Special rapporteur – Freedom of Religion or Believe

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Special rapporteur – Freedom of Religion or Believe

UN Human Rights Council appoints Dr Nazila Ghanea as UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief

HRWF (12.07.2022) – The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has appointed Dr Nazila Ghanea as the new Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).

Dr Ghanea, confirmed by the Council on 8th July, is a professor of international human rights law and director of international human rights programmes at the University of Oxford. She will take over the mandate from Dr Ahmed Shaheed, who served as rapporteur from 2016-2022.

The Special Rapporteur on FoRB is an independent expert appointed by the UNHRC and tasked with identifying “existing and emerging obstacles to the enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief and [presenting] recommendations on ways and means to overcome such obstacles.”

The position was established by the UN Commission on Human Rights in 1986 under the title of ‘Special Rapporteur on religious intolerance’, which was subsequently changed to ‘Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief’ in 2000.

Human Rights Without Frontiers congratulates Dr Ghanea for her well-deserved appointment and looks forward to working closely with her.

Biography

Dr Nazila Ghanea is Professor in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford.

She serves as Associate Director of the Oxford Human Rights Hub and is a Fellow of Kellogg College (BA Keele, MA Leeds, PhD Keele, MA Oxon). 

She serves as a member of the OSCE Panel of Experts on Freedom of Religion or Belief and on the Board of Trustees of the independent think tank, the Universal Rights Group. 

She has been a visiting academic at a number of institutions including Columbia and NYU, and previously taught at the University of London and Keele University, UK and in China.

Nazila’s research spans freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, women’s rights, minority rights and human rights in the Middle East.

Her publications include nine books, five UN publications as well as a number of journal articles and reports. 

Her research has been funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Board, the UK Economic and Social Research Council, Open Society and the QNRF.

She has been invited to address UN expert seminars on seven occasions. From 2012-2014 she is co-leading a research team to look at the Domestic Impact of UN Treaty Ratification in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

From 2010-2013 she was part of a research term investigating ‘Religion and Belief, Discrimination and Equality in England and Wales: Theory, Policy and Practice’ (2010-2013). She has also received a number of university scholarships and academic awards.

Nazila has acted as a human rights consultant/expert for a number of governments, the UN, UNESCO, OSCE, Commonwealth, Council of Europe and the EU.

She has facilitated international human rights law training for a range of professional bodies around the world, lectured widely and carried out first hand human rights field research in a number of countries including Malaysia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

She is a regular contributor to the media on human rights matters. 

Ukraine Accountability Conference – Justice can only be achieved by working together

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Ukraine Accountability Conference – Justice can only be achieved by working together

Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC upon conclusion of the Ukraine Accountability Conference.

“The Ukraine Accountability Conference today marked an important moment in our collective efforts to deliver justice for alleged international crimes.

Through positive engagement across national authorities, international and regional organisations and civil society actors, we have charted a renewed course for common action in relation to atrocity crimes that prioritises dialogue across initiatives, promotes coherence and above all places the rights and experiences of victims at its centre.” Prosecutor Khan said.

“This is reflected in the agreement amongst participants to work towards the establishment of a Dialogue Group with the objective of promoting visibility and engagement across the various accountability initiatives relevant to the situation in Ukraine, as well as the identification of opportunities for enhanced coherence of action in these efforts.

The Conference does not mark the beginning nor the end of a process but an important further step on a path toward the collaborative vision we have already begun to develop. 

In recent months we have seen the ability of institutions, national authorities and civil society partners to work together in new ways towards our common goal of justice.  This was shown in many of the initiatives highlighted by participants today, including the joint development by my Office and Eurojust Genocide Network of Guidelines on Documentation Efforts by Civil Society Actors as well as the establishment of a Joint Investigation Team, which my Office recently joined as a participant along with Ukraine and other relevant States.

To play our role in further accelerating cooperation, I will seek to make my Office an even more effective partner for States with respect to their domestic accountability efforts.  In that context, I welcomed the acknowledgement by participants in the Conference today of the role my Office can play in providing cooperation and assistance to national authorities in accordance with Part 9 of the Rome Statute, and their stated appreciation of my expressed intention to expand such assistance to national authorities.”

We must now convert this moment into tangible progress.  This will start in the coming weeks with the formal launch of the Guidelines for Civil Society Organisations and our work together in the establishment of the Dialogue Group.

In addressing the Conference today, I had two key messages which I believe should guide this future work together:

(i) We must maintain our stamina in relation to the situation in Ukraine and we must ensure that the spirit of cooperation we see here today continues to guide our action.

Too much has already been promised to survivors and victims for us to lose focus.  I hope this Conference assists in ensuring our continued vigilance and reinforces our commitment to work together towards accountability.

(ii)While our starting point today is Ukraine, this Conference also served as a platform for a global perspective.

The innovative approaches to cooperation we have seen in recent months, and the deepening of collaboration we have further catalysed at this Conference, should set the standard for our action globally.

In all situations across the world where international crimes are committed we should feel the same urgency for action and for cooperation.  I believe that the work we do today can set a model for action that can be used to accelerate accountability efforts in all situations addressed by my Office.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to His Excellency Mr Wopke Hoekstra, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, and His Excellency Mr Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, for their partnership in co-hosting this Conference.

I stand ready to support the further work of all actors in follow-up to the roadmap we have begun to set today. 

Genesis, Institutions and Instruments of the European Union: A Concise Guide on Euro-Multilateralism

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Genesis, Institutions and Instruments of the European Union: A Concise Guide on Euro-Multilateralism

The newest book of prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic and his co-author, Ms. Nora Wolf (the 9th, for the American publisher NOVA); destined to all and any Euro-curious, whether directly or indirectly concerned, is designed to provide a concise summary of the history and architecture of the European Union.

Born from a common realization – the literature on the subject is predominantly technocratic and hard to intellectually process for non-specialists – as well as a common objective – render a complex institution accessible and easy to grasp in its basic and salient traits, the authors are thrilled to be able to present this reader adapted for every interested party regardless of their background, geographic location, political affiliations and involvement in the general theme that is the European Union. 

It is the authors’ hope that as many people use this as a tool – rightfully theirs – to position themselves on the related debates and understand them more effectively.

Starting with the rebirth of a common European vision right after WWII, the book consequently elaborates on all the vital events and treaties that have come to substantially shape the course of the European Union to the point where it is today. Due reference is devoted to the current state-of-arts of the Union too (critically, but fairly and objectively assessed). Even though the European Union considerably contributes to improved living conditions being the form and the substance for European citizens and is commonly accepted as a heavy-weight tool on the global political stage, it is yet to fully realize its capacities.

Chapter 1 begins with an overview of the relevant historical components having led to the creation and development of the European Union so as to immediately allow the reader to contextualise whilst Chapter 2 then introduces the main key Institutions of the EU in a digestible and  organic way, thereby informing further the metaphorical European landscape.

Chapter 3 is then dedicated to the presentation of the Economic Monetary Union, a milestone structure and rich component directly derived from the EU and virtually present throughout the whole European Continent and thus throughout the world-wide Economy.

Chapter 4 is centred on the Union’s expansion in the sense of how and why the      Union spread geographically and politically through the new Member States to attain its present morphology.

Penultimate Chapter 5 offers a presentation of some of the most contemporaneous topics with relation to the  EU’s setbacks, achievements, and  reflection points derived from the 21st century movements. At last, Chapter 6 tackles the future prospects of the Union based on emerging global trends as well as past considerations.

Humanitarian aid on society – Professor Thea Hilhorst wins prestigious Spinoza Prize

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Humanitarian aid on society – Professor Thea Hilhorst wins prestigious Spinoza Prize

The International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam is proud to announce that Professor Thea Hilhorst has been awarded the prestigious Spinoza Prize for her work on the impact of humanitarian aid on society and the ways in which people and institutions shape the organization of aid relations.

The Spinoza Prize Opens external is the highest award in Dutch academia. It is awarded by the Dutch Research CouncilOpens external (NWO) each year to researchers for their outstanding and groundbreaking research with a broad social impact. The prize comes with a bronze statue of its namesake, 17th century Dutch scientist Baruch Spinoza, and prize money of 2.5 million euros to be spent on academic research.

Professor Hilhorst is considered one of the founders of the relatively new research area of humanitarian studies. Her work is highly significant in the context of current global challenges such as international migration, climate change and pandemics.

Burundi Celebrating 60 Years of Independence 

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Burundi Celebrating 60 Years of Independence 

By Roy Lie Atjam

Wassenaar, 9 July 2022. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, H.E. Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza invited  ambassadors, chief of missions, Burundians and friends of Burundi to a garden party reception that brought together hundreds of persons.

Noticeable was a recorded voice message by the 92 years old Madam Rene Irampa, une ancienne combattante, who graced the celebration. In her message Madam Irampa thanked the Embassy for organizing the event and stated, as a combatant she would have loved to participate in the celebration. Rene Irampa briefly touched on the Burundian independence process and urged her compatriots to safeguard the values of independence and honour those who fought for it.

A festive atmosphere set the tone for a vibrant independence day celebration. It has been a delight to see Burundians and friends having a great time. Here is a synopsis of the remarks by Ambassador Gamaliel Nkurunziza.

“It is my honour, on behalf of the Government of Burundi, to address you on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of our Independence. Before I go on with my speech, I would like to invite you to sing together the National Anthem of Burundi which was sung the day of our Independence.

At first, I would like to thank the Ambassadors of South Africa, Rwanda, Argentina, Cameroon, Morocco, the representatives of the diplomatic missions of Tanzania,  Kenya as well as the friends of Burundi for having responded to our invitation and accompanying the Burundians to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Burundi.

This is a special and great day for Burundians. As we have listened to the song of our Independence, we must take the lyrics of our National Anthem as guidance because it is full of inspiration and teachings. It reflects the image of our country.

Burundians must therefore take the lyrics of our national anthem to heart, and put into practice in everything they do, in everything they say, and in their behaviour such as the wish to “be respected at the international level” which is contained in the national anthem. Consequently, the Nation will respect Burundi because “A Man is respected as he is”.  “to have a significant place in the realm of the concert of the nations” (Shinga icumu mu mashinga) which is a patriotic value and behaviour characterizing someone who is independent especially Burundian.

According to the Speech of the Hero of Independence, we are all invited to evaluate our progress through our reflection of different values such as: patriotism, integrity, unity, humanity. True Burundians are known by these values.

Today is an important day for our country and for Burundians living here in the Netherlands. This is time to make up our mind because this day we celebrate our Independence Day is a good opportunity to take a look on were we come from and where we are going especially in following steps for people who guided us in the process of fighting for our independence “The Prince Rudoviko Rwagasore” who sacrificed his life so that Burundian can be independent, his will always be our hero. 

I therefore invite every Burundian who resides in the Kingdom of the Netherlands to come and work together. Nothing should separate us. I noticed all Burundians in their differences are here to celebrate our Independence Day.

As promised, I encourage everyone willing to support our independence, especially in the angle of developing our country, to feel free and join me as your servant.

As Burundians, we need to be proud of our country because we are going to have a better future.  In order to strengthen that love, I would like to emphasize on the speech of our President H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye, which he delivered on the eve of the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Burundi, we are commemorating today.  

In the speech  our President, called on all of us and our different backgrounds to be united in order to contribute to the development of our country Burundi. 

Leta Mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi has given a strong signal that when we are united, we become stronger. It is time we turned the page of our history because our differences are our strengths to build our country. Our President, his Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, has become the chief Commander of our country Development and urged us to follow his commandment. 

As Ambassador of Burundi, I strongly call on every Burundian to contribute to our country’s development. I also urge you to stop slandering your country. Because no matter what, Burundi will always remain your country, you will never get another one. You can obtain as many citizenships as you like, but Burundi will always be your first country and will always welcome you back as a mother does.

I therefore invite all of you to be ambassadors of Burundi where you live, in your neighbours, your friends and make them know that Burundi is a country full of opportunities and potentialities. Make them interested in your country. 

As Ambassador, I will serve as a bridge so that your wishes and projects can be achieved in the way of contributing to the development of Burundi and Burundians.  

It is true that I am one Ambassador, but I am unable to reach all friends of Burundi as the ones you are neighbouring with or who you brought here.

In a recent past, some Burundians tried to destroy the image of Burundi, this is against our values.

Burundians celebrating 60 Years of Independence at the residence of ambassador Nkurunziza.

His Excellency the President has asked us to be watching the time, Burundians  must change, times have changed. Our country underwent difficulties for decennia, but those difficulties taught us. Now our country, Leta mvyeyi, Leta Nkozi in front of us invites us to achieve projects that every Burundian will benefit from, everything will come from us.

I am an Ambassador at a leading position and you are also ambassadors at your levels. We are called to promote the image of our country, and this will lead to the true development of our country.

Let us build Burundi for the future of our children and generations to come. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Burundians living in the Netherlands the ones who were able to get here today also the one who could not be here because of others obligations for being united like I found them, I hope that the spirit of unity, integrity and humanity you showed me will always be the motto of Burundian community in the Netherlands and that is what has always characterized Burundians. Since my arrival in the Netherlands, whenever I needed you, you responded positively and massively.

This shows me that tomorrow is bright and that the future holds many good surprises for us. I thank you so much for your sacrifice. Let us remain united, let us contribute to the promotion of the image of our country and most importantly, let us focus on the development of Burundi. Enjoy this celebration of our 60th Independence Day.

May God Bless you all.” end quote.

For sure,  it has been an unforgettable independence day celebration.

VII Annual Diplomatic Cycling Tour

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VII Annual Diplomatic Cycling Tour

By Roy Lie Atjam

The 7th  Diplomats Biking Ride departed from  Leonardo Royal Hotel for a tour through and outside the city of The Hague on Saturday 2 July 2022.   The objectives of the ride are to promote inclusion and to provide a networking opportunity, all while having fun and exploring The Hague’s historical and touristic environment.  

The group of participants in the smooth 15 Km route was made up of cyclists of all ages, first-time riders as well as veteran riders. Participating  Ambassadors, diplomats and invitees were from Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico, Philippines, Romania, Venezuela, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, IOM, ESA, ICJ and International organisations.    

VII Diplomats Biking Tour July 2, 2022.

The biking caravan traveled in the direction of De Vliet -Leidschendam. With stops  at interesting sights such as Palace  Huis ten Bosch and second world war sites in the Haagsche Bosch.   The biking caravan traveled in the direction of De Vliet Leidschendam. Along the way, stops were made at interesting sights such as Palace  Huis ten Bosch , second world war sites in the Haagsche Bosch. After the cycling tour, participants went to lunch at the Westbroekpark.

Diplomat magazine highly appreciates the participation of all those who have contributed to yet another successful cycling event.

VII Diplomats Biking Tour July 2, 2022.

President Mirziyoyev statement after events in the Republic of Karakalpakstan

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President Mirziyoyev statement after events in the Republic of Karakalpakstan

After the alarming events in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a statement to the Deputies of Jokary Kenes. Here below a reproduction of his speech.

“Dear Compatriots and Deputies of Jokary Kenes!

Today, I appeal to all those who are not indifferent to the fate and future of our dear Motherland; peace and stability in our precious land.

The alarming events that took place in the Republic of Karakalpakstan has caused pain in the heart of every one of us, for all citizens of Uzbekistan.

As you well know, these days are important for the continuation of the political process in our country – the national discussion of amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The constitutional reform was initiated to further the country’s socio-political and socio-economic development, ensuring citizens’ rights and freedoms, and implementing the noble idea – « The human interests are above all!»

Despite the creation of conditions for the free expression of will and opinions of citizens based on democratic principles and legal norms, under the pretext of disagreement with the constitutional reforms, the certain forces, for their own selfish purposes, are trying to destabilize the situation in Uzbekistan, choosing the path of aggression and violence.

The destructive forces, using proven technologies of spreading a fake information and opportunities of social networks, purposefully involve citizens in unconstitutional activities.

Their main goal is to split society, reduce trust in the state’s creative policy and damage Uzbekistan’s territorial integrity.

As previously reported, on July 1, 2022, in Nukus, under cover of populist slogans, manipulating the consciousness and trust of citizens, a group of people, contrary to the legitimate demands of the authorities, organized unrest and attempted to seize the buildings of the local government.

On July 2, 2022, despite demands to stop disturbing public order, these persons continued their destructive actions in the main streets of the administrative center of the Republic.

Moreover, some participants in the events tried to provoke clashes with law enforcement officers, force their way into the guarded areas, and pelt the buildings with stones and other objects.

As they moved through the streets, rioters have inflicted significant damage to the infrastructure, breaking windows and setting fire to buildings. In order to seize weapons, several groups attempted to storm the buildings of the Nukus Department of Internal Affairs and the National Guard Department.

Taking advantage of their relative numerical superiority, they have attacked law enforcement officers, beating them with particular cruelty and inflicting severe bodily injuries.

Unfortunately, there were casualties among civilians and law enforcement officers.

In order to ensure the safety of citizens, to protect their rights and freedoms, and restore the rule of law, in accordance with the Constitution and the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan «On the State of Emergency», I have signed a decree on introducing a state of emergency on the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan from July 3 to August 2, 2022.

I hope that during the implementation of this Decree, the multi-ethnic people of Karakalpakstan will mobilize all their strength and capabilities, and unite for the sake of peace and stability, ensuring civil accord – the basis of the well-being and prosperity of the country.

I want to emphasize once again that the draft of the Constitutional Law “On Amendments and Additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan” has been made public and is under public discussion. It will be amended and finalized based on the proposals and opinions of the people of Uzbekistan.

Then the draft will be submitted to a referendum in the Republic of Uzbekistan, and our citizens will express their will by free voting. Only after this will the amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan acquire legal force.

This approach fully meets the principle that “The people is the sole source and author of the Constitution”. And our compatriots can proudly say: “The Constitution of New Uzbekistan is my Constitution”.

The process of discussing amendments and additions to the Constitution continues. At the meeting with Deputies of Jokargy Kenes, the representatives of the elderly and activists of Karakalpakstan, taking into consideration the study of opinions of residents of the Republic, I have proposed to leave without changes the acting versions of articles 70, 71, 72, 74, 75 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, concerning the legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis will consider this issue in the coming days.

Dear Deputies and residents of Karakalpakstan!

As you well know, in recent years, we have worked together on large-scale constructive work to ensure the comprehensive social, economic, cultural and innovative development of Karakalpakstan. Its practical results are felt today by every resident of the country.

For the last five years, about 11 trillion Uzbek Soums have been allocated to the local budget of this region. The program of social protection of the population is consistently implemented. Much work is being done to reduce poverty.

In particular, material assistance was provided for approximately 65,000 families included in the «Iron Book», 17,000 families with disabled children under the age of 16, and those who lost their breadwinners.

By 2020 alone, the total per capita income in Karakalpakstan has increased almost three times.

Over the past five years, the volume of construction work has increased 3.5 times. Dozens of new industrial enterprises, modern agricultural clusters and joint ventures were created. In addition, thousands of facilities were built, reconstructed and repaired in the Republic, including kindergartens, general education and specialized schools, universities, health, science, culture and sports institutions.

Since 2017, preschool enrollment has risen from 32 per cent to 75 per cent.

Under the «Obod Kishlok» and «Obod Makhalla» programs, the Republic of Karakalpakstan has extensively worked to develop social infrastructure, providing the population with electricity, natural gas and portable water, and improving irrigation and reclamation networks.

The active work on protecting and restoring the ecological system and sustainable social and economic development of the Aral Sea region is being carried out. In particular, once backward Muynak has acquired a completely new appearance and turned into a modern, dynamically developing region.

The area of 1,733,000 hectares of greenery has been planted on the dried-up part of the Aral Sea. A five-year national program to restore flora and fauna of the region is being developed. For the first time, the issue of its development is defined as a priority of state policy. The Aral Sea area problem is regularly raised from high international tribunes.

I firmly state that the positive changes in Karakalpakstan will continue to be carried out at an accelerated pace.

After all, the fate of Karakalpakstan is the fate of Uzbekistan, and the happiness and well-being of the Karakalpak people is the happiness and well-being of the entire Uzbek people.

I believe in the wisdom of the people of Karakalpakstan, hardened in the trials of life. I urge them to show prudence, not to yield to provocations, including those of external hostile forces and movements, and not to become their victims.

The calls for separatism, mass disorders, forceful methods of confrontation with the authorities will be strictly suppressed under the current legislation, and the perpetrators will face inevitable punishment.

I am convinced that in this difficult period the hard-working, wise, noble and generous people of Karakalpakstan will continue to adhere to the inviolable values of unity and indivisibility of the fates of the Uzbek and Karakalpak peoples.

What has happened calls us to be even more vigilant and attentive. Today as never before, we need a strong will, solidarity and unanimity for the sake of peace and harmony in our native Uzbekistan, for the sake of the future of our children and grandchildren.

I would like to take this opportunity to address all my fellow compatriots who consider Uzbekistan their Motherland, our respected fathers and mothers, our dear brothers and sisters, and our youth.

It is no secret that tough competition, threats as interethnic and inter-confessional conflicts, separatism, nationalism and radicalism are on the rise in various regions of the world.

In such an alarming situation, strengthening friendship and harmony between the representatives of different nations and religions, ensuring stable and continuous development in our beautiful country, and increasing the creative potential of our people and their confidence in the future is not only a task but also a human duty of each and every one of us, primarily of leaders and decision-makers.

This is the only way for us to respond to all modern challenges and threats, develop a steadfast immunity to various destructive ideas in our society, especially in our young people, to achieve even higher results, and keep the path of democratic reforms chosen by our people.

All of us share the same Motherland. We are united by one great goal – peace in our Motherland, the country’s prosperity, and the people’s well-being.

Together we will surely build a new Uzbekistan and a new Karakalpakstan.

I am sure that our brave and noble people, who have overcome many difficult trials in their history, will achieve these great goals.” 

Mugam concert and exhibition as part of the Shusha Year in Berlin

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Mugam concert and exhibition as part of the Shusha Year in Berlin

Monday, 27 June 2022, Berlin, Germany: At Azerbaijan Cultural Centre located in the lush Berlin-Tiergarten neighbourhood, HE Ambassador Ramin Hasanov, hosted a concert and subsequent reception as part of the ‘Şuşa Year’, being commemorated in the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

During his allocuation, Ambassador Hasanov informed the participants about the city of Şuşa and its special place in the history and culture of the Azerbaijani people. During the concert, which was held in the framework of the Şuşa Year, pieces of Mugam and folk music were performed by the famous singers Gullu Muradova and Babek Niftaliyev accompanied by Sahib Pashazade (Tar), Togrul Asadullayev (Kamancha) and Kamran Karimov (Naghara).

The talented Azerbaijani pianist Narmin Najafli, who works in Berlin, performed the pieces by Azerbaijani and international composers accompanied by the meritorious artist Sahib Pashazade.

Şuşa exhibition.

As part of the Şuşa Year, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Germany and the Arts Council Azerbaijan jointly organised an exhibition entitled “My Heart is in Karabakh”. The latter exhibition displays pictures of Şuşa and Karabakh made by children aged between 8 and 15 years old. 

For further information 

Azerbaijan’s Embassy in Germany: https://berlin.mfa.gov.az/de/news/3924/mugam-konzert-und-ausstellung-im-rahmen-des-shusha-jahres-in-berlin

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Images by Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany 

Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi case: collective reparations launched

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Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi case: collective reparations launched

Bamako, The Hague, 12 July 2022 – Ten years after the destruction of the mausoleums of Timbuktu, reparations are continuing to be provided for the victims in the case of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, who is due to be released on 18 September of this year. Following on from the symbolic and individual reparations, the Trust Fund for Victims of the International Criminal Court and its partners have launched the collective reparations programme for Timbuktu, on 6 July, in the presence of the city and regional authorities.

“Launching the collective reparations exactly ten years after the commission of this war crime is a powerful symbol. Although Mali is still facing a major crisis and the security situation in the region of Timbuktu remains highly precarious, this nevertheless demonstrates that justice is possible and that the victims’ right to justice can and must be guaranteed. The cultural and religious heritage that was targeted during these attacks is now reconstructed and stands at the heart of daily life in the community of Timbuktu, which will now be able to benefit from specific measures intended to address the harm suffered”, states Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims.

Ceremony to mark the launch of the collective reparations, Timbuktu, 6 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

Following the implementation of the symbolic reparations, which took place on 30 March 2021 in Bamako, more than 880 victims have benefited from individual reparations, in accordance with the corresponding Decision of Trial Chamber VIII of the International Criminal Court. Now that the individual reparations are almost complete and the necessary consultations have been conducted among the Timbuktu community, the collective reparations can now commence.

On 6 July 2022, the Trust Fund for Victims and its partners, CFOGRAD, UNESCO and CIDEAL, launched their reparations at a ceremony held at the Ahmed Baba Institute of Higher Learning and Islamic Research (Institut des hautes études et de recherches islamiques Ahmed Baba) of Timbuktu, in partnership with the local and regional authorities and attended by the Mali Representative of the International Criminal Court. Canada and Norway, which are contributing to the Trust Fund’s reparations programme, were both represented on this occasion.

These reparations consist of three components: i) restoration of the cultural heritage (UNESCO); ii) commemorations to address the moral harm caused to the community of Timbuktu (CFOGRAD); iii) an economic resilience facility to address the damage caused to the Timbuktu economy as a result of the destruction of its cultural heritage (CIDEAL).

“The collective reparations are especially important as they are long-awaited by the whole of the community following the individual reparations, which involved only a limited number of beneficiaries based on their particular connection to the destroyed mausoleums. In the context of these reparations, the commemorations will play a key role in passing on and conveying the role and significance of our heritage to future generations,” states Aboubacrine Cissé, Mayor of Timbuktu, during the launch ceremony.

Aboubacrine Cissé, Mayor of Timbuktu, Ibrahim Sorie Yillah, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, and Nouhoum Sangaré, Chief of Field Office of the ICC in Mali, during the launch ceremony in Timbuktu, 6 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

In order to support the commemoration initiatives, CFOGRAD, a partner organisation of the Trust Fund, set up participatory commemoration committees throughout the whole city, which brought together all sections of the population to reflect on the commemoration. Once the initial proposals had been prepared by the various committees, it was then necessary to share and consolidate these with the administrative and political authorities in Timbuktu in order to jointly determine the form that the commemorations should take.

“Commemorations are not a simple matter and raise numerous questions. What is it that we want to commemorate? The destruction of our heritage? Its reconstruction? What form must they take, and how can they be integrated into our life and community in a manner that will have meaning and enable them to be passed on to future generations? These are the questions that the commemoration committees need to address in co-operation with the city and regional authorities. And it is only in this way that the commemorations will be able to provide a restorative dimension for our community, in the spirit of the decision issued by the judges of the International Criminal Court”,  states Alpha Touré, Director of CFOGRAD.

At the same time, on 5 July 2022, the Governor of the Timbuktu Region, Mr Bakoun Kanté, established a regional commission to coordinate and monitor the collective reparations measures [Decision attached as an annex], which was tasked with supporting the measures implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims. Supporting the city authorities should help to facilitate implementation of the activities associated not only with the commemorations but also with the economic assistance and the heritage restoration.

“The heritage that was destroyed in Timbuktu is of exceptional universal value. As part of its mandate, UNESCO has already contributed significantly to its reconstruction. In supporting the Trust Fund for Victims with the implementation of a historic decision in the field of international criminal justice, in favour of cultural heritage – and at a time when this is threatened in numerous regions of the world – UNESCO intends to go even further in terms of restoring the heritage that constitutes an important part of the identity of this city and its inhabitants,” states Edmond Moukala, Representative of UNESCO in Mali.

Reflection and remembrance at the cemetery of the three Saints, with the descendants of the Saints, on the day before the launch of the collective reparations, 5 July 2022 (©Hameye Touré).

On 26 September 2016, Mr Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi was found guilty by the International Criminal Court of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against buildings of a religious and historical character and was sentenced to nine years’ of imprisonment. Since that date, he has been serving his sentence. In November 2021, the ICC granted his early release, which is due to take effect on 18 September 2022.

“In the case of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi, which is drawing to a close with the implementation of the reparations and his upcoming release, the International Criminal Court acts – as it does in all its proceedings in Mali and elsewhere – in complementarity with the State concerned. In the wake of the work carried out by the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (Commission Vérité Justice et Réconciliation), Mali has an ambitious reparations programme at the national level. The launch of the collective reparations is fully in line with this process, which is aimed at upholding the rights of the victims to receive reparations,” states Nouhoum Sangaré, Representative, Chief of Field Offices of the International Criminal Court in Côte d’Ivoire and Mali.

Judge Graciela Gatti Santana participates in Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide

Diplomat Magazine
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Judge Graciela Gatti Santana participates in Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide

The Hague, 12 July 2022– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, today concluded her visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) where she participated in a series of events marking the Twenty-Seventh Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica.

Yesterday, 11 July, the President took part in the official Commemoration ceremony held at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potočari, BiH, along with a number of other high-level international and national dignitaries. In her remarks delivered at the ceremony, President Gatti Santana noted that: “the name ‘Srebrenica’ carries such weight, and is so significant, that it is known by people around the world. It evokes a full spectrum of memories and emotions that can bring one from the depths of despair, through to real belief in the human spirit and hope for the future.”

President Gatti Santana further highlighted the Mechanism’s role in safeguarding the precious legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), underscoring the importance of sharing knowledge about what happened during the 1990s conflicts in the region. In this context, she stated that: “After all, if we forget the past, we are doomed to repeat it.”  Following the ceremony, the President paid her respects to the victims of the Genocide in Srebrenica by laying a flower in their honour.

While in BiH, President Gatti Santana also delivered closing remarks at the “Srebrenica Heroines” international conference, which was held on 10 July at the Srebrenica Memorial Center. This was the first conference of its kind, dedicated to honouring the women survivors of the Genocide in Srebrenica.

Today in Sarajevo, President Gatti Santana took part in a Diplomatic Briefing hosted by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in BiH, Ms Ingrid Macdonald. The President provided an update on the Mechanism’s current activities and priorities to members of the diplomatic community accredited to BiH and representatives of international organisations. During the afternoon, she paid a visit to the Information Centre on the ICTY, which is housed in the Sarajevo City Hall.

The President also met with a number of high-level officials, representatives of victims’ groups and others while in BiH.

This was President Gatti Santana’s first visit to the region of the former Yugoslavia since assuming office as Mechanism President on 1 July 2022.

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