The Rule of Law Under Scrutiny: President of the Supreme Court to Address 350 International Dignitaries at the Peace Palace

On Monday, 2 February 2026, the Peace Palace in The Hague will once again provide the setting for an event of profound historical and legal significance. The eighth edition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day – The Hague (IHRD-TH) will bring together some 350 ministers, diplomats, and senior jurists from international courts and institutions.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day – The Hague.

Building on a prestigious tradition of keynote speakers—including Professor Philippe Sands (2020), Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat (2021), and Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (2023)—this year’s keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Dr. Dineke de Groot, President of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands. Prof. Dr. de Groot is the first woman to hold this position since the Court’s establishment in 1838 and is widely recognised as a leading authority in judicial conflict resolution.

The Mayor of The Hague, Honourable Jan van Zanen.

At a time when the foundations of the rule of law are under increasing pressure worldwide, Prof. Dr. de Groot will reflect on the impact of the Holocaust on the Dutch judiciary and on the legacy of Mr. L.E. Visser, President of the Supreme Court during the Second World War.

The programme will also feature the moving testimony of Holocaust survivor Dr. Ir. Ronald E. Waterman MSc, who survived deportation as a child to Westerbork and Theresienstadt. His personal account will underscore the human imperative behind international law, powerfully linking the darkest chapters of history with the responsibilities of today’s international community.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day – The Hague

“The World Came to Africa”: Ambassador Madonsela on Solidarity, Sustainability and a Shifting Global Order

South Africa at Sociëteit De Witte

The Africa Table at Sociëteit De Witte once again welcomed a full house, continuing its successful series of timely themes and distinguished speakers. On Tuesday, 13 January, the keynote address was delivered by H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors.

Ambassador Madonsela spoke on “Our Complex World Today and the Outcomes of the G20 2025, South Africa: The Building Blocks of a Brighter Future We Strive For.” His address tackled the formidable challenges facing the Global South amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. Against this complex backdrop, the Ambassador presented a thoughtful and forward-looking vision, emphasizing cooperation, resilience, and inclusive growth as essential pillars for navigating today’s difficult global environment.

H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, H.E. the Ambassador of Senegal H.E. Ms. Ramatoulaye Ba Faye, and the Ambassador of Venezuela to international organizations, H.E. Mr. Hector Constant Rosales.

Addressing an audience that included H.E. the Ambassador of Senegal, the Ambassador of Venezuela to international organizations, as well as politicians, public servants, and members of De Witte with a strong interest in Africa, Ambassador Madonsela shared his insights into the G20 Summit and its broader implications. His intervention encouraged a privileged and interactive exchange, drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience, deep knowledge, and personal wisdom.

In his intervention, Ambassador Vusi Madonsela placed South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency firmly within a rapidly shifting and increasingly fragile global context. He recalled that the theme of the Summit—“Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”—was a deliberate departure from earlier approaches that prioritised stability over development. Instead, South Africa used its presidency to champion a development-focused agenda and to steer discussions away from polarising conflicts toward shared existential challenges.

“The future remains in our hands, and it is up to us to shape that future.”

Ambassador Madonsela described the Johannesburg Summit as a profound test of multilateralism, made all the more significant by the African Union’s recent integration as a permanent member of the G20. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, accelerating climate change and a growing global debt crisis threatening the Global South, South Africa positioned itself as a bridge-builder between established Western powers and emerging economies.

“African leadership is not merely about participation; it is about setting the agenda.”

Ambassador Madonsela, African Table at Sociëteit De Witte.

He underlined that the successful organisation of the Summit also constituted a soft-power achievement, demonstrating Africa’s capacity to host complex, high-level global forums. While acknowledging that deep-seated disagreements were not fully resolved, he stressed that the outcomes marked a clear shift toward the priorities of developing countries.

On economic cooperation, Ambassador Madonsela highlighted renewed commitments to multilateral coordination, including strengthened global financial safety nets, increased lending power for the IMF and development banks, and a new framework for sovereign debt restructuring to support low-income countries facing debt distress.

“This was not only important for Africa, but for the Global South as a whole.”

Climate and energy were among the most contentious yet consequential areas. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, agreed to increase climate finance, and endorsed the creation of a Global Green Transition Fund to support renewable energy in developing nations. A notable step forward was the call for a rapid transition away from unabated fossil fuels.

On global health, drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the G20 established a Global Health Security Package to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response, with an emphasis on equitable access to vaccines.

“That is not the world we want to live in,” the Ambassador said, recalling how vaccine nationalism left much of the developing world behind. Trade and supply chain resilience also featured prominently, with leaders pledging to resist protectionism and strengthen diversified, transparent and digitally enabled supply chains—an issue of particular importance for Africa’s integration into global value chains.

Ambassador Madonsela emphasised that the Summit marked a turning point for Africa, with concrete initiatives on infrastructure investment, food security, digital transformation and youth employment. He stressed that Africa’s natural resources must first serve the needs of its own people.

“What Africa produces must first and foremost respond to the needs of the people on the continent.”

Addressing diplomacy in an era of uncertainty, he concluded with a strong defence of multilateral engagement, particularly in cities such as The Hague, Geneva and New York.

“Without diplomacy, it becomes far too easy to resort to confrontation.”
“Multilateral diplomacy is about changing the world.”

While acknowledging that G20 commitments are not legally binding, Ambassador Madonsela argued that South Africa’s presidency successfully shifted the global centre of gravity.

“The world came to Africa for the first time, and Africa has set the agenda.”

Franck Diafouka, Founder and Chair of the Africa Table.

Franck Diafouka, Founder and Chair of the Africa Table, welcomed the invited guests to Sociëteit De Witte. He recalled that the Africa Table operates under the Chatham House Rule and serves as a dynamic multidisciplinary forum dedicated to exploring the issues, dynamics, and opportunities shaping the African continent. Its quarterly debates, held in English or French, bring together academics, practitioners, and experts from diverse fields, ranging from culture and philosophy to diplomacy, economics, and security.

In recent months, the Africa Table hosted a panel discussion on “The Future of Architecture in Africa” on 18 November 2025, featuring architects Ms. Hilary Lukose (Kenya/UK), Mr. Steve Dingui (Ivory Coast/France), and Mr. Miguel Correia (Portugal). Earlier, on 9 September 2025, H.E. Ramatoulaye Ba Faye, Ambassador of Senegal, delivered a notable lecture entitled “Successful Electoral Transition: Building on the Positive Experience of Senegal.”

Deadly Attack in Sydney Commemorated in The Hague

A deadly attack in Sydney was solemnly commemorated in The Hague during a special Hanukkah memorial and solidarity gathering held on Sunday evening, 14 December, at the Peace Palace.

The event was organised by the Centre for Yiddishkeit in The Hague to honour the memory of the 15 victims and to express unity in the face of violence and hatred. Among those remembered was the Assistant Rabi at Chabad of Bondi and key organiser of the event, Rabi Eli Schlanger.

Schlanger recently said “Be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish” Roy Cohen, Chairman of the Centre for Yiddishkeit in The Hague, was also present. The gathering emphasised the symbolic message of Hanukkah — bringing light in times of darkness.

In response to the events at Bondi Beach Australia, security in The Hague was placed on heightened alert. Dozens of attendees assembled around 8:00 p.m. for a Hanukkah service, where prayers were offered and the victims of the Sydney attack were remembered.

The Australian Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Gregory French, attended the memorial and addressed those present, expressing gratitude for the show of solidarity.

“This is a time of great sadness and shock for Australians, and especially for Jewish Australians,” the Ambassador said. “Together we stand strong — in love and solidarity — for our shared values and against hatred and darkness.”

The evening concluded with the singing of traditional Hanukkah songs.

Romanian Trafficking Network Exploiting Women in the UK Dismantled

The Hague, 12 January 2026

A criminal network suspected of trafficking vulnerable Romanian women to the United Kingdom for sexual exploitation has been dismantled following a coordinated action day in Romania and the UK. The operation, carried out in close cooperation with Eurojust, led to the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of several luxury vehicles and properties.

The investigation began in November 2022 when police identified a group of Romanian sex workers regularly operating in a London car park. Although the women initially did not report sexual exploitation, authorities established that a single Romanian national had financed their repeated travel between Romania and the United Kingdom. Further inquiries revealed that the women had been recruited in Cândești, Romania, transported to multiple locations across the UK, and forced into street prostitution in London.

To dismantle the network, Romanian and UK authorities established a joint investigation team with the support of Eurojust. Coordination meetings at Eurojust enabled the exchange of information and evidence, highlighting the transnational nature of the criminal organisation. UK authorities identified individuals responsible for transporting the women from Romania and within the United Kingdom, while Romanian investigators traced the proceeds of the criminal activities flowing back to Romania.

Following a three-year investigation, an action day was carried out in early 2026. In Romania, three suspects were arrested and two others placed under judicial control. Nine luxury cars and several properties were seized. In the United Kingdom, one suspect was arrested and charged under the Modern Slavery Act for arranging and facilitating the movement of persons for the purpose of exploitation.

Authorities involved:

Romania:
Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice; Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) – Buzău Territorial Office; Ploiești Organized Crime Combating Brigade; Craiova Organized Crime Combating Brigade; General Inspectorate of the Romanian Gendarmerie.

United Kingdom:
Crown Prosecution Service London; Metropolitan Police.

America First Revisited: An Analysis of the United States’ 2025 National Security Strategy

In November 2025, the United States released a new National Security Strategy that marks a decisive redefinition of American foreign and security policy. Rooted firmly in the “America First” doctrine of President Donald Trump’s second administration, the document presents a comprehensive framework that prioritizes sovereignty, economic resilience, strategic restraint, and a recalibration of global engagement based on clearly defined national interests.

Departing from the expansive and often idealistic approaches of the post–Cold War era, the strategy emphasizes a focused alignment between ends and means, arguing that U.S. foreign policy must be selective, realistic, and directly connected to the well-being of the American people. It places strong emphasis on border security, industrial and energy dominance, technological leadership, and burden-sharing with allies, while rejecting global overextension and permanent military entanglements.

“My Administration has moved with urgency and historic speed to restore American strength at home and abroad, and bring peace and stability to our world.  Starting on my first day in office, we restored the sovereign borders of the United states and deployed the U.S. military to stop the invasion of our country. We got radical gender ideology and woke lunacy out of our Armed Forces, and began strengthening our military with $1 trillion of investment. We rebuilt our alliances and got our allies to contribute more to our common defense, including a historic commitment from NATO countries to raise defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP. We unleashed America energy production to reclaim our independence, and imposed historic tariffs to bring critical industries back home.” President Donald Trump.

For diplomats, policymakers, and international observers, this strategy offers important insight into how Washington intends to engage with key regions—including Europe, the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere—while reshaping alliances, trade relations, and multilateral cooperation. As such, the 2025 National Security Strategy is a policy blueprint for the United States, a signal to the international community of a more transactional, sovereignty-centered, and interest-driven American role on the global stage.

Philippine Embassy in The Hague Hosts Holiday Karaoke Party

The Hague, 12 December 2025 – The Philippine Embassy in The Hague hosted a Holiday Karaoke Party on 12 December 2025, bringing together friends, partners, and colleagues from other Missions and International Organizations in The Hague to celebrate a fruitful and productive year.

The gathering served as a warm expression of gratitude for the continued support and close cooperation of the Embassy’s partners and counterparts throughout 2025, whose collaboration contributed to the successful advancement of shared initiatives and diplomatic engagements.

Inspired by the Filipino tradition of merry-making during the Christmas holidays, the event reflected the spirit of joy, togetherness, and gratitude that characterizes the season in the Philippines.

True to this tradition, music and laughter filled the venue as guests were invited to take part in videoke—a permanent fixture of Filipino celebrations and a beloved hallmark of Filipino culture.

H.E. Mr. J. Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines during his Philippines Holiday Karaoke Party.

Philippine Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya welcomed colleagues in the chancery’s Kalayaan Hall which was donned in Christmas decorations, including the Philippines’ iconic lanterns called “parol”, making the venue very much fit for the occasion.

Aside from expressing his gratitude for the productive and friendly collaborations from other missions, the Ambassador also wowed the crowd with a song number proving the stereotype that almost every Filipino can sing!

Through this festive activity, colleagues in The Hague experienced firsthand the simple yet heartfelt joy of a Filipino holiday gathering.

The Holiday Karaoke Party not only marked the close of a successful year but also strengthened bonds of friendship and camaraderie, setting a positive and hopeful tone for the year ahead.

Lithuania Reaffirms Its Support for Victims

Lithuania, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2002, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 25,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.

Welcoming the contribution, Mr Andres Parmas, Chair of the Board of Directors of the TFV, stated: “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to Lithuania for its voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC. This contribution, which is higher than Lithuania’s previous one, is a clear symbol of its continued commitment to international justice and to addressing the harms endured by victims of crimes under the Rome Statute. The unrestricted nature of this contribution allows the TFV Board of Directors to allocate it to any programme under its purview. Such support is crucial to the TFV’s work, and we encourage other States to follow Lithuania’s example in promoting hope within affected communities.”

H.E. Audra Plepytė, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, added: “Lithuania is proud to contribute to the Trust Fund for Victims, whose efforts provide vital and tangible assistance to those affected by the most serious crimes. By standing alongside the ICC and the Trust Fund for Victims, we reaffirm our strong commitment to accountability, justice, and the inherent dignity of every victim. We remain convinced that healing and recovery are essential foundations for lasting peace, and we are pleased to contribute to this important mission.”

Viksit Bharat Run 2025 Held in The Hague

The Embassy of India in the Netherlands organised the Viksit Bharat Run 2025 on Sunday, 28 September, at Westbroekpark in The Hague, highlighting the core objectives of service, sustainability, and swachhta (cleanliness).

The run attracted a large and enthusiastic turnout, with participants from both the Indian and Dutch communities, including many youth and children, reflecting the inclusive and community-oriented spirit of the initiative. The event was flagged off by H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India to the Netherlands, who addressed the participants and explained the significance of the Run’s central themes: Service, Sustainability, and Swachhta.

In addition to The Hague, the Embassy, in collaboration with the Indian Students’ Associations of Maastricht and Groningen, successfully organised Viksit Bharat Run 2025 events in Maastricht and Groningen, further extending the initiative’s outreach across the Netherlands.

Viksit Bharat Run 2025 – Embassy of India

The Viksit Bharat Run 2025 forms part of Seva Pakhwada, observed from 17 September to 2 October 2025. Seva Pakhwada is a celebration of service, responsibility, and collective effort, reflecting the core values of Indian civilisation, particularly Seva Bhav, or the spirit of selfless service. During this period, communities in India and abroad come together to engage in activities that serve society, strengthen community bonds, and promote shared responsibility. The Viksit Bharat Run in The Hague was one such meaningful activity.

Other initiatives organised during Seva Pakhwada included the planting of fruit trees at Amity International School Amsterdam under the Ék Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative; a cleanliness drive at the Embassy premises under the Ék Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath initiative; the donation of books on Indian culture to Shri Saraswatieschool in Rotterdam; and the organisation of the Bhartiya First Conclave 2025, in association with Stichting Sankriti Aur Sanskar.

Art for Children Without Borders: From the Netherlands to Da Nang

By Roby Bellemans

What began more than forty years ago in the Netherlands as a simple yet radical idea has today found a home in Vietnam. The concept was straightforward: if children can borrow books from a library, why not art created especially for them?

At the time, I assumed such initiatives already existed everywhere. They did not. When de Volkskrant published an article about the very first Children’s Art Lending Library, Jeugdjournaal (Dutch Youth News) proposed organizing an official opening—an event that marked not only a Dutch first, but, according to the German University of Culture, a global one. There was no comparable institution anywhere else.

Today, that idea lives on in Da Nang, Vietnam—possibly the only Children’s Art Lending Library in Asia—through the Art for Children Gallery, a space dedicated to free creative activities for children and to making art truly accessible to young audiences.

Art Made For Children

The gallery’s uniqueness lies in its philosophy: all artworks are created specifically for children. Just as they borrow storybooks, children can take art home, live with it, and return it—making art a natural part of everyday life rather than something distant or untouchable.

This journey toward children’s art began unexpectedly. While presenting exhibitions for adults, a young girl once asked me a simple question: “Where is the exhibition for children?” I had no answer—and that was the moment everything changed.

Soon after, leading children’s illustrators and artists embraced the idea with enthusiasm. Artists such as Thé Tjong-Khing, Sylvia Weve, Tonke Dragt, and Max Velthuijs generously contributed their work. Invitations followed from institutions and companies worldwide. Philips invited me to Taiwan; Shell sent me to England, Brunei, and beyond, working closely with the Foundation for Dutch Education Abroad. Hundreds of travelling exhibitions followed across the Netherlands, Belgium, and further afield.

Art, especially art for children, rarely generates income—but it generates something far more valuable: connection, curiosity, and unforgettable journeys.

A New Chapter in Vietnam

As retirement approached, Vietnam entered my life—and never really let go. I lectured for UNESCO at the Hanoi National Art Museum for the Association of Vietnamese Museums and, with the support of the Dutch Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, curated the international MeetingPoint exhibition at the HCMC Fine Art Museum.

Later, I was invited to become the first director of the Terracotta Park & Museum near Hoi An, an extraordinary experience that exceeded expectations in less than a year. Subsequent requests from museums in Hanoi followed, focusing on educational and outreach projects.

The turning point came in Da Nang, when Oanh—whom I had met while working at the Terracotta Museum—opened the Art for Children Gallery and Children’s Art Lending Library and invited me to visit. I could not resist. I am still there today, sharing experiences, writing booklets, creating videos, and supporting whatever new ideas emerge.

Building Bridges Through Stories

Several of my children’s books have been published in Vietnam, and my storytelling—often inspired by Vietnamese museums and culture—has been warmly received, often ending in applause.

Our YouTube channel offers further insight into our work in Vietnam, and any compensation for lectures or events is fully directed to supporting the Art for Children Gallery.

I spend a few months each year in the Netherlands, and for schools, companies, or cultural organizations wishing to organize Vietnam-related activities—especially for families and children—I am always happy to contribute. I do not claim to be a Vietnam expert, but I do know how to tell stories that connect.

And for those who wish to see it all firsthand: come visit us in Da Nang!

www.robybellemans.nl / www.vietnamculturalexchange.org / www.trading-hats

www.youtube.com/@VietnamCulturalExchange/featured
info@robybellemans.nl / info@trading-hats.nl