Embassy Festival 2021 Confirmed

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Embassy Festival 2021 Confirmed

A UNIQUE AND INTIMATE STYLE


We are very excited to confirm the Embassy Festival 2021. Despite Covid adjustments and restrictions we have managed to create a festival that captures the spirit and atmosphere of the Embassy Festival as you know and love it. The 2 day festival has been split into 2 separate activities. On Friday the 3rd of September we have our Embassy Festival TOUR and on Saturday the 4th of September the Embassy Festival EXPERIENCE which will consist of 3 time slots of 3 hours each. More than 20 countries are participating this year with food, drinks and dance, but we are sure to book soon, because tickets are very limited.

Embassy Festival EXPERIENCE (4/9/21 – Lange Voorhout)

Without giving too much away, this year’s event will be very special. We have for you an amazing experience, with the beautiful mix of cultures, a variety of entertainment and the smell of beautiful foods that will fill the festival. The only difference this year is that you have to reserve a ticket for a seat before you can enter the festival.

You will be able to order food and drinks from the embassy’s menus using the QR code at your table. Meanwhile entertainment such as singing, dancing and music will be moving in between your tables and interacting with you.

Embassy Festival Experience 2021

This years participating embassies for the EXPERIENCE are: AZERBAIJAN, BANGLADESH, BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA, EGYPT, ETHIOPIA, FINLAND, INDONESIA, KENYA, MEXICO, MOLDOVA, OMAN, PAKISTAN, PALESTINE, PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA, RUSSIA, SLOVENIA, SUDAN, TUNISIA, UKRAINE AND UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

Tickets for adults (13+) are €7,95 per person and children (12 and under) have to register but are welcome to join for free. (Tickets link – https://embassyfestival.com/experience/)

Embassy Festival TOUR (3/9/21 – Various Locations in the Hague)

This year we will have the first Embassy Festival Tour. From tours of the actual embassy building and food tasting in the gardens, to trying on national costumes and participating in the countries national activities and games. Anything is possible! We have arranged an exciting route for you to visit some of the participating embassies. We recommend a bike for the tour route. Due to Covid rules and regulation we can only offer a limited number of tickets for this tour. Guests can come alone or with a group.

This year the following embassies are participating in the Embassy TOUR: AZERBAIJAN, ESTONIA, PANAMA, PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Tickets are €7,95 per person and you are required to bring identification (ID card or passport) to be allowed into some embassies.(Tickets link – https://embassyfestival.com/tour/)

Embassy Festival RECIPE BOOKLET

After a smashing success in our 2020 Embassy Festival at Home edition. This year we are proud to introduce our 2nd edition of the RECIPE BOOKLET! The Embassy Festival recipe booklet is put together by more than 30 participating embassies, so that you can bring those international flavours to your home. Expect a world trip in a booklet with mouthwatering dishes from over more than 30 countries! With the purchase of the booklet you also support the Embassy Festival.

EMBASSY FESTIVAL RECIPE BOOKLET

€9,95 (discounts available for Embassy Festival Experience or Tour ticket holders) (Order link – https://embassyfestival.com/product/recipe-booklet/)

The Negotiator

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The Negotiator

By Michelle Rahimi

Gerald Lees’ translation into English of Francis Walder’s novel “Saint-Germain, ou la Négociation” has been recently published under the title “The Negotiator: The Masterclass at Saint-Germain” by Unicorn Publishing Group. The novel stands out and is highly regarded in negotiating circles, by practitioners and academics alike.

For the first time in over sixty years, this novel has become available in English. Having won the highest literary prize in France – the Prix Goncourt – in 1958 for its literary qualities, atmosphere, and psychological insights, it comes as no surprise that the new translation has caused a positive stir.

The novel is historical in nature, (set in 1570 during the French Wars of Religion) and was written mainly to demonstrate the art and skills of conducting diplomatic negotiations.

Walder, the Belgian author of the novel, was a former soldier, prisoner of war, and diplomat. His life experiences no doubt gave him great insight into how to negotiate.

The novel lies curiously between fiction and history, increasing its unique qualities. The negotiation in question throughout the text truly did take place, with the protagonist-narrator having negotiated the clauses discussed.

Although the work is short in length, with some 128 pages, it does not skip out on depth, quality, and meaning, and includes an introduction, illustrations, and notes.

A quote from the work reads: “Yes, I have made a novel from what seems the driest, most impersonal thing in the world: negotiating a treaty. But, behind the scenes, living forces were at work, and what is alive is worth writing about. Not surprisingly, the book is about people” (p. 8).

The quote gives insight into the true essence of the work and why it has captivated the hearts and minds of so many. To transform a subject for the most part considered dry, to one that has been discussed and referred to for decades because of its intriguing and captivating content is an enormous achievement.

“The Negotiator: The Masterclass at Saint-Germain,” by Francis Walder in its new translation in English is now available from the publisher or on Amazon.

IOM Reaches out to Undocumented Migrants about Vaccination

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IOM Reaches out to Undocumented Migrants about Vaccination

The Dutch COVID-19 vaccination campaign aims to vaccinate as many people as possible in the shortest possible time frame. Migrants in an irregular situation are among those for which a specific approach has been developed. In cooperation with Municipal Health Services (GGD) we contribute with dissemination and referral activities, through our close contacts with migrant communities and our local partners in the Netherlands.

Municipal Health Services (GGD) offer walk-in vaccination sites across the country. At these locations no appointment is needed. 

See the link from the Red Cross with information about walk-in vaccination sites

COVID19 vaccination Information.

See the link from the Dutch government for specific information materials

Toolkit voor specifieke doelgroepen

Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim A. A. Khan QC, on the escalating violence in the Situation in Afghanistan

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Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim A. A. Khan QC, on the escalating violence in the Situation in Afghanistan

I have been closely following the current developments in Afghanistan and am most concerned by recent reports of escalating violence in the country.

In particular, I echo the views expressed by the United Nations Security Council over reported incidents on the territory of Afghanistan that may amount to violations of international humanitarian law under the Rome Statute. These reports include allegations of extrajudicial executions in the form of revenge killings of detainees and individuals who surrendered, persecution of women and girls, crimes against children and other crimes affecting the civilian population at large.

I recall that pursuant to the Appeals Chamber Decision of 5 March 2020, my Office may exercise its jurisdiction over and investigate any act of genocide, crime against humanity or war crime committed within the territory of Afghanistan since 1 May 2003.

Afghanistan has suffered instability and insecurity for far too long. I encourage all efforts that may prevent further loss of human life and the continued suffering of the Afghan people.

I call on all parties to the hostilities to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by ensuring the protection of civilians. I remain available and willing to engage with all parties to this end.

I end by recalling the words of the Holy Qur’an in Surah Al Ma’idah: “whosoever killed a person – …it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whosoever gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And our Messengers came to them with clear signs, yet even after that, many of them commit excesses in the land” (Ch 5, v 32).

It is timely that this admonition and injunction of the Holy Qur’an is recalled. Those values are echoed in the Rome Statute – and I hope and pray that the imperative underlying this verse and numerous other Islamic precepts fall upon the hearts of all individuals and that in this time of change and uncertainty in Afghanistan restraint and justice can be observed with a view to peaceful reconciliation.

My Office will continue to monitor the Afghanistan situation and will act, as necessary, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Rome Statute.

Karim A.A. Khan QC, concluded first visit to Sudan

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Karim A.A. Khan QC, concluded first visit to Sudan

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim A.A. Khan QC, concludes his first visit to Sudan with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding ensuring greater cooperation

On Friday, 13 August 2021, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”), Mr Karim A. A. Khan QC, concluded a week-long visit to Khartoum, Sudan. The visit represented Prosecutor Khan’s first visit to Sudan in his capacity as ICC Prosecutor.

During the course of the visit, Prosecutor Khan held several productive meetings with officials of the Transitional Government of Sudan at the highest levels, and engaged with diplomatic corps and representatives of civil society organisations. Amongst others, meetings were held with General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan, Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council (“TSC”) of Sudan; H.E. Mr Abdalla Hamdok, Prime Minister of Sudan; General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, Deputy Chairman of the TSC; Dr El Hadi Idris, Head of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) and member of the TSC; General Al-Tahir Hajar, Chair of the Sudan Liberation Forces Alliance and member of the TSC; H.E. Mr Nasredeen Abdulbari, Minister of Justice; H.E. Mrs Mariam Al-Mahdi Al-Sadig, Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.E. Mr Mubarak Mohammad Osman, Acting Attorney General; Mr Volker Perthes, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of UNITAMS, and the Heads of Missions of the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States, The Netherlands, Germany, European Union Delegation, Sweden and the People’s Republic of China to Sudan; as well as the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (“UNDP”).

The Prosecutor expressed his sincere appreciation to the authorities for facilitating his visit and for hosting him and his delegation, as well as for the good will and cooperation expressed and extended to his Office.

Prosecutor Khan’s decision to travel to Sudan was motivated by various factors, including the nature of the crimes alleged, the rights of survivors, and the fact that this is the first situation referred to the ICC Prosecutor by the United Nations Security Council. During his discussions with the authorities and other stakeholders, the Prosecutor requested that the Government of Sudan further deepen its cooperation with his Office. In this regard, at the Prosecutor’s request, a new Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) was signed that includes all individuals against whom warrants of arrest have been issued by the ICC. The Office will be looking to work closely with the Sudanese authorities and other partners in the implementation of this new MoU.

At the conclusion of his visit to Sudan, the Prosecutor held a press conference and engaged with the media, explaining the reasons for his visit and fielded questions from local and international press. “Transfer of any suspect is an important step towards achieving justice but should be preceded and accompanied by substantive and ever deepening cooperation by the Sudanese authorities,“ Prosecutor Khan emphasised, adding that he has requested the authorities to provide immediate and full access to evidence that is pertinent to the Office’s investigations in the situation in Darfur.

The Prosecutor urged swift and greater collaboration to finally bring justice to the people of Darfur. “After almost 17 years since the referral of this situation, the Government of Sudan and the ICC owe to the victims of atrocity crimes in Darfur justice without further delay,” the Prosecutor emphasized.

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

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International Politics Focus: Italy & France

Afghan women photography by Amber Clay

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italy-committed-protecting-afghans-who-assisted-romes-mission-2021-08-16/

A plane carrying Italian diplomats and their Afghan assistants arrived in Rome from Kabul on Monday as Prime Minister Mario Draghi vowed all Afghan citizens who assisted Italy’s mission in the country would be protected. Draghi said in a statement that Rome was working with its European partners to find a solution to the crisis in Afghanistan which would protect human rights, particularly those of women.

The Italian ambassador to Kabul was on the flight along with roughly 20 Afghan citizens. One of them was Alif Uriake, a doctor, who called the situation he had fled in his country “a total disaster.”

France update

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-firefighters-battle-wildfire-southern-region-var-2021-08-17/

French firefighters hampered by strong winds battled on Tuesday to contain a fast-spreading wildfire in the southern tourist region of Var as campsites were evacuated in the latest summer blaze around southern Europe. Waves of extreme heat have hit much of the Mediterranean region in recent weeks, with wildfires from Spain to Turkey raising uncomfortable questions over global warming and preparedness.

Planes carrying water and 900 firefighters tackled the blaze, which began late on Monday. Some 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) of land have been burnt so far, the Var prefect’s office said.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/frances-macron-urges-un-to-act-with-single-voice-on-afghanistan/ar-AANnVOd?ocid=BingNewsSearch

Afghan cities fell in just days and on Monday civilians thronged Kabul’s international airport after President Ashraf Ghani fled, saying he wanted to avoid a bloodbath, and the Taliban seized the capital.

“Afghanistan must not become the haven for terrorists that it once was,” Macron said in a national address. “It is a challenge for peace and international stability, against a common enemy. We will do everything we can so that Russia, the United States and Europe can cooperate efficiently, because our interests are the same.”



About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Dutch cooperation allows the return of Cultural Heritage objects to Peru

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Dutch cooperation allows the return of Cultural Heritage objects to Peru

H.E. Mr. Arjen Uijterlinde, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru to the Netherlands, signing the agreement.

In a ceremony held at the Residence of the Ambassador of Peru to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 9th July 2021, the Dutch Government delivered 28 objects belonging to Peru’s Cultural Heritage. This was possible thanks to a concerted effort between the Embassy of Peru and the Foreign Ministries of both countries, together with the Dutch Information and Heritage Inspectorate and the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.

After confirming that 28 cultural objects that appeared in a Dutch auction house were the result of the looting of archaeological sites or excavations not authorized by the Peruvian government, they could be withdrawn from the auction. Later, they were voluntarily delivered by their possessor.

H.E. Mr. Arjen Uijterli, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru to the Netherlands, during the handing over ceremony.

The returned objects belong to the ancient Peruvian civilizations Chimú, Chancay, Moche, Wari and Vicús, and it is estimated that they date from between 200 BC to AD 1476. The cultural objects include interesting ceramics with anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures and some pieces of sophisticated colorful textiles with various patterns. Interestingly, a set of ancient seeds were also among the objects that were going to be auctioned.

H.E. Mr. Arjen Uijterlinde, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who handed over the objects, and H.E. Ms. Marisol Agüero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru to the Netherlands, who  received them on behalf of the Peruvian Government, coincided in highlighting the excellent level of cooperation achieved between both countries within the framework of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

Underlining the special significance that has for Peru the recovery of such valuable objects made by ancient civilizations that once flourished within its territory, Ambassador Agüero said “(…) the legacy of these cultures constitutes an immense source of pride for the Peruvian people. In that sense, we highly appreciate and thank the professional, timely and efficient cooperation of the Dutch government for making possible that these articles of cultural property can be returned to Peru, the land where they were created by our ancestors”.

Part of the returned objects belonging to the ancient Peruvian civilizations Chimú, Chancay, Moche, Wari and Vicús.

At the end of the ceremony, both authorities signed the corresponding act, formalizing the delivery. In such a meaningful year, when Peru commemorates its Bicentennial as an independent and sovereign State, this friendly gesture of the Kingdom of the Netherlands enhances the bonds of friendship and cooperation that characterizes the two nations.

Secretary-General appoints Judge Fatimata Sanou Touré of Burkina Faso to serve as Mechanism Judge

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Secretary-General appoints Judge Fatimata Sanou Touré of Burkina Faso to serve as Mechanism Judge

Arusha, The Hague, 13 August 2021 – The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres, has appointed Judge Fatimata Sanou Touré of Burkina Faso to the roster of Judges of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (“Mechanism”), effective 12 August 2021.

Judge Sanou Touré is a magistrate de grade exceptionnel (senior member of the national judiciary) in Burkina Faso. Since October 2015, she has served as Chamber President at the Court of Appeal of Ouagadougou, and from 2012 to 2015 served as President of the Court of First Instance of Ouagadougou, the largest court of first instance in Burkina Faso. Before that, Judge Sanou Touré worked from 2007 as the senior investigating judge with the rank of Vice-President of the Court of First Instance of Ouagadougou.

Judge Sanou Touré’s work in defending and promoting human rights led to her being elected President of the Association des Femmes Juristes du Burkina Faso (2013 to 2017) and Vice-President of the Fondation pour l’Étude et la Promotion des Droits de l’Homme en Afrique. She is also a founding member of the African Women Leaders Network for the Promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Family Planning. As a member of the national constitutional commission representing women’s associations and as deputy rapporteur of that commission, Judge Sanou Touré participated in the preparation of the preliminary draft constitution of the Fifth Republic of Burkina Faso (2017). In addition, she has represented the African group on the Women’s Advisory Council of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation since November 2019.

Judge Sanou Touré was appointed to the Mechanism’s roster of Judges following the unfortunate passing of Judge Gberdao Gustave Kam in February 2021 and will serve the remainder of Judge Kam’s term of office, which expires on 30 June 2022.

In accordance with its Statute, the Mechanism has a roster of 25 independent Judges who serve both the Arusha and The Hague branches of the Mechanism,

International Politics Focus: Italy & France

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International Politics Focus: Italy & France

By Michelle Rahimi

Italy update

Italian surgeon and Emergency NGO founder dies aged 73 | NewsTrack English 1 (newstracklive.com)

An Italian surgeon, Dr. Gino Strada, who was also a human rights activist and founder of Emergency, an NGO providing life-saving medical care in war torn regions, has died at the age of 73.

Dr. Strada had set up hospitals in states such as Rwanda and Yemen and had treated more than 11 million people in up to 19 countries.

Dr, Strada earned his medical and surgical degree at Milan State University, specializing in emergency surgery. He has experience in the United States by working up to 4 years on heart and lung transplants at Stanford and Pittsburgh University Medical Center.

In 1994, he established Emergency together with his wife, Teresa Sarti, and friends and colleagues. The organization’s mission was to provide free, quality healthcare to people injured in conflict.

Unceasing flames leave no time to rest for firefighters in Italy (bna.bh)

There have been several forest and bush fires that have left Italian firefighters with no time to rest as they tackle flames from the air and the ground amid a weekend heat wave.

Fire crews have reported 400 operations in the past 12 hours on Saturday morning.

Extreme heat and persistent drought have encouraged flames to persist in large parts of the south since the end of July.

Authorities do suspect arson behind many of the fires.

On Saturday, the Carabinieri in Sicily reported the arrest of two cattle farmers, a father, and his son, who are accused of setting fire to thorny bushes in order to expand their grazing land. After an intensive investigation, a warrant for their arrest was issued.

France update

Protesters in France denounce COVID health pass rules for fifth weekend | Toronto Sun

Protesters have marched in cities across France for a fifth consecutive weekend against rules compelling them to show a COVID-19 health pass for daily activities, but in lesser numbers than a week ago.

Since last Monday, citizens have been required to show the pass in public places, proving that they have been vaccinated or have recently been tested negative for the coronavirus.

Vaccination rates jumped after Macron unveiled his health pass plans last month. Almost 70% of all French people have now received one dose and 57.5% are fully vaccinated.



About the author:

Michelle Rahimi is a Diplomacy and International Relation’s Master’s candidate at the School for International Training, located in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States of America.

She obtains an extensive passion for international relations with first-hand knowledge from traveling across many countries and is experienced in working with different teams and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

Celebrating the veterans with a white carnation

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Celebrating the veterans with a white carnation

By Michelle Rahimi

As the tradition has mandated, numerous white carnation gardens have been inaugurated across the Netherlands to honor the nation’s veterans.

Recently, the ambassador of Bangladesh, H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah and his wife Sazia have become a part of this tradition by joining the symbolic unveiling of the white carnation garden celebration with several Dutch veterans at the Museum Sophiahof-van Indie. Ms. Maja Steenwijk, veterans volunteer, as well as the Director of the Museum, Mr. Reiner van Ooijen were also in presence.

The Mayor of Wassenaar, Ms Maja Steenwijk and veterans.

It was a symbolic and powerful celebration with veterans who served in Sarajevo, Mali, Kabul, and other sites in attendance as well. The inauguration took place in the town of Wassenaar, with the opening of the garden celebrated by placing white carnations in the coats of those who dedicated their time to serving their country.

Inaugurating Veenendaal’s white carnation garden.

On this day, the Dutch people made a point to also plant white carnations in their own gardens as the veterans’ plant theirs at the museum.

Ms. Maja Steenwijk has dedicated her time to promoting the opening of even more white carnation gardens by asking for the support of mayors of several cities and villages to organize and plant them as appreciation for the veterans who have served.

Up to now, she has contributed to the creation of about 60 white carnation gardens in Holland. Ms. Steenwijk has recently unveiled some of these white carnation gardens with the mayors of Rotterdam, Bloemendaal, and Wassenaar.

By next year, it is expected that we will see a white carnation garden at the Peace Palace, with the event already on the schedule of the Director General, Erik de Beaedts.

(C)Roel Dijkstra-Vlaardingen – Foto Dennis Wisse Rotterdam / Oude Plantage / opening van een Witte Anjerperkje / met o.a. burgemeester Aboutaleb
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