Constitutional reforms in the field of protection of human rights and the human dimension

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Constitutional reforms in the field of protection of human rights and the human dimension

By Dr. Mirzatillo Tillabaev, First Deputy Director, National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Law

States in many parts of the world regularly amend constitutions, and in some cases draft completely new constitutions. This may be due to various political, economic, social or other reasons. The national constitution of a country is the framing legal document, which captures the basis of the social contract between the  state  and  the  people it is  supposed  to serve.

Whatever the reason, one of the key elements of any constitutional reform is to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are promoted, respected and protected. Constitutional guarantees of human  rights across the spectrum of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and the mandating of  courts  and  national human rights institutions to protect those rights, are vital steps in  promoting  a  human rights culture.

The United Nations notes that “constitution making is a sovereign national process and that, to be successful, the process must be country-led and driven. There is no “one-size-fits-all” constitutional model or process and that national authorship should include the participation of state structures, political parties, civil society and the general public.”

The need for broad participation in the constitution-making process is also noted in article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Therefore, a constitution has the highest degree of political and legal legitimacy if it is the result of popular participation.

The process of preparing proposals (more than 62 thousand), the work of the Constitutional Commission, as well as the nationwide discussion of the draft Constitutional Law clearly show the importance of broad public participation, civil society institutions in this process.

The constitutional reform of Uzbekistan is aimed at implementing the priority principle “In the name of the honor and dignity of man.” Moreover, human dignity is the provision of a peaceful and safe life, fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, the gradual creation of decent living conditions and modern infrastructure, qualified medical care, quality education, social protection and a healthy ecological environment for every inhabitant of the country.

The following priority areas for constitutional reforms in the field of human rights protection and the human dimension have been identified:

  • The first is to change the previously existing paradigm “state – society – person” to a new one: “person – society – state”, fixing it in constitutional legislation and constitutional practice.
  • The second is the constitutional consolidation of the role and status of civil society institutions, the principle “Society is the initiator of reforms”.
  • The third is to increase the effectiveness of the current system of human rights protection, reliable protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, women, children, and youth.

Uzbekistan has ratified, and thereby committed itself to comply with, seven of the nine main existing international human rights treaties, namely: the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

In addition, as an OSCE participating State, Uzbekistan is committed to fulfilling core OSCE commitments in the human dimension, including commitments in the areas of pluralistic democracy, the rule of law and democratic institutions; the independence of the judiciary; independent national human rights institutions; fulfillment of international obligations; protection from arbitrary arrest or detention; the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the right to a fair trial and effective remedies; tolerance and non-discrimination; gender equality and other areas.

All these documents served as the basis for the improvement and preparation of the draft Constitutional Law.

First of all, it should be noted that the draft Constitutional Law includes a number of new positive changes that are not in the current Constitution. In general, despite the fact that the draft Law provides for changes more than 60 articles and 6 new articles, of these, changes to 28 articles and all 6 new articles relate to human rights and the human dimension.

For the first time at the constitutional level, the principle of international law is fixed – respect for human rights and freedoms (Article 17).

Title II of the Constitution contains a list of human rights and fundamental freedoms, to which several new provisions have been added.

The proposed project significantly strengthens the guarantees of human and civil rights and freedoms:

1. In the Republic of Uzbekistan, the death penalty is prohibited (Article 24), thereby implementing the provisions of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

2. At the constitutional level, the institution of “habeas corpus” is guaranteed, i.e. arrest, detention and detention or other restriction of freedom is allowed only by a court decision, until a court decision a person cannot be detained for a period of more than 48 hours (Article 25);

3. The presumption of innocence becomes a constitutional principle, i.e. all doubts about guilt, if the possibilities are exhausted eliminate them, must be resolved in favor of the suspect, the accused or the defendant. Also, doubts arising from the application of the law must be resolved in favor of the suspect, accused or defendant (Article 26);

4. The “Miranda Rules” also receive constitutional status (Article 26), in particular:

– the rights and grounds for his detention must be explained to a person during detention in a language that he understands;

– a suspect, accused or defendant is not required to prove his innocence and may at any time exercise the right to remain silent;

5. A new article is introduced stating that every person has the right to compensation for harm caused by illegal actions or inaction of state bodies or their officials (Article 26-1);

6. New rights are guaranteed in the field of ICT, in particular, everyone has the right to access the worldwide information network Internet and use it freely, the state guarantees the protection of personal data (Article 29);

7. For the first time, environmental rights are fixed, everyone has the right to a healthy and favorable environment, reliable information about its condition and compensation for damage caused to his health or property by an environmental offense (Article 40-1);

8. For the first time, the Constitution guarantees the right to appeal to national and international human rights institutions (art. 44);

9. At the constitutional level, the institution of a constitutional complaint is fixed, i.e. the right of citizens to apply to the Constitutional Court (Article 109);

10. The institution pro bone, free legal aid (art. 116) receives constitutional status.

Article 27 of the Constitution contains a narrow definition of the right to protection of personal and family life, since this right is limited to “personal and family secrets” and a narrow interpretation of the inviolability of “home”. The proposed changes are complemented by “the right to the protection of personal data”, as well as “everyone has the right to the inviolability of the home. Deprivation of dwelling is not allowed, except by a court decision.

In addition, article 28 of the Constitution provides for the right to freedom of movement and residence in the territory of Uzbekistan. The draft proposes to consolidate the right to travel outside the country, as well as unimpeded return to one’s own country, enshrined in paragraphs. 2 and 4 of Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and paragraph 20 of the 1989 OSCE Vienna Document

The draft Constitutional Law also enshrines the principle of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child “the best interests of children must always be taken into account in all decisions concerning them”. Based on this, changes are proposed to Art. 37, 64 and 65 of the Constitution.

At the constitutional level, the principle of the UN Sustainable Development Goals “Leave no one behind” is enshrined, in particular, the state creates equal conditions for the realization of the rights and legitimate interests of persons with disabilities (Article 39).

Thus, many of the innovations contain changes aimed at implementing international obligations, recommendations of international bodies (UN Special Rapporteurs, OSCE) and raising the norms enshrined in individual laws to the constitutional status. The changes were developed after an open and free public discussion, which ensured broad public participation and meaningful discussions.

Transparency, openness and inclusiveness, as well as broad public discussion, are the main requirements of the democratic process of developing constitutional proposals in Uzbekistan. Compliance with these requirements allows us to note that the constitutional reform is positively perceived by society as a whole, and expresses the will of the entire people of Uzbekistan.

ALIDA- Haute Couture a passion for fashion

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ALIDA- Haute Couture a passion for fashion

From an early age Ayuna Asalkhanova had a passion for fashion. She knew that one day she wanted to own her own business. ALIDA, her newly launched fashion brand, was born out of the realisation that the pandemic would forever change the way we look at our wardrobe. The budding designer grew up in different parts of Russia, China, Spain and Germany but she spent her teenage, and formative years in Brussels.

Ayuna enjoyed an upbringing where science and education was central, but unfortunately where creativity wasn’t really encouraged.  Everytime she brought up her desire to work in the fashion industry, she was met with the same sentence; ‘Fashion is a business’. This stuck with her and essentially influenced her future choices in life. After she graduated from high school in Brussels she scored herself an internship at Chanel. She went on to study Economics at Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Digital Business Management at IE Business School in Madrid.

ALIDA- Haute Couture

Like many of us, 2020 was a year of reflection for Ayuna. She quickly realised there was a gap in the market when it comes to versatile garments. To find a piece of clothing that works as loungewear as well as for a night now (albeit with the right accessoires) is near to impossible. The fashion industry is an ever-innovating one. The brick-and-mortar approach is outdated and the market has moved almost primarily online for up and comers. Traditional stores and boutiques are using more and more social media as a channel to sell the garments. The digital age has been truly brought upon the fashion industry, and is here to stay. After thoroughly analysing the market it became quite clear that putting everything together, the vision she had for her own brand, was spot-on. Innovation is key, but Ayuna decided to stay true to her own vision, hence why production was kept local and why the pieces are so easy to style to one’s personal taste.

The brand’s moniker is derived from Ayuna’s own name and the name of her beloved grandmother. Her grandmother Lydia, a Medical Doctor & Professor of Oncology, instilled in her granddaughter a love for sourcing noble materials. She taught her granddaughter that to dress well is to elevate one’s experience on a daily basis. This was the main inspiration for the brand; sharing with other women the feeling of intimate luxury without compromising on quality. Putting no time to waste, Ayuna started sketching her designs by hand. One palazzo trousers and a kimono later, and Alida was born.

ALIDA

ALIDA is entirely handcrafted in Belgium. The choice to produce in Belgium was not a particular hard one. The country’s long standing tradition in the textile industry is well-known. Thanks to its impeccable reputation, Belgium has attracted a lot of attention for their local fashion scene that emerged in the 20th century (e.g. the Antwerp Five). This resulted into a thriving place to create haute couture. This is where ALIDA fits in perfectly. Haute Couture is ingrained in our brand DNA.

ALIDA combines a strong aesthetic identity with high-end production values and artisanal manufacturing, inviting the person wearing our garments to experience the finest of custom high-end luxury, whilst exuding a refreshing, modern spirit. The timeless design of our sets ensures longevity, these are intergenerational garments to be worn and loved forever. Production takes place entirely in Belgium. Our production was carefully chosen for their reputation within the Belgian fashion industry. These exceptional local artisans work with Belgian Royal Court Suppliers, international fashion brands and celebrated designers like NATAN, Carine Gilson and Jean-Paul Lespagnard to name a few.

ALIDA- Haute Couture

All the designs are  hand-drawn by Ayuna who knows every seam and pattern by heart. We pride ourselves in our production house’s craftsmanship. The pieces produced are limited in stock and are made-to-order to prevent overproduction, in aims of preserving the environment by limiting textile waste. In production, we use natural, toxin-free dyes on our biodegradable silk as we stand firm in our commitment to be kind to the earth.

Understandably, a lot of designer houses have opted to move their production overseas. Ayuna consciously chooses to keep everything local. She stands firm behind her decision. She believes in supporting her hometown’s local economy and keeping resources within her community. It also makes it easier to control the quality of the finished garments. Every piece is made from naturally sourced silk (OEKO-TEX standard 100). Being called the queen of textiles, silk compliments all bodies as it lays organically on the skin. Our true silk is smooth to touch. ALIDA opted for a 22 mommes design, which means the silk is heavier and firmer than what other brands bring to the public.

Wearing ALIDA is an invitation to unleash one’s creativity and empower women to take control of their own personal style. All of the brand’s colours are interchangeable and styled by the right accessoires, right for every occasion.

Macron in Benin

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Macron in Benin
HRWF’s human rights report mentioned in LE MONDE and EU TODAY

HRWF (29.07.2022) – On the eve of President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Benin, Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) filed a report with the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for Benin, in which the organisation outlined its concerns over human rights abuses in Benin, with particular regard to the continued detention of opposition figures Reckya Madougou and Joël Aivo and the fact that they were not included in a list of 17 detainees due to be temporarily released after a 13 June 2022 meeting between President Patrice Talon and Thomas Boni Yayi, former President of Benin (2006-2016). 

A press release with a copy of the report was sent to more than 500 French journalists and media, as well as to the members of the French Parliament and Senate. Eighty MPs signed an open letter denouncing the continued destruction of democracy by President Talon since 2016. 

Russia to withdraw from International Space Station

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Russia to withdraw from International Space Station

July 26, Moscow. Yuri Borisov, Director of the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, announced that it will withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024 and that Russia will focus on building its own orbital base.

The announcement, amid high tensions between Moscow and the West over the war in Ukraine, casts doubt on the future of the ISS, with experts saying it would be extremely difficult to keep it running without the Russians.

The International Space Station has been a symbol of international cooperation after the Cold War, but it is now one of the few areas of cooperation prevailing between the United States and Russia. NASA and its partners had planned the continuation of this operational collaboration until 2030. For scientists this is distressing news because of the valuable professional collaboration between the space agencies to date.

Borisov’s statement confirmed earlier comments by Russian officials about Moscow’s intention to abandon the ISS after 2024, when current international agreements for its operation end. Russian authorities have complained on many occasions that the wear and tear on the ISS puts the station’s safety and lifespan at risk.

Algeria celebrate double anniversary – Independence and Youth

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Algeria celebrate double anniversary – Independence and Youth

Algeria celebrate every July 5th, the double anniversary of the Independence and Youth. In the wake of the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Day, this year, the Embassy of Algeria in The Hague held on July 03rd 2022 a commemorative ceremony in presence of a sizable number of Algerian nationals living in the Netherlands.

After flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies in remembrance of Algerian Martyrs, H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak gave an address in which she paid tribute to heroism ad abnegation of martyrs and veterans during liberation war. In this regard, she pointed out the necessity of perpetuating ideals and values that guided our ancestors throughout their longstanding fight for freedom and emancipation.

60th anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Day.

Moreover, Ambassador Abdelhak lauded the deep-rooted attachment of Algerian diaspora overseas including Nationals in The Netherlands  to their homeland and their contribution in the economic and political progress of Algeria  and its cultural radiance in today’s world.

In this context, she renewed her commitment alongside with entire embassy staff to serve the Algerian community living in The Netherlands and employ all legal means to safeguard their interests in compliance with the President of the Republic’s guidelines.

Afterwards, an entertaining competition dubbed “Algeria Quiz” which consisted of series of questions related to the culture, geography and history of Algeria was convened, with a remarkable participation of 22 Algerian children. Despite its playful and enjoyable aspect, this contest enabled us to teach participants many relevant information about Algeria.

H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak during her speech.

Later on, nine young girls took part in a traditional dress show, during which they come onto the stage wearing national dresses of the various regions of Algeria, to display richness and diversity of local culture.  

Eventually, medals and gifts were offered to the young participants whereas two big pies and savoury snacks were served to the general public amid a friendly atmosphere.  

Pakistan Minister for Commerce and Investment visited the Netherlands

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Pakistan Minister for Commerce and Investment visited the Netherlands

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Pakistan Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment H.E. Syed Naveed Qamar visited the Netherlands on 24th May 2022. He underscored the longstanding friendly and cooperative relations with the Netherlands and wishes to strengthen and diversify bilateral trade and economic linkages in the years ahead.

Bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands have been consistently on upward trajectory, a reaffirmation that came from Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment, Syed Naveed Qamar and Mr. Paul Huijts, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands after their meeting in the Hague to discuss the new GSP+ scheme.

The Minister held meetings with the GSP+ stakeholders including Dutch officials, businesses, trade bodies and civil society organisations. The visit was part of Pakistan’s campaign to sensitise the stakeholders in EU member states about the milestones achieved by Pakistan in implementation of conventions under the GSP+ obligations.  

Minister Qamar highlighted that the GSP Plus was an excellent template and a success story of mutually beneficial cooperation as EU exports to Pakistan have grown by 69% whereas Netherlands’ exports to Pakistan have grown by 107% since the grant of GSP+ in 2014. Pakistan’s exports to EU have grown by 86% whereas exports to the Netherlands have grown by 108% in the meantime. He expressed the hope that the new GSP Plus regulation would continue to focus on its central tenets of supporting sustainable development, poverty alleviation and good governance in the beneficiary countries.

H.E. Syed Naveed Qamar, Pakistan Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment during his speech.

The Minister underscored that Pakistan and the Netherlands enjoyed excellent relations, which were based on mutual respect, trust, and common interests. He emphasised that strong trade and investment cooperation were important components of Pakistan-Netherlands bilateral relations.  The Netherlands is the second largest trade partner of Pakistan in EU and a key investor in various sectors of Pakistan.

Mr. Paul Huijts appreciated the positive trajectory in the overall bilateral relations, including substantial growth in bilateral trade. Mr. Huijts also thanked Pakistan for its support and facilitation for the Netherlands’ evacuation operation from Afghanistan.

Later, Minister Syed Naveed Qamar addressed a seminar, attended by Dutch businesses, investors, trade associations, Civil Society / Non-Governmental Organisations and the Netherlands-based Pakistanis importing from Pakistan. He apprised the audience of key achievements made in implementing GSP Plus requirements. He also spoke broadly about the trade and investment opportunities and possible avenues for collaboration between the Dutch and Pakistani businesses.

The Minister apprised his audience of sensitivities and the challenges likely to be faced by any developing country like Pakistan with regards to new GSP+ scheme replacing the existing one, spanning from 2024 to 2034. “There is no lack of sincerity in implementing GSP+ related conventions on part of Pakistan.” the Minister reiterated. “Three successful biennial reviews are a testimony to the fact that Pakistan has made huge strides in meeting its human rights, governance, and environment related obligations.”

The Minister was of the view that while designing new scheme, capacity of the developing countries must be borne in mind. Moreover, GSP+ is a development assistance tool; hence it should not turn into a commerce restrictive at the end. Improvement in human rights, governance, environment, and socio-economic uplift of masses are the common goals achieved through GSP+ which must be preserved rather stalling further progress in these areas.

Concluding the session, the Minister invited the Dutch companies to explore business opportunities in Pakistan in agriculture, dairy, water management, maritime and clean energy. The Minister also responded to various queries from the audience.

H.E. Syed Naveed Qamar, Pakistan Federal Minister for Commerce and Investment meeting the medias in The Hague.

Apart from the Netherlands, Minister Syed Naveed Qamar went on to visit major EU capitals of Berlin, Brussels and Paris where he met his counterparts.

Minister Syed Naveed Qamar met with the media and briefed them about the targets his visit achieved.

Dedication Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall Philippine Embassy The Hague

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Dedication Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall Philippine Embassy The Hague

ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall Inaugurated at Philippine Embassy in The Hague

19 July 2022, The Hague – The ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall at the Embassy of the Philippines in The Hague was inaugurated Tuesday, 19 July 2022, in a ceremony attended by the Vice President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), four other judges of the ICJ, and other international legal luminaries, diplomats and Filipino community members.

The event was held in honor of Chief Justice Cesar Bengzon as the first and so far the only Filipino Judge of the International Court of Justice, who served a full nine year-term at the World Court from 1967 to 1976. Also honored were two highly acclaimed Filipino jurists, Justice Florentino Feliciano, former Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and founding Member and then President of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (1995 to 2001); and Dean Raul C. Pangalangan, Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (2015 to 2021).

H.E. Kirill Gevorgian, ICJ Vice President, delivering his remarks during the dedication ceremony.

In his keynote address, ICJ Vice President Kirill Gevorgian praised the valuable experience of Judge Bengzon as Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court which provided a different perspective to the members of the ICJ and gave added flavor to the work of the Court and the development of international law.

“Judge Bengzon made significant contributions to the work of the Court and to the development of international law… He contributed to a number of seminal judgments and advisory opinions that have become crucial to the protection of human rights around the world,” added Gevorgian.

Gevorgian recalled how he met Bengzon for the first time in the 1970s in Moscow, when Gevorgian was a young lawyer, during a lecture given by Bengzon on the protection of human rights.

“Throughout his illustrious career, Judge Bengzon is known as a staunch defender of human rights. He served for many years as a Member and President of the Philippine section of the International Commission of Jurists, an international non-government organization dedicated to the defense of human rights and the rule of law worldwide,” said Judge Gevorgian.

Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo addresses the assembly through video remarks.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, in his video-recorded remarks, alluded to the Dutch saying, “Als er één schaap over de dam is, volgen er meer” (if one sheep crosses the dam, more will follow), to underscore Bengzon’s greatest contribution to the Philippine legal profession as blazing the trail for Filipino jurists and lawyers alike to enter and serve in the world’s highest courts and tribunals.

Bengzon’s ‘appointment to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) capped a brilliant career in the service of his fellow men and women…. This honor given by the Philippine Embassy is but a fitting tribute to a man who is an epitome of integrity and excellence, a Philippine magistrate who had made waves throughout the world,” Gesmundo said.

(L-R) H.E. Peter Tomka (ICJ Judge), H.E. Iwasawa Yuji (ICJ Judge), Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, H.E. Kirill Gevorgian (ICJ Vice President), Mr. Anthony Bengzon (grandson of ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon) and H.E. Hilary Charlesworth (ICJ Judge).

Meanwhile, ICJ Judge Iwasawa Yuji, in his remarks, highlighted the achievements of the two other honorees. “Justice Feliciano was a towering figure in international law. I was fortunate to work with him, and as his colleague, I was especially impressed with his meticulous nature and attention to details. His expertise went far beyond international trade law and international commercial arbitration. He was also a prolific academic whose scholarship touched on almost every area of international trade law ranging from the law of war, to the law of the sea, and human rights law,” according to Judge Iwasawa.

H.E. Iwasawa Yuji, ICJ Judge, delivering his message at the dedication ceremony.

Judge Iwasawa also noted Judge Pangalangan’s profound impact in the ICC where he served as a judge from 2015 to 2021. “In addition to his extensive involvement with the ICC, Judge Pangalangan has made significant scholarly contributions to the fields of international criminal law and international humanitarian law. In particular, he has lectured and taught at the University of the Philippines, Harvard Law School, and The Hague Academy of International Law, among many other prestigious institutions. Although his work is primarily international in nature, Judge Pangalangan has also greatly enriched the legal culture of his native country,” said Judge Iwasawa.

Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya delivering his welcome remarks.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, said that “by having this event, the Embassy and the Philippines Government reaffirm its abiding faith and commitment to international law and the rule of law in inter-state relations. We do this by recalling the valuable services of three eminent Filipinos who in their own ways have made significant contributions to the international legal institutions they served and to the field of international law generally… By inaugurating the ICJ Judge Bengzon Hall, we hope that it would be a place that would memorialize the legacies of Bengzon, Feliciano, and Pangalangan not only for the Philippines and other countries, but to the The Hague, which we call affectionately as the international city of peace and justice.”

Bengzon is the sole Filipino and Southeast Asian to have sat at the ICJ, Malaya noted.

(L-R) H.E. Hilary Charlesworth (ICJ Judge), H.E. Iwasawa Yuji (ICJ Judge), Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, H.E. Peter Tomka (ICJ Judge), H.E. Kirill Gevorgian (ICJ Vice President), Ms. Josephine Feliciano Reyes, H.E. Manuel Antonio J. Teehankee (PH Permanent Representative to the WTO in Geneva).
(L-R) Prof. Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan, H.E. Hilary Charlesworth (ICJ Judge), H.E. Iwasawa Yuji (ICJ Judge), H.E. Peter Tomka (ICJ Judge), H.E. Kirill Gevorgian (ICJ Vice President), Dean Raul Pangalangan, Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya and Dr. Rena Cristina Koa-Malaya.

In attendance were a number of international law luminaries and diplomats, notably ICJ Judges Peter Tomka and Hilary Charlesworth, Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Marcin Czepelak, Secretary General of The Hague Academy of International Law, Prof. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Director of the Netherland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Department of Asia and Oceania, Karin Mossenlechner and Mr. Jules van Eijndhoven, Head of the MFA Treaties Division. Permanent Representative of the Philippine Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva Manuel Teehankee also attended the inauguration.

The members of the Bengzon and Feliciano families, who came all the way from the Philippines and the U.S. for the occasion, were appreciative of the tribute accorded to their forebears. “We, the family of Cesar Bengzon, are grateful to the Philippine Embassy and Ambassador Malaya for extending to us the invitation to attend the inauguration of the ICJ Judge Cesar Bengzon Hall. We are truly privileged and deeply honored to be here today,” Mr. Anthony Bengzon, grandson of Chief Justice Bengzon, said in his message.

The family of Justice Feliciano, through daughter Ms. Josephine Feliciano Reyes, was equally thankful of the honor given to Justice Feliciano. As she fondly recounted the happy memories of her father, she narrated how in everything he did, “the underlying motivation was love for the country because the Philippines and the Filipino people have much to offer to the world.” In a letter he wrote to a young Filipino lawyer who was offered a position in a law firm abroad, Justice Feliciano said “I hope you will come back to the Philippines, because if all bright young minds leave the Philippines, who will be left to care about her?”

Judge Raul Pangalangan delivering his message.

Judge Pangalangan in his eloquent message of thanks, underscored the key role international law has played in Philippine history and for every Filipino. “International Law has always played a central role in the shaping of Filipino history. Today it is no longer the domain solely of diplomats, high-level jurists, and high-minded scholars alone. Today it has become part of the mundane, quotidian needs of the ordinary Filipino, authenticating a birth certificate of a child born abroad, getting a foreign divorce recognized locally, and conversely respecting the rights of spouses in mixed marriages, on one hand, and on the other, securing the hopes for redress of human rights victims and asserting our claims to the resources of the oceans for the next generation of Filipinos.”

“Personally, I am gratified that our Republic gave me a chance to participate in that noble work. International law is not just about rules and provisions. It is actually about ideals and hopes—dreams that will outlive us all. We are merely temporary custodians, and I wish we prove ourselves worthy,” Pangalangan added.

Pictures by courtesy of the Embassy of the Philippines.

New Zealand’s Craig Hawke presented credentials in Germany

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New Zealand’s Craig Hawke presented credentials in Germany

Monday, 18 July 2022, Berlin, Germany: At Bellevue Palace, German Federal President, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier was delighted to receiving New Zealand’s new top envoy to Germany, Craig John Hawke, during an accreditation ceremony that took place in the saloon Langhanssaal, and was followed by a tête-à-tête focused on bilateral relations between the Head of State and Ambassador Hawke. 

Craig Hawke arrived in Berlin after having served in the capacity as New Zealand Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York City between 2017 and 2021.

Before his UN assignment, Craig Hawke was Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and prior to the this, Deputy Secretary, International Development 2013-2014. In the latter role he was the Foreign Ministry’s Chief Adviser on Pacific and International Development Cooperation issues. He has held a variety of other roles within the Foreign Ministry including the one of Chief Operating Officer – International Development, and has headed the Multilateral and Humanitarian Division as well as the Pacific Division at the Foreign Ministry. He has also worked on Africa, Asia, and environmental issues during his prolific career.

His other offshore assignments have paramountly been focused on the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, he served in the capacity as Deputy Ambassador in the Independent State of Samoa, 1998-2001, and First Secretary at New Zealand’s Embassy in the Republic of Korea, 1993-1996. He served in the New Zealand Trade Minister’s Office as Private Secretary from 1997-1998, and was seconded to the Australian Foreign Ministry in 1991 working on trade and Latin American issues.

Ambassador Hawke holds a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Economics from the University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. 

During his tenure in Germany, he will likewise serve as non-resident head of mission responsible for relations to the Czech Republic, the Swiss Confederation as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein. Accreditations to these countries will follow in due course. 

For further information

Embassy of New Zealand to Germany, Czechia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein: https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/germany/new-zealand-embassy/craig-hawke/

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Image courtesy of the Embassy of New Zealand in Germany 

Tourism for all

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Tourism for all

The Ministry of Tourism of Greece, in collaboration with the Ministries of Digital Governance, Finance, and Development & Investments, launched a new online program to stimulate the domestic tourism activity as part of the government’s broader strategy for supporting Greek households and businesses against the effects of the global inflationary crisis.

The government’s revamped “Tourism for All” subsidy program launched online on Saturday.

It is available on vouchers.gov.gr, and concerns the subsidization of holiday expenses for some 200,000 people.

With the new “Tourism for All” pass, beneficiaries will be able to issue a virtual, digital debit card, which they can use for their stay at hotels and other accommodation.

Source: ANA-MPA /Naftemporiki.gr

Greece’s population up to date

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Greece’s population up to date

The latest nationwide census in Greece yielded unexpected figures that show a clear reduction in the overall population.

In the 2021 census the results were 10,815,197 which contrasts with the 2022 results which were a total of 10,432,481. A difference of 382,716 people including 5,357,232 women and 5,075,249 men.

Data from the independent statistics agency ELSTAT.

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