Various Jubilees coming up at the RC Church of Our Saviour in The Hague

The year 2025 is a worldwide year of jubilee for the Catholic Church. All cathedrals in the world open a special Holy Door, once every 25 years, to allow a new generation to find their pilgrim path in the long line of 2025 years of Christianity.

Every generation has its own identity and aspirations and should not be held back by debts or burdens from the past. This principle comes from the Book of Leviticus 25. A Jubilee year is a time of reflection, finding a new relevant way forward, and for making a pilgrimage to one of these open doors. Rome is expecting around 30 millions of such pilgrims this year. But for those who want to avoid crowds there are many other spiritual paths that lead to inner renewal and resetting of one’s goals and values.

Roman Catholic English-speaking parish Church of our Saviour in The Hague.

At the international Roman Catholic English-speaking parish Church of our Saviour, in The Hague, over 1000 people from 65 different nationalities gather for worship every Sunday, or for meetings in one of the 60 groups that the community hosts. The programs range from activities with homeless and refugees, to addiction groups, catechesis, liturgy and many social and charity events. The annual Food Fair draws about 3000 people to her culinary stands. The proceeds support many charity projects around the world.

The parish appointed her first pastor in 1952 to assist the English-speaking soldiers who remained in The Netherlands after the 2nd world war. Since then, it has grown into one of the vibrant and largest catholic communities in The Netherlands where many people find a family far away from home. After an initial start in rented school halls, the parish now owns a beautiful church in The Hague located between Parliament and the Royal Palace on the Bezuidenhoutseweg 157. In 1950 the building procedure started which means that in 2025 the church building celebrates her 75th anniversary.

The current pastor, fr. Sjaak de Boer was appointed to the parish in 1998. After having worked for 11 years in Nairobi and Rio de Janeiro, coming to The Hague meant a radical change in pastoral ministry. His first years in The Netherlands were focused on the Millennium Goals from the year 2000. It meant looking for alliances to reduce poverty and promote gender equality. Many contacts with UN institutions and embassies were sought to see how these goals could be implemented combining the possibilities offered by faith, politics and economics.

Church of our Saviour parish in The Hague.

The parish doubled in mass attendance and pastoral activities. One of the most active outreach programs during the last 15 years has been the Justice and Peace group. This group brings together hundreds of volunteers for refugee and homeless support, amnesty international, fair trade, soup kitchen and food pantries, buddy programs, outings, dinners and fundraising for the needy. In the year 2000 also the first symposium for pastors in English speaking parishes in European capitals was held at the Peace palace. Since then, every year this meeting was held in a different city. The silver jubilee of the European Pastors Symposium will return to The Hague in 2025.

Last, but not least, two more jubilees are coming up and will be combined into one big celebration. In October 2026, fr. Sjaak will celebrate 40 years of priesthood, and the parish community Church of our Saviour will celebrate her 75th anniversary in 2027. This big party will be celebrated with the extensive network of alumni from The Hague who still follow the parish online. It will be an occasion to invite the global family to come back to The Hague for the celebrations. The date for this event will be announced later this year.

For more information follow the parish on www.parish.nl

EU Parliament / Ukraine

An EU ban on Samidoun discussed in a conference about extremist networks and EU’s security

The event was hosted by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) with MEP Malik Azmani (Renew), Antonio Lopez-Isturiz White (EPP) and MEP Hannes Heide (S&D)

By Willy Fautré, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers

HRWF (17.03.2025) – The EU should designate as a terrorist entity “Samidoun Palestinian Prisoners Solidarity Network”, founded in 2011, and should add it to the EU Terrorist List. This was the conclusion of the MEPs chairing the conference hosted by MEP Bert-Jan Ruissen at the European Parliament on 5 March after hearing the testimonies and analyses of a number of experts.

The EU needs to have its place on the list established by the UN Security Council Committee of the countries recognizing Samidoun as a terrorist organization, such as Canada (2024), Israel (2021), the Netherlands (2024) and the United States (2024).

One of them, Dr Hans-Jakob Schindler (Senior Director of the Counter Extremism Project), addressed the situation of Samidoun in Germany, a country where administrative ban measures were taken in 2023.

Samidoun in Germany

Prior to its ban in Germany in November 2023, Samidoun Germany was primarily operating as a mobilization, propaganda and financial support network with close connections to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which was included in the EU Terrorist List in 2002. One of the founders of Samidoun, Khaled Barakat, is indeed known as a high-ranking member of the PFLP.

Its activities also involved organizing, both online and offline meetings, events and offline demonstrations as well as fundraising.

Given the connections of Samidoun with the PFLP, the Samidoun network in Germany served as a cross-cutting mobilization network that allowed the cross-over between Islamist extremist and left-wing extremist networks.

Although until the ban, German security authorities only identified around 100 active supporters of Samidoun in Germany, its ability to mobilize went far beyond this rather small number of hardcore Samidoun members and supporters.

Since Samidoun’s propaganda not only denied the existence of Israel and promoted the use of violence, the network was under observation by several domestic intelligence agencies of Germany.

In addition, until the official ban in November 2023, German authorities regularly took administrative and legal measures against members of the Samidoun network. In 2019 Khaled Barakat was banned from attending an event in Germany and in 2020 he was both extradited and banned for four years from re-entry into Germany.

The function of Samidoun as a cross-cutting mobilization and financing network was also highlighted by the fact that several times, the left-wing extremist organization Rote Hilfe allowed its bank account to be used to collect money for Samidoun activities.

This cross-cutting nature and the activities of Samidoun reached a new level following the pogrom-like terror attack of Hamas against Israel on the 7th of October 2023. Samidoun immediately mobilized, both online and offline.

In the following weeks until the ban, Samidoun was extremely active in organizing large scale demonstrations, in particularly in Berlin and North Rhine Westfalia, which also included left wing extremist networks.

During these demonstrations a significant number of criminal acts were committed, including regular and at times serious violence against the police, and open calls for the destruction of Israel.

As expected, the ban and dissolution of the German branch of Samidoun, including Palestine Youth Mobilization Hirak e.V., led to a significant reduction of its activities in Germany and the decrease of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

It is to be noted that Samidoun has chapters in the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Palestine, and Lebanon. In some of them, debates similar to those in Germany also exist.

Administrative bans in Germany

When there are serious indications that a group operates in a systematic and sustained manner to undermine the basic tenets of the German constitution, a number of state agencies can intervene.

By promoting violence and calling for the de-facto destruction of the State of Israel, Samidoun fell into this category.

Consequently, when sufficient evidence has been collected, a ban can be enacted. Although such a decision can be challenged in court, such challenges are usually not successful.

Such an administrative ban also means that all assets, fungible and non-fungible ones are seized by the authorities.

Administrative bans also extend to the online sphere, social media accounts are specifically listed in the banning order and subsequently have to be closed by the platforms as they are now illegal to maintain in Germany.

In addition, the display of symbols, both offline and online relating to the banned group or network becomes an illegal act.

In the case of Samidoun, one of its key slogans “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” was also included in the banning order as it is denying the right of existence of Israel.

Therefore, banning orders are a powerful tool in the defense of the German constitutional order. However, what such banning orders are not is a terrorist designation and here lies the challenge that the process of inclusion of a group or network into the EU Terrorist List has to face.

The current process of including a group or network such as Samidoun on the EU Terrorist List demands that there is a legal conviction on terrorism charges linked to the network in at least one of the EU Members States. At the time of the German decision, this was not the case.

MEPs fight for the inclusion of Samidoun in the EU Terrorist List

On 17 October 2023, MEP Assita Kanko a Burkinabé-born Belgian MEP of the ECR political group asked the following written parliamentary question to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

“Germany has moved to ban the organisation Samidoun for publicly celebrating Hamas terror and spreading anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. 

The same organisation organised a demonstration in Saint-Gilles, Belgium, on 15 October 2023, for which no permission was given. Their European coordinator Mohammed Khatib took the opportunity to state: ‘We do not call Hamas’ attack in Israel a terror attack, we call it justified resistance’.

Will the Vice-President / High Representative be proposing to include the organisation Samidoun, which has branches all over Europe, on the list of persons, groups and entities subject to specific anti-terrorism measures, or to include it on the list of persons, groups and entities subject to enhanced police and judicial cooperation measures?”

On 4 December 2023, the Commission “answered”

“The relevant EU legal act establishing restrictive measures to combat terrorism, other than with respect to ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida, is Council Common Position on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism (2001/931/CFSP) , hereinafter ‘CP 931’ (or ‘EU terrorist list’)[1]. 

A designation under CP 931 entails an asset freeze and a prohibition on making funds and economic resources available to designated persons, groups or entities[2]. CP 931 also establishes an obligation for Member States to afford each other the widest possible assistance in preventing and combating terrorist acts through police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (Article 4).

In accordance with Article 1(4) of CP 931, the list of persons, groups and entities subject to these measures is drawn up on the basis of national competent authority decisions either on the instigation of investigations or prosecution for involvement in a terrorist act or the condemnation for such a deed. 

The competent authority may be judicial or administrative, and may be of a Member State or a third country. It is for Member States to propose new listings based on their national decision. 

It is only on the basis of such a decision conforming to the requirements of CP 931 that a new listing can be made. Such a decision must be taken by unanimity by the Council.

  • [1] OJ L 344 28.12.2001, p. 93. 
  • [2] This measure is implemented by Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 of 27 December 2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism (OJ L 344, 28.12.2001, p. 70).

This could be called a “non-answer” to the clear question “Will the Vice-President / High Representative be proposing to include the organisation Samidoun, which has branches all over Europe, on the list of persons, groups and entities subject to specific anti-terrorism measures…”

(*) The article was first published in The European Times on 15 March 2025 and HRWF website

Rodrigo Duterte Faces the International Criminal Court

Confirmation of Charges Hearing Scheduled for 23 September 2025

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on March 11, 2025, at Manila’s main airport upon his return from Hong Kong. His arrest followed a secret warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, bringing him into custody for charges related to crimes against humanity stemming from his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of deaths.

Duterte was swiftly extradited to the Netherlands, where the ICC is based. On March 14, 2025, he made his initial appearance before the Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC. The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2025. He is suspected of committing crimes against humanity, specifically murder, allegedly perpetrated in the Republic of the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

In response to Duterte’s arrest, the Philippine Senate launched an investigation, led by Senator Imee Marcos, sister of incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The inquiry aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the former president’s apprehension and extradition, sparking significant political debate in the country.

Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC.

During his initial hearing, the Chamber verified Duterte’s identity and ensured that he was fully informed of the allegations against him, as well as his rights under the Rome Statute of the ICC, in a language he fully understands. He participated via video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorized by the Chamber. The hearing was attended by the ICC Prosecutor and the Defence. Duterte was represented by Mr. Salvador C. Medialdea and assisted by the Office of Public Counsel for the Defence.

The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for September 23, 2025. The purpose of this procedure is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that Duterte committed the crimes he is suspected of. If the charges are confirmed, the case will be transferred to a Trial Chamber, which will conduct the subsequent phase of the proceedings: the trial.

On February 10, 2025, the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC applied for an arrest warrant against Duterte for the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, and rape. After reviewing the Prosecution’s evidence, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Duterte is individually responsible as an indirect co-perpetrator for the crime against humanity of murder. The alleged crimes occurred in the Philippines between November 1, 2011, and March 16, 2019.

The Chamber initially issued the arrest warrant under “Secret” classification on March 7, 2025. It was reclassified as “Public” on March 11, 2025, and Duterte was surrendered to the ICC by Philippine authorities on March 12, 2025. He remains in ICC custody awaiting further proceedings.

The Philippines had been a State Party to the ICC since November 1, 2011. However, the country deposited a written notification of withdrawal from the Rome Statute on March 17, 2018, which took effect on March 17, 2019. Despite this withdrawal, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed in the Philippines while it was still a State Party.

Duterte’s case marks a significant development in international law, as it demonstrates the ICC’s commitment to holding leaders accountable for alleged human rights violations. As the proceedings unfold, the case will continue to draw global attention, setting a precedent for justice and the rule of law on the international stage.

Chile at ViniBio 2025 Organic and Natural Wine Fair

On Monday, March 10, Chile made a remarkable impact at ViniBio 2025, a prestigious event that brought together more than 36 wine importers and producers from France, Italy, Spain, and Chile. This edition of ViniBio, held in the Netherlands, featured over 500 wines available for tasting, showcasing a diverse selection of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines.

One of the most anticipated moments was the Masterclass “Chili, Puur Natuur” (Chile, Pure Nature), led by renowned Dutch wine writer and oenologist Fred Nijhuis. Organized by ProChile, this session offered an in-depth exploration of Chile’s organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, emphasizing the country’s commitment to sustainable and high-quality wine production.

Osvaldo Marinao Commercial Attaché / Chilean Promotion Bureau•Embassy of the Republic of Chile during the tasting at ViniBio 2025.

During the Masterclass, attendees had the opportunity to learn about and taste 12 wines from seven Chilean wineries, each carefully selected for its excellence and dedication to environmentally friendly cultivation practices.

The participating wineries included Don Juan José, Organic O (Emiliana), Las Niñas, Lautaro Wines, Moscin, Santa Alicia, and SinZero. This event served as an excellent platform to showcase Chilean wines on the international stage and reinforce Chile’s position as a leader in organic and natural wine production.

“Chili, Puur Natuur”.

ViniBio 2025, organized by Melman Communications—a PR agency specializing in the wine sector—provided not only an opportunity to taste exceptional wines but also facilitated valuable exchanges among sommeliers, restaurateurs, wine importers, and the media. The event, held at the Hotel Van der Valk, Amsterdam Amstel, brought together around 30 importers and foreign producers to highlight organic, biodynamic, and natural wines from Europe and beyond.

Masterclass “Chili, Puur Natuur”.

Silent Casualties: Accountability Gaps in US Drone Warfare


By Maham Ayaz

Since 9/11, the United States (US) has relied on unmanned drone strikes to counter so-called terrorism in Yemen, Somalia, Pakistan, Libya and Afghanistan.  Initiated under George W. Bush and continued during Barack Obama’s presidency, these strikes were touted as precise and minimally disruptive.  However, reality is the opposite.

Between 2004 and 2018, there were about 439 US drone strikes in Pakistan, causing approximately 4026 deaths, including 969 civilians and 207 children, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.  ‘These figures expose the US claims of precision and underscore the lack of transparency in the drone programme.  These drone strikes violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and breached several international laws. Despite the devastating impact of these strikes on Pakistani civilians and sovereignty, Pakistan has no viable legal forum to seek reparations or challenge these actions.

This insight explores the violations of international law by US drone strikes, the systemic challenges Pakistan faces in seeking legal recourse, and the potential avenues available for victims to pursue justice and reparations.

Under Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, states are prohibited from using force against another state’s territorial integrity or political independence. The US drone strikes in Pakistan are a clear violation of this principle. However, the US has argued that Pakistan’s earlier perceived tacit approval of these operations negates claims of sovereignty violations. Yet, these claims of tacit approval are not substantiated and remain speculative, further diluting their credibility. ’

‘Victims can leverage national courts and legal systems to bridge these gaps, while affected states may unite to establish a joint forum to address these violations.

Moreover, the US invokes the doctrine of self-defence against nonstate actors to justify these operations. However, this claim fails to meet the stringent criteria of Article 51 of the UN Charter, which requires an armed attack of sufficient scale and urgency.  Furthermore, if the justification is based on preemptive self-defence, even then, as per the Caroline incident, the threat has to be “instant, overwhelming, leaving no choice of means, and no moment for deliberation,” which was not the case in the present scenario.  Therefore, the justifications of the US are not grounded in law.

Even if the legality of the strikes under jus ad bellum was arguable, their execution violates international humanitarian law (IHL) principles. Signature and double-tap strikes fail to distinguish between combatants and civilians as these strikes target individuals whose behaviour is like any terrorist.  The approach has been criticised as it can target any military-aged man and violates the principles of distinction and proportionality under the IHL.

However, addressing these violations is fraught with significant legal challenges. Pakistan and the US have neither consented to the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice nor signed the Rome Statute.  Moreover, the formation of the UN Security Council (UNSC) complicates matters, as the US will likely block any resolution condemning US actions as a permanent member.

This accountability void extends beyond Pakistan. In Yemen, 453 drone strikes between 2002 and 2018 caused approximately 225 civilian casualties. Somalia experienced 261 strikes, causing approximately 143 civilian casualties.  In Libya, drone operations escalated during and after NATO’s 2011 intervention, causing unintended civilian harm. Afghanistan witnessed thousands of strikes in its territory. While many were carried out with the consent of the government, civilian casualties from these strikes remain a significant issue.However, despite the formidable challenges, there are avenues for victims of US drone strikes in Pakistan to pursue justice and reparations. While jurisdiction and political hurdles often block direct legal action against the US, victims can still explore alternative strategies to seek accountability.

One promising option is leveraging domestic courts in Pakistan to compel the government to act on behalf of its citizens. Building on the precedent set by the Al Noor Khan case in the Peshawar High Court in 2013, where the court ruled that US drone strikes violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and international law, victims can file further constitutional petitions. These efforts can press the Pakistani government to implement reparative measures. Additionally, domestic litigation can challenge the government to engage actively with the US on its citizens’ behalf.

Victims can collaborate with human rights organisations to document and advocate for their cases on the international stage. These organisations have a history of raising awareness and putting pressure on the US to address civilian harm caused by drone operations. For example, in Ahmed Salem bin Ali Jaber v. United States in US courts in 2015, Yemeni victims, through advocacy and legal support, brought international attention to a drone strike that killed civilians, including a local imam. Although the case was dismissed in US courts due to the political question doctrine, it demonstrated the potential of international advocacy to highlight such injustices.

Furthermore, victims can seek reparations through diplomatic and non-judicial mechanisms. There is precedence for the US offering financial compensation in certain cases. For instance, in 2015, the US publicly acknowledged and compensated the families of two hostages—an American and an Italian—who were killed in a drone strike in Pakistan.  While the US has not acknowledged civilian harm caused by drone strikes as warranting reparations, historical examples from other contexts reinforce the principle of state accountability. For instance, Libya paid US$170 million to victims of the 1989 UTA Flight 772 bombing and US$2.7 billion for the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.  Though the circumstances differ, this case illustrates that reparations can serve as a mechanism to address grievances and promote accountability.

The legal and institutional gaps in addressing the repercussions of US drone strikes are undeniable. From Pakistan to Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Afghanistan, affected nations and their citizens face immense challenges in seeking justice for civilian harm and sovereignty violations. Victims can leverage national courts and legal systems to bridge these gaps, while affected states may unite to establish a joint forum to address these violations. Such collective action is not merely about seeking justice and reparations but about creating a framework for accountability and safeguarding civilian rights. As drone warfare continues to expand, these measures are essential to uphold international law, prevent future violations, and ensure that the voices of the harmed are neither ignored nor forgotten.

About the author: Maham Ayaz

Email: mahamayaz308@yahoo.com   

Spring Concert Celebrates 185th Anniversary of Tchaikovsky

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Netherlands, H.E. Vladimir Tarabrin, hosted a concert to commemorate the 185th anniversary of the renowned Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The event featured an outstanding performance by opera singer Elena Bazhenova, a soloist with an illustrious career in the Pyatnitsky State Choir, the State Ensemble Russian Song, the Russian Spiritual Theater Glas, and the Central Navy Band of Russia. She has also performed as a soloist with the Presidential Orchestra of Russia. Accompanying her on the piano was the talented pianist Marion Pauw-Holleman.

Russian opera singer, Elena Bazhenova

The program showcased a selection of eight short songs by Tchaikovsky. The concert was attended by a distinguished gathering of diplomats, members of Dutch society, and Russian nationals from the diaspora. Among the diplomatic guests were H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa; H.E. Mr. Andrei Yeudachenka, Ambassador of Belarus; H.E. Mr. Jian Tan, Ambassador of China; and H.E. Mr. Hector Constant Rosales, Ambassador of Venezuela for multilateral organizations.

“Today is an absolutely friendly, non-political concert. Spring is coming, and we decided to mark the season’s beginning with classical music. Similar concerts are being held in several countries, and we hope this will become a tradition. I am pleased to welcome ambassadors from friendly nations, diplomats, representatives of Dutch society, and our compatriots—Russian citizens who live and work in The Hague. We are honored to present a distinguished singer performing worldwide, along with an exceptional pianist,” stated Ambassador Tarabrin.

Since presenting his credentials to King Willem-Alexander on 31 January 2024, Ambassador Tarabrin has organized several remarkable concerts at the Russian Embassy, promoting cultural exchange through music. Following the concert, guests enjoyed a dinner featuring Russian gastronomy, providing an opportunity to discuss the evening’s performance.

Pianist Marion Pauw-Holleman and singer Elena Bazhenova, performing during the celebration of 185th Anniversary of Tchaikovsky.

The event follows a tradition of musical excellence at the Russian Embassy. Last summer, on 29 July, Ambassador Tarabrin introduced laureate young pianist Eva Gevorgyan from the Moscow Tchaikovsky State Conservatory and the Reina Sofía School of Music. She delivered an exquisite program featuring works by Schumann, Chopin, and Ravel, further highlighting the embassy’s commitment to promoting classical music and artistic talent on an international stage.

Sag mir wo die Blumen sind

By John Dunkelgrün

Should you decide to see only one museum exhibition this year, let it be “Sag mir wo die Blumen sind,” with works by Anselm Kiefer and Vincent van Gogh. Consider this magnificent exhibition even if you weren’t planning to go to a museum. Not only is it overwhelming by the size and impact of the works shown (some of which were specially made for this event), but it is also supremely topical.

It is actually a Kiefer exhibition, with a few works by Van Gogh to illustrate his influence on Kiefer’s development. After completing his formal education, Kiefer obtained a travel scholarship. He chose to follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps from Nuenen in Brabant to Arles in Provence, making numerous sketches on the way.

Like Van Gogh, Kiefer focuses on landscapes, grain, and straw. Unlike Van Gogh, his work conveys a profound anti-war sentiment. For Kiefer, landscape is history. It’s not merely that the subjects of his works are anti-war; Kiefer is subtler than that. Black crows hover over an eerie landscape; a single sheaf remains in an empty field, a dark wood lane leading nowhere. Kiefer doesn’t just use paint; he incorporates wood, straw, lead, and even gold leaf, all of which enhance his message.

The exhibition begins at the Van Gogh Museum and continues at the Stedelijk (Municipal) Museum. In the entrance hall, a massive screen, approximately 10 meters high, showcases changing works by Van Gogh. This somewhat prepares you, but not entirely, for the first room, which is filled with paintings by Anselm Kiefer as large as a London bus.

Fortunately, the hall is very spacious, as you’ll need serious distance to appreciate the impact of the artwork fully. Then get close and see how, like Van Gogh, Kiefer uses sweeping, seemingly wild brushstrokes. He lays the paint on thickly and uses whatever materials he has at hand. Text fragments of the song “Sag mir wo die Blumen sind,” an anti-war song first performed in 1962 by Marlene Dietrich, are incorporated in the works.

Upstairs is a room with the drawings Kiefer made on his early trip following Van Gogh. The influence is clearly visible, but as he wrote himself, he was more interested in the technique than in the feelings, the emotions behind them.

Then, off to the Stedelijk. As you ascend the majestic, wide stairs, you find yourself immersed in an enormous installation featuring dozens of garments on hangers crafted from lead or zinc. Are they pajamas, uniforms, or even concentration camp attire? Scattered around are heads of Greek philosophers, alongside an image of Kiefer himself lying on the ground. There are paintings of trees shedding their leaves, with some resting on the floor. Without blood or gore, this creates a powerful portrayal of the devastation of war.

Was ist geschehen?

Sag mir wo die Blumen sind,

Mädchen pflückten sie geschwind

Wann wird man je verstehen?

Wann wird man je verstehen?

When will we ever understand?

An absolute must-see till June 9th

Security Concerns Amid Rising Maritime Tensions

Maritime tensions are escalating, particularly in the South China Sea, where the UK has raised concerns about China’s activities and their impact on global trade routes. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties are causing significant disruptions in shipping.

These disruptions have affected multiple regions. Clarksons, a leading shipping services provider, experienced a sharp decline in shares due to tariff-related concerns. FedEx also suspended freight services to Saudi Arabia from key trading partners such as Brazil and China. Meanwhile, the ongoing Red Sea crisis—marked by Houthi attacks on commercial vessels—has forced ships to reroute, leading to higher insurance costs and affecting trade flows for Israel, Egypt, and surrounding regions.

Geopolitical tensions and trade policies are the primary drivers behind these shipping disruptions. In the Red Sea, Houthi forces have deliberately targeted ships, prompting costly detours and surging insurance premiums. For nations dependent on the Suez Canal, particularly in Europe, these shifts have serious economic consequences. Simultaneously, U.S.-imposed trade tariffs on countries like Canada and Mexico have led to further delays and economic strain. Conflicts and sanctions also create sudden shifts in shipping routes, amplifying uncertainty across global supply chains.

The ripple effects of these disruptions are far-reaching. Delays and increased costs impact essential industries such as energy, food, and electronics. The strain on major shipping lanes also puts additional pressure on alternative routes, ports, and global pricing structures, underscoring the vulnerability of international trade to geopolitical instability.

Moldova  Mărțișor  Celebration 2025

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, Monday, 3 March 2025 – The Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda, and his spouse, Mrs. Victoria Dobinda, proudly hosted an interactive reception to celebrate the cherished Moldovan tradition of Mărțișor, symbolizing the arrival of spring. This significant event took place at the Moldovan embassy.

 Mărțișor holds profound cultural importance, with its origins tracing back to ancient Rome as a celebration of spring. This vibrant tradition is not only widely celebrated in Moldova but also in Romania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia. Recognizing its historical and cultural value, UNESCO has rightfully designated Mărțișor as an intangible cultural heritage.

The Ambassador of Moldova, H.E. Mr. Veaceslav Dobinda, and his spouse, Mrs. Victoria Dobinda. ” Small country with a big heart” said the Ambassador.

The modern Marisor tradition clearly dictates that participants wear a small object on their chest, such as a brooch or lapel pin, throughout the first part of March. Many friends from Moldova actively joined the interactive morning event, where they enthusiastically prepared the red and white Martisor ornaments.

Victoria Dobinda confidently showcased her impressive collection of Marisor items, which she has meticulously accumulated over the years.

Ala Adamia, from Slovenia and Nela Colin from Bosnia & Herzegovina
Celebrating Mărțișor, Moldova spring, Embassy of Moldova in The Hague, Monday 3 March 2025.

The event concluded with a lavish and authentic Moldavian buffet that proudly featured a selection of Moldovan beverages, including champagne and ice-wine.

All attendees left the Moldovan Embassy energized and enriched by the experience, particularly through the vibrant celebration of Moldovan culture and the Marisor tradition.

Moldovan gastronomy to celebrate Mărțișor.

Celebrating  the 17th Anniversary of Kosovo’s Independence

By Roy  Lie Atjam

To celebrate the 17th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, the Embassy of Kosovo in the Netherlands held a celebratory evening at the iconic Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague on February 17,2025.

This historic venue, which is also the final resting place of the esteemed philosopher Baruch Spinoza, serves as a symbol of tolerance and solidarity.

Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, during his speech. 17th Anniversary of Kosovo. Nieuwe Kerk , The Hague.

The day began with carillon music from the Grote Kerk, which filled the air with a selection of Kosovarian tunes, including the national anthem. H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, the Ambassador of Kosovo, warmly welcomed everyone in attendance. The guests were also honored to hear from Mr. Jan van Zanen, the Mayor of The Hague, who emphasized the city commitment to supporting the initiatives of the diplomatic community, highlighting The Hague status as a symbol of peace and justice. Additionally, the audience enjoyed the soulful music of the Rona Nishliu Quartet.

The evening was expertly guided by Mr. Francesco Cortese, the executive assistant at the Embassy, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. February 17th is a deeply significant day for the Kosovars as it represents the realization of a long-held dream – the dream of freedom. The history of Kosovo is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering hope. It reflects the journey of a people who have faced tremendous hardships yet have always held on to their aspirations for a brighter future.

Seventeen years ago, Kosovo’s people began a new chapter filled with hope and opportunity. Today, this commitment is reflected in Kosovo’s steadfast dedication to the values of democracy, human rights, and peace, as well as its aspiration for a European Union and NATO membership.

The Rona Nishliu Quartet showcasing a medley of traditional Albanian music.

The Rona Nishliu Quartet showcasing a medley of traditional Albanian music, seamlessly blending jazz and ethno arrangements of some of the most emblematic Albanian songs. Rona represented Albania at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest in Baku, where she achieved an impressive fifth place, marking the best placement for Albania to date.

The music performance was followed by a reception featuring delicacies from the region traditional cuisine. The Embassy of Kosovo proudly extends its sincere gratitude to all attending ambassadors and diplomats, representatives from international organizations, officials from Dutch institutions, and members of the Kosovo diaspora living in the Netherlands.

“Your participation was vital in marking our 17th Independence Day, a remarkable evening, a true celebration.”

Kosovo 17th Anniversary. The Hague.