During the Christmas vacations, tours of the Peace Palace will take place almost daily
These are the first tours the Carnegie Foundation can offer at the Palace since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since there will be no sessions of the courts during the Christmas vacations, tours of the palace can be organized during this period.
A guide will tell participants all about the building, the institutions housed there and the works of art with which the palace is decorated. During the tour, visitors will visit the Great Hall of Justice, the Small Courtroom and the Japanese Room and thus get an impression of the most beautiful rooms in the building.
Tickets cost €14.50 per person, and admission is free for children up to and including 7 years of age. Wearing a face mask and presenting a coronavirus entry pass is obligatory.
President Agius briefs UN Security Council on progress of Mechanism work
Arusha, The Hague, 13 December 2021– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today presented the Mechanism’s nineteenth progress report to the United Nations Security Council.
President Agius commenced his address by reflecting upon resolution 2529 (2020), adopted by the Council following its third review of the Mechanism’s work, and which the Mechanism views as a tool by which it can gauge its performance. This resolution has remained at the forefront as the Mechanism strives to fulfil the requests of the Council contained therein. In this regard, the President informed the Council of the strong progress made during the reporting period, noting that resolution 2529 (2020) has largely been implemented.
President Agius highlighted the timely delivery of three judgements that had been projected for June of this year: the appeal judgement in the Mladić case, as well as trial judgements in the Stanišić and Simatović case and the Nzabonimpa et al. contempt case. He credited this achievement to the remarkable efforts of Mechanism Judges, staff and Defence teams and their determination to overcome obstacles that could have derailed the cases. The President signalled to the Security Council that, as a result of the favourable performance during the pandemic, the Mechanism has entered a new chapter in its operations. The core driver of the Mechanism’s activities – its pending judicial caseload – is now limited to appeal proceedings in the above-mentioned cases and the trial in the case against Félicien Kabuga.
Turning to the Mechanism’s continued efforts to enhance effective and transparent management, President Agius referred to the hard work done to implement of the outstanding recommendations of Office of Internal Oversight Services and, in particular, the steps taken to combine strategic thinking of the three organs on the future of the Mechanism’s numerous remaining functions.
Next, President Agius informed the Security Council of a major breakthrough in the longstanding situation of the acquitted or released persons who have been living in a safe house in Arusha. On 15 November 2021, a milestone agreement was concluded between the Republic of Niger and the United Nations to relocate of all nine of these persons to the territory of the Republic of Niger. This agreement has already been implemented with respect to eight of the nine persons concerned. The President expressed his deepest gratitude to Mechanism Registrar, Abubacarr Tambadou, for his exceptional efforts in securing this outcome, and to the Republic of Niger, currently presiding over the Council, for its “outstanding assistance and demonstrated commitment to international justice”.
Finally, in discussing the need for continued State cooperation with the Mechanism, the President once again called on the Republic of Serbia to fulfil its international obligations, by arresting and transferring to the Mechanism, Petar Jojić and Vjerica Radeta.
In concluding, President Agius underscored the Mechanism’s determination to “keep achieving results that defy these challenging times” and its undoubted “resolve to do everything within its power towards the optimal fulfillment of its mandate”.
Wednesday, 8 December 2021, Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany: Premier Dr. Reiner Haseloff welcomed the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Dauren Karipov, on his inaugural visit to the State Chancellery. Both interlocutors exchanged views on current topics and talked about business, culture and science.
Last year, companies from Saxony-Anhalt exported goods worth around 20.3 million euros to Kazakhstan. Conversely, goods worth 27.7 million euros were imported from Kazakhstan to Saxony-Anhalt in 2020.
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences maintain diverse bilateral relations with partner institutions in Kazakhstan. Partnerships exist, for example, in the fields of electrical engineering, industrial engineering, agriculture and ecotrophology, as well as on topics such as the use of agricultural resources and climate adaptation.
In 2019, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg established a contact office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, as the university’s first office abroad, which forms the starting point for the university’s activities in Central Asia.
ICC Prosecutor Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC appoints Special Adviser on Mutual Legal Assistance
Further to the recent appointments of twenty Special Advisers, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mr Karim A.A. Khan QC, has appointed Mr Yoshimitsu Yamauchi of Japan (Bio) to serve as Special Adviser on Mutual Legal Assistance pursuant to article 42.9 of the Rome Statute.
This new appointment, in line with past indications by the Prosecutor, is aimed at creating a network of experts representing different regions of the world with cultural, linguistic, and gender diversity, with specific portfolios and expertise to reinforce the Office of the Prosecutor’s capabilities to effectively and efficiently discharge its mandate under the Statute, and to strengthen specialisation on a wide range of issues and priority areas identified by the Prosecutor.
“Mutual legal assistance is the cornerstone of the Rome Statute system and crucial to fostering complementarity and the effective delivery of the Court’s mandate. I am therefore delighted that such a prominent expert from Japan has joined the group of experts who have accepted to serve as my Special Advisers. I am very pleased to welcome Mr Yamauchi and to have him join my team, and look forward to benefit from the valuable experience he has amassed in advancing mutual legal assistance in various countries around the world. His rich expertise and the perspectives he will bring to the table will undoubtedly assist me and my Office as we endeavour to increase our effectiveness and harness the dividends of deeper cooperation and partnerships with States in the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes”, stated the Prosecutor.
Special Advisers to the Prosecutor are persons with outstanding professional credentials and expertise in their fields. They provide advice to the Prosecutor within their respective mandates as Special Advisers and may assist in training initiatives of the Office. They work on a pro bono basis and are required to sign a confidentiality agreement and are bound by the ‘Standards of Conduct’ stipulated in, inter alia, Annex I to Administrative Instruction ICC/AI/2016/002.
On the occasion of his presentation of credentials to His Majesty King William Alexander of the Netherlands, the Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento hosted a concert with the renowned Bolivian guitarist Pirai Vaca, which took place at the embassy premises in The Hague.
H.E. Mr. Roberto Calzadilla, Ambassador of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
It was a unique occasion to listen to Bolivian music from a very famous artist to celebrate Ambassador Calzadilla’s return to The Hague. He is a career diplomat serving as ambassador in the Netherlands from 2008 until 2013. That year he was appointed as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Previous to his posting in the Netherlands, he served as Bolivia’s ambassador to Portugal, in charge of Asia, America, Africa, Oceania and of the Department of Summits at the Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Bolivian guitarist Pirai Vaca.
Between 2000 and 2004, he served as a Permanent Representative to the United Nations International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Ambassador Calzadilla was one of six ambassadors founders of Diplomat Magazine Netherlands.
The concert was very well attended with ambassadors and authorities celebrating his return to the Hague.
By H.E. Mr. Alexander Shulgin,Ambassador of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Russian Embassy in the Netherlands pays particular attention to the maintenance of «The Soviet Field of Honor», the only Soviet memorial complex in the Netherlands, in good order. The remains of 865 Soviet soldiers who died during World War Two in various parts of the Netherlands and in Germany are buried there.
«The Soviet Field of Honor» was officially opened on November 18, 1948. Originally, 101 Soviet soldiers who had died in the nearby concentration Camp Amersfoort were buried there. All of them were mainly from Central Asia (Uzbekistan). The Germans had captured and brought them to the Netherlands in September 1941 to convince the Dutch to join their side in the battle against the USSR. Despite that the Nazis bullied and tortured them, the will of the brave Soviet soldiers was not broken. When the Germans realized that their plan had failed, the prisoners were shot.
«The Soviet Field of Honor».
After the war the remains of other 764 Soviet soldiers who found their final resting place far away from their home were also transferred to «The Soviet Field of Honor».
I would like to stress that the Russian Embassy in the Netherlands closely follow the development on «The Soviet Field of Honor». Despite the logistical difficulties that arose from the spread of coronavirus infection in the Netherlands, I am pleased to announce that the phased replacement of all the 865 gravestones (planned for the period from 2019 to 2021), was successfully completed on time. One of the reasons for this was the necessity to put the new recovered data on the gravestones of the Soviet soldiers, and to comply with the relevant provisions of the legislation of the Netherlands, according to which gravestones must be replaced every 60 years.
The new stones are almost identical in size with the old ones. Most of them are engraved with the name, surname, date of birth and death of a fallen Red Army soldier.
I’m pleased to inform you this project was financed jointly by the Russian and the Dutch side, the Embassies of countries – former Soviet Union republics, with the involvement of the private investors. In particular, The Russian Federation has allocated 300,000 euros for the three year period (2019-2021).
«The Soviet Field of Honor», the only Soviet memorial complex in the Netherlands.
The Russian Embassy in the Netherlands annually holds commemorative events on the territory of «The Soviet Field of Honor» memorial complex, including the celebration of Defender of the Motherland Day (February 23) and the Great Patriotic War Victory Day (May 9). We intend to continue to provide all possible assistance in preserving and maintaining the memorial complex «The Soviet Field of Honor» in excellent condition.
Statement of the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, on the occasion of Human Rights Day 2021
The Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins with a profound statement: that recognizing the dignity and equal rights of all humans “is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”.
These words resonate as strongly today as they did 73 years ago, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. There can be no justice without respect for human rights – and, conversely, justice is essential to the protection of human rights.
The Universal Declaration further recalls that “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind”.
The crimes addressed by the ICC – genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression – are examples of just such acts. The essence of the ICC’s mandate is to ensure that such heinous crimes do not go unpunished, and that victims can receive redress for the harm they have suffered.
But the ICC cannot secure accountability on its own. The Court needs cooperation and support of States to investigate crimes, prosecute suspected perpetrators, and provide justice to victims. And, in the first place, investigations and trials should always be conducted by national authorities, while the ICC is a court of last resort.
Through these principles of cooperation and complementarity, the ICC system – currently comprising 123 States – contributes to the prevention of future crimes by demonstrating that perpetrators will be held accountable; either in national courts, or failing that, in the ICC.
To ensure equal protection for people everywhere, more States should join the ICC’s Rome Statute. To deter atrocities. To protect one’s own and other citizens from crimes. And to give hope to victims everywhere in the world that a path to justice does exist.
Together, we can build a more just world, with dignity and human rights for all.
A new Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) was elected on December six, for a three-year mandate (2021 – 2024) at the opening of the 20th session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The newly elected members of the Board of Directors represent each of five regional groups: Sheikh Mohammed Belal (Bangladesh), representing Asia-Pacific group, Minou Josefina Tavárez Mirabal (Dominican Republic), representing Latin American and Caribbean States Parties, Andres Parmas (Estonia), representing Eastern European States Parties, Kevin Kelly (Ireland), representing Western European and Other Group States, and Ibrahim Sorie Yillah (Sierra Leone), representing African States Parties.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Bangladesh.
The new Board held its first meeting on 7 December 2021 and unanimously elected Minou Josefina Tavárez Mirabal as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. For the first time, the Board also appointed a Vice-Chair, Ibrahim Yillah.
Newly elected TFV Board of Director from left to right:
Sheik Mohammed Belal (Bangladesh) Chair Minou Josefina Tavárez Mirabal ( Dominican Republic) Andres Parmas (Estonia) Kevin Kelly ( Ireland) and vice Chair, Ibrahim Yillah (Sierra Leone).
The new Board Chair, Ms Tavárez Mirabal said, “It is a great honour and privilege for the new members of the TFV Board of Directors to serve the victims of crimes defined in the Rome Statute. We thank the States Parties for the trust they placed upon us. We are mindful of the challenges as well as the opportunities that may arise but we are confident that these will strengthen the impact of the Trust Fund for Victims and the Rome Statute system. I thank my colleagues for entrusting me with this responsibility to lead the Board. Together with my fellow Board members and the TFV Secretariat, we will continue the works that were started by the previous Board of Directors and chaired by the late and always missed Felipe Michelini and by Mama Koité Doumbia. The new Board will work tirelessly to expand the TFV’s reach and to increase reparations and assistance programmes, enhance partnerships, raise awareness on the rights of victims and survivors ofatrocitycrimes, and ensure transparency as well as accountability to the States Parties, to the donors of the TFV, and most importantly, to the victims and survivors of crimes whom we serve.”
The Vice Chair, Mr Yillah said: “Advancing the voice of victims is at the heart of the Rome Statute System. I am delighted to be elected to the Board of the Trust Fund for Victims to fulfil this core mandate of the Rome Statute. I am humbled to contribute to this noble cause.”
On behalf of the TFV Secretariat, TFV Executive Director, Pieter de Baan said, “I congratulate Ms Tavárez Mirabal, Mr Belal, and Mr Parmas on their re-election as Board members, and I am honoured to welcome new members Mr Kelly and Mr Yillah who will bring to the TFV their extensive background in a wide range of fields including international criminal law, development, visibility and governance. The TFV is only stronger by the diversity and experience of its Board members and the new members’ experiences will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to the TFV. We look forward to continuing our engagement with the new Board to strengthen the TFV’s works and to achieve our goals together.”
H.E. Mr. Kevin Kelly, Ireland.
The biographies of the new Board of Directors of the TFV are available on the TFV Website.
TFV Board of Directors (2021 – 2024):
– Minou Tavárez Mirabal (Dominican Republic) representing Latin American and Caribbean States – Chair;
– Ibrahim Yillah (Sierra Leone) representing African States – Vice Chair;
– Sheikh Mohammed Belal (Bangladesh) representing Asia – Pacific States;
– Andres Parmas (Estonia) representing Eastern European States;
– Kevin Kelly (Ireland) representing Western European and Other States.
Monday, 29 November 2021, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany: Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher welcomed the Dutch Ambassador to Germany, Ronald van Roeden for his inaugural visit to the city-state after having been accredited to Berlin on 1 September 2021.
The bilateral meeting that took place at Hamburg’s historic City Hall focused on the trade between Hamburg and The Netherlands normally carried out between the ports of Hamburg and the one of Rotterdam, the implementation of sustainable energies as well as educational exchanges.
In the framework of his visit to Hamburg Ambassador van Roeden likewise paid a call upon Senator Michael Westhagemann, President of the Authority for Economy and Innovation, and visited the Hamburger Kunsthalle (Hamburg Art Hall).
Ronald van Roeden was born 1957 in Hilversum, The Netherlands, is Royal Dutch Ambassador in the Federal Republic of Germany since Wednesday, 1 September 2021 upon his presentation of letters of credence before Federal President Dr. Steinmeier. He entered the diplomatic career in 1985, and has served in Iraq, Paris (OECD mission), Norway (with co-accreditation to Iceland), and before the European Union (Deputy Permanent Representative). Van Roeden speaks Dutch, German, French as well as English.
Friday, 3 December 2021, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia: NRW Premier Hendrik Wüst received the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Başar Şen, for an inaugural visit to the State Chancellery of NRW after his formal accreditation to Germany that took place on 1 September 2021. He was accompanied by the Turkish Consul General in Düsseldorf, Ayşegül Gökçen Karaarslan.
For the first official part of the visit, Ambassador Ahmet Başar Şen signed the guest book of the state government NRW. In the subsequent conversation, Premier Wüst and Ambassador Şen exchanged views on the bilateral relations between North Rhine-Westphalia and Turkey.
Premier Hendrik Wüst: “Turkey is of particular importance for North Rhine-Westphalia. 60 years after the conclusion of the German-Turkish recruitment agreement, more than 900,000 citizens of Turkish origin have their home here. They are an important part of our identity and contribute to the fact that North Rhine-Westphalia and Turkey are connected in many ways in business, science, civil society and culture. North Rhine-Westphalia therefore also has a great interest in a democratic, economically prosperous Turkey based on the rule of law. We agree that dialogue must be sought, especially on critical issues.”
Relations between North Rhine-Westphalia and Turkey Approximately 488,000 people of Turkish origin and approximately 934,000 people of Turkish origin live in North Rhine-Westphalia. Of the approximately 1.5 million Turks in Germany, one in three lives in North Rhine-Westphalia. There are numerous and diverse civil society, economic, scientific and cultural ties between North Rhine-Westphalia and Turkey. For example, Turkey is a priority country in the area of International Youth Exchange of the NRW Child and Youth Promotion Plan. With over 13,000 students in the winter semester 2020/2021, the largest group of foreign students at North Rhine-Westphalian universities comes from Turkey. And there are also many ties between Turkey and North Rhine-Westphalia in the field of business: Almost 40 percent of all Turkish companies in Germany are located in North Rhine-Westphalia.
