry across various sectors. The effort is in line with MIHAS 2022 theme, âDiversifying Halal Opportunitiesâ.
Ambassador of Malaysia to the Netherlands, H.E Datoâ Nadzirah Osman said, âHalal industry in Europe has developed significantly, especially in the food sector. Currently, an approximately 25.8 million Muslims are residing in Europe, which made up almost 5% of the Europe population. This signifies a huge market size that is ready to be tapped on. In the Netherlands itself, the Halal sector is booming, with about 1 million Muslim consumers in the country.â
âWe can see numerous Halal products available on the shelves of mainstream supermarkets, for example in Albert Heijn and Jumbo. This indicates the heightened interest of consumers in the Netherlands, beyond the Muslim community, towards halal products. We believe Malaysian companies in this multi-billion sector can opt for the Netherlands as their launching pad into the European marketâ, she added.
MIHAS participant shares experience.
The networking session was an avenue to promote MIHAS 2022, and also to encourage Dutch companies to source from Malaysia, taking advantage of the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) to be organised by MATRADE in conjunction with MIHAS 2022.
As Malaysia transitions into the endemic phase and with the re-opening of Malaysiaâs international borders, this yearâs INSP will be conducted in a hybrid mode â virtual and physical format. The former will take place from 9 May â 31 August 2022 while the latter will be held on 6 September 2022. The INSP complements Dutch companiesâ participation as exhibitors in MIHAS, which will also be organised in both the virtual and physical format.
Ambassador Datoâ Nadzirah Osman, talking to a guests during lunch at MIHAS
According to MATRADEâs Trade Counsellor, Emeliana Zainol, âThe Netherlands, is known to be a gateway in Europe and promises great business prospects. The country is a perfect springboard to access other European countries, with a market size of 500 million consumers. To the consumers here, Muslims or non-Muslim, Halal is fast becoming a value proposition they prefer. Malaysian companies in the halal sector can focus on emerging trends in Europe too such as functional food; free-from-food categories such as gluten-free; sugar-free; lactose-free and others; vegan or vegetarian food; plant-based food as well as sustainable food. In addition, modest fashion is also showing great potential among the Muslim youth in Europe.â
In terms of trade, the Netherlands is Malaysiaâs second-largest trading partner in Europe, with total trade of RM36.01 billion last year. In terms of exports, the Netherlands is the largest export destination in Europe, with a value of RM31.18 billion, an increase by 32.7%.Â
H.E. Dato’ Nadzirah also expressed her full confidence that the upcoming MIHAS will continue to elevate the halal industry, not only for Malaysia but also to bring upward the halal industry in the Netherlands. Over the past 18 years, MIHAS has earned a status as a premier global marketplace for the business community around the world to explore business opportunities in the Halal sector and to expand their network too.Â
Last year, MIHAS fully embarked on the digital platform, a move that resulted in MATRADE winning the World Trade Promotion Organisation (WTPO) Award in the âBest Use of Information Technologiesâ category, which was held in Accra, Ghana. The award, organised by International Trade Centre (ITC), is a resounding testament of MATRADEâs capabilities as a national trade promotion agency.
The MIHAS 2022 Networking Session in The Hague ended with a networking reception and a lunch buffet.
MATRADE is looking forward to seeing you at the 18th MIHAS in Kuala Lumpur.
A 22-year-old suspected of committing several terrorist and extremist crimes has been arrested in Slovakia. In an action supported by Eurojust, Europol and the United States, Slovak and Czech authorities searched two locations and seized a 3D printer and printed metal parts of weapons, computers and other electronic devices.
According to the investigation, the arrested suspect is believed to sympathise and promote far-right white nationalist movements such as the neo-Nazi âalternative rightâ, the ideology of âaccelerationismâ and the âSiege cultureâ.
The suspect allegedly participated in several subversive and sabotage activities and acts of terrorism with the objective of publicly inciting the overthrow of the democratic political system. He shared photos of glorified far-right extremists to publicly support their activities. He also committed several extremist crimes.
He allegedly published instructions and diagrams for the production of improvised cold steel weapons, the domestic production of automatic firearms made in combination with printable parts on a 3D printer and homemade metal parts, and the production of explosives and mines. He also shared guidelines on how to carry out sabotage attacks.
The case was opened at Eurojust in 2021 at the request of the Slovak authorities. The Agency supported the authorities in Slovakia and the Czech Republic by setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case. One coordination meeting took place in Slovakia to share information, decide on a common strategy, and facilitate cooperation with the United States and Europol.
During an action day on 11 May, one suspect was arrested and one location was searched in Slovakia, where a 3D printer, computer and other electronic devices were seized. In the Czech Republic, one location was searched and a number of 3D printed metal parts of weapons were seized during an action day on 23 May.
The following authorities took part in this investigation:
Slovakia: Special Prosecutor’s Office, the Presidium of the Police Force of the National Crime Agency
Arusha, The Hague, 8 June 2022 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, met yesterday with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. AntĂłnio Guterres, in New York. It was their last meeting before President Agius steps down from his role as Mechanism President, effective 1 July 2022
At the outset, the Secretary-General welcomed President Agius, expressing deep appreciation for his work and his outstanding leadership of the Mechanism since January 2019. Having commended the progress made by the Mechanism, the Secretary-General also highlighted its important contribution to international criminal justice, which he stated is crucial to preserve.
In turn, President Agius conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the Secretary-Generalâs trust and support throughout, stating that serving as President of the Mechanism, and before it the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, had been the honour of his lifetime.
President Agius remarked that after three and half rewarding, yet challenging, years at the helm of the Mechanism, he will step down with a sense of pride in its progress, which had been a joint achievement. In this context, he was immensely encouraged by the inclusion of the Mechanismâs activities as key outcomes under the promotion of justice and international law, in the 2021 Report of the Secretary-General on the Work of the Organization.
The President also emphasised his conviction that the Mechanism will continue its good work under the direction of his successor, and will again benefit from the superb support provided by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. In this regard, he praised the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr Miguel de Serpa Soares, and the Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, Mr Stephen Mathias.
Finally, President Agius informed the Secretary-General that he remains as committed as ever to international criminal justice and to the mission of the United Nations, and continues to be available to serve as a Judge of the Mechanism.
President Agius is in New York to present the Twentieth Progress Report of the Mechanism to the United Nations Security Council.
Authorities in the Czech Republic and Romania have halted a fraud scheme allegedly involving the sale of used cars, depriving close to 200 victims of approximately EUR 1.6 million. During an action day, 17 places were searched and 4 suspects were arrested in both countries. Eurojust supported the action day and assisted the authorities in setting up and funding a joint investigation team (JIT) into the case.
The Prague police started investigations into the scam in 2019, after complaints by victims, who had paid deposits for the purchase of an imported used vehicle, which was never delivered. The fraudsters offered second-hand cars from abroad for sale on various professionally set up websites and asked customers for deposits between EUR 4 000 and EUR 8 000. The fraudsters told customers this amount was necessary to get the car through customs so it could be transported from the Czech border.
In reality, the vehicles on offer were not for sale at all. The Prague police identified a trail to Romania and found that the fraud was being orchestrated by three Romanian and Czech suspects. At a later stage, the scammers were joined by accomplices, who had set up false profiles of German companies, whose bank accounts were used for the payment of the deposits. The alleged fraudsters are suspected of forgery and money laundering.
For sales purposes, 28 fake identities of Slovenian vehicle owners were set up, pretending they wanted to sell their car. In another instance, fake identities of a Czech couple allegedly living in Germany were used, stating they wanted to sell their car to profit from a German subsidy for a new electric car. These false internet profiles of sellers made the scheme look very credible.
Apart from funding and assisting with the setting up of the JIT, Eurojust provided judicial support during the action day and helped with its preparations.
During an action day, 17 places were searched in Romania and the Czech Republic. In Romania, six suspects were charged, two of whom were arrested. In addition, a Czech European Arrest Warrant was executed resulting in the arrest of one suspect. Authorities froze assets â such as luxury cars, real estate, cash and jewellery â worth over EUR 600 000.
In the Czech Republic, one suspect was arrested.
The operation was carried out in both countries by:
Czech Republic: Municipal Public Prosecutorâs Office (PPO) Prague; Prague police
Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) Vùlcea; PPO attached to the Craiova Court of Appeal; Service for Combating Organized Crime, Vùlcea
Africa Day 2022, Strength, Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security in Africa
By Roy Lie Atjam
On the Occasion of Africa Day 2022, H.E. Ms. IreneF. M. Kasyanju, Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania in the Netherlands and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, organized a reception in Wassenaar on 31st May 2022.
Scores from the Africa diaspora in the Netherlands and beyond flocked in Wassenaar to celebrate this auspicious day with their brethren, friends and Africa well-wishers. The ambience was excellent.
The program featured speeches, cultural performances, videos, networking and showcasing of the savoury African cuisine.
It was the Moroccan group Gnawa that put on a cultural show. Gnawa is a cultural performance combining African, Arab-Muslim influences and native Berber cultural elements.
The Dean of the African group H.E. Ms. Irene F. M. Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania, delivered the welcome address that went down well with the audience. Ambassador Kasyanju touched on the Ubuntu spirit, Agenda 2063, the Maputo Protocol, CFC* and other African aspects.
Her Excellency Ms.Carola van Rijnsoever, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Welcoming the Guest of Honor Her Excellency Ms.Carola van Rijnsoever, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The guest of Honor, Her Excellency Ms.Carola van Rijnsoever, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address.
In short, this is what she said, the growing, global interest in Africa the beautiful, diverse and dynamic continent, by countries like China, the USA, Russia, Turkey and the Gulf States. Van Rijnsoever explained that the Netherlands places great importance on bilateral ties with African countries. She applauded the high-level participation, of both Europe and Africa in the EU-AU Summit held in Brussels in February this year. “The Netherlands, Europe and Africa are not distant acquaintances. We are close neighbours. And a changing global landscape is making his even clearer. Together, we can find answers to the challenges we all face.”
The Ambassadors of Egypt H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader.
Other speakers were the Ambassadors of Egypt H.E. Mr. Hatem Abdelkader on behalf of the African Unity Chair. A resume of his speech. “59 years ago, on the 25th of May 1963, the founding fathers established the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – then called the Organization of African Unity – that sowed the seeds of our African unity and launched a new era of African synergy trajectory to lay the foundation for continental integration. Our leaders walked their path and established the bridges for Africa to cross to stability, progress, and prosperity.
Today, we harvest the fruits of the efforts of our founding ancestors of the AU after following their steps in a persistent manner all over the past decades. Our continent walks steadily towards the realization of sustainable development and economic growth guided by Agenda 2063. Under this ambitious Agenda, our joint efforts are intensified to transform our continent into a future driven by unity, self-determination, freedom, progress, and collective prosperity.
The year 2022 is the “Year of Nutrition” in Africa to strengthen resilience and food security in the continent. This comes at a time when the threat of food shortages, inflation, and higher consumer prices are looming over the whole world including on our African continent. Here we are today celebrating our Africa day where the spirit of African synergy, profound cooperation and integration are the basis of our continent.
I wish you many happy returns where all the peoples of Africa around the globe are bound together and progressing in line with the vision of our founding fathers.
Long live Africa.!”
H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria.
H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak of Algeria closed the speeches and rendered the spirit of her fellow Ambassadors through a toast she raised to Africa stating: “Let’s raise a toast to our Mother Africa. May it Be peaceful, prosperous and integrated. May it be driven by its own citizens and May it be a dynamic force in the international arena. To the address of the Guest of honor the MFA Deputy Secretary General, she added “May the partnership Africa / Netherlands be consolidated and Prosperous”
All African Ambassadors
Here is the speech as pronounced by the Dean Ambassador Irene Kasyanju.
“At the outset allow me to welcome you all, and particularly our Guest of Honour, and express my sincere gratitude for your participation in this commemoration of Africa Day 2022. As we say in Swahili Karibuni Sana!
Indeed, I am so delighted and excited to be here and to have finally being able to hold this event in person, after two years of online engagements due to COVIDâ19 pandemic. This year’s celebration is of particular importance to me as it marks the end of my tour of duty as the Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands. A position I have happily served for over 6 and a half years. This could not have been possible without the unwavering support I received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Group Ambassadors, and the entire Diplomatic Corps fraternity. I do not have a better way to extend my appreciation to you than by saying âthank you so muchâ.
As we mark the celebration of Africa Day, let me first start by commending the workmanship and dedication of our Experts, whose tireless efforts to coordinate and plan for the past two months made this celebration possible. I thank them wholeheartedly!
On the same level, permit me to extend sincere gratitude to all African Ambassadors for their commitment, guidance, and material support in ensuring this august event become a success. I remain hopeful that, the strong gesture of true friendship and collaboration among the African States demonstrated during the preparation of this event, will continue to radiate in other occasions. This is the Ubuntu spirit we always cherish in Africa.
Africa Day which is celebrated each year on the 25th of May is an important date in the history of our continent as it commemorates the founding of the first Union of African countries (OAU) in 1963, which was later transformed into the current African Union (AU) in order to have a more stable and prosperous Africa. Therefore, we gather to remember that day and to reflect on how far we have gone, what has been achieved, and what needs to be done in the future in order to build the Africa We Want!
The Theme is not only critical to achieving the AU Agenda 2063 and transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future, as envisioned by our Heads of State and Government; but also offers an opportunity to boost intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which was operationalized in January 2021, and indeed showcase that Africa is the future the world has been waiting for. A continent in which more than half of the Earthâs arable land â roughly 600 million hectares â is located, should not suffer food insecurity or malnutrition. This yearâs theme certainly offers an impetus in the pursuit of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
Indeed, Africa is richly endowed with vast human and natural resources which, if harnessed in accordance with our vision, Agenda 2063, will improve the livelihoods of the peoples of Africa. A continent of 1.3 billion plus people, where 60% of our population is represented by our youth, below the ages of 25 and boast a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $ 2.6 trillion across our 55 Member States, if we move together in unity the âAfrica We Wantâ, will not be an agenda but a reality.
Cognizance of this endowment, African countries made reasonable progress to align agricultural and other policies, programs, and investments related to food security and nutrition with the Zero Hunger Vision and SDG 2 which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. However, such investment and the gains achieved seriously suffered during the Covid-19 crisis, affecting our health, food systems, and economies, causing children, women, and poor households to suffer the most.
African governments therefore need to enhance the mobilization of financial resources to invest in both food security and nutrition. We need to transform our agriculture and engage our youth and women in the sector for us to yield positive outcomes. African governments should live up to the commitments made in the Maputo Protocol to allocate 10 percent of national budgets to agriculture and rural development policy. This will ensure transformed agriculture through increased investment and agriculture productivity via irrigation and Agri â tech as well as value addition.
Plainly speaking, Africa needs strategic domestic and international partnerships to ensure access to international finance to fund African innovations and production for enhanced nutrition outcomes among our people. For us in the Netherlands, Institutions such as Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)* can play a significant role in relieving Africa from nutrition insecurity because CFC focuses on strengthening agro-food systems through investing in African Small Holders and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Our production systems must change and encourage value addition practices to our commodities and minerals and generate real value to boost income for people. We need to invest in food fortification and promote the consumption of nutrients rich food.
The Guest of Honor chatting with H.E. Liguemoh Ondoua Madeleine, Ambassador of Cameroon.
Africa Day is the moment to celebrate the richness of our continent in terms of culture, traditions, history, and more importantly our unity. That unity, among others, is evident in the UNESCOâs decision in November 2021 to set 7th July as the World Kiswahili language Day – the official day to celebrate the Kiswahili language; as well as Februaryâs 2022 African Unionâs Heads of State decision to approve Kiswahili, the Pan African language, as an official working language of the bloc. We need to promote this unifying language, spoken by over 100 million people in Africa, for the wider communication and implementation of AU Decisions.
Before I conclude, allow me to leave you with an inspirational quote by Tanzaniaâs founding Father Mwalimu Dr. Julius Nyerere, the driving force behind the movement and firm believer of promoting Kiswahili for African unity, in his speech given in Accra, Ghana, 6 March 1997, and I quote: âUnity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliatedâ.
As I conclude, kindly accept my sincere gratitude to you all for participating in this commemoration of Africa Day 2022 here in The Hague. Letâs celebrate together the richness of our continent in terms of culture, traditions, and history. The ambiance around here testifies to that.
I wish you all a wonderful Africa Day 2022 celebration.” end quote
* CFC In a rare display of praise and acknowledgement of the sincere but innovative work of an international organization, the Dean of African Ambassadors in The Hague, H.E. Irene Kasyanju, Ambassador of Tanzania to the Netherlands, congratulated Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Managing Director of the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), for their excellent work for the smallholders and SMEs in Africa and beyond. Ambassador Irene in her Africa Day 2022 welcome address stated that âFor us in the Netherlands, Institutions such as Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) can play a significant role in relieving Africa from nutrition insecurity because CFC focuses on strengthening agro-food systems through investing in African Small Holders and Small and Medium Enterprises. Our production systems must change and encourage value addition practices to our commodities and minerals and generate real value to boost income for people. We need to invest in food fortification and promote the consumption of nutrients rich foodâ.
All attending participants acknowledged the above statement through their acclamation and individual felicitations to Ambassador Belal afterwards. It may be noted that CFC is the only UN- affiliated international organization in the Netherlands.
