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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
H.E. Mr. Arjen Uijterlinde, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ms. Marisol AgĂĽero 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 AgĂĽero Colunga, Ambassador of Peru to the Netherlands, during the handing over ceremony.
The returned objects belong to the ancient Peruvian civilizations ChimĂş, Chancay, Moche, Wari and VicĂşs, 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 AgĂĽero 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 ChimĂş, Chancay, Moche, Wari and VicĂşs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Pandemic has made us realize more than ever before how indispensable Arts and Culture are as part of our well-being in difficult times. This is significant when even a newly retired former Ambassador to the Netherlands has just joined The Arts Society The Hague! As its new Chairman, Andrea Perugini, who has recently completed his term as Ambassador of Italy will join the Society’s efforts in further consolidating and expanding the already wide and attractive range of activities and initiatives and will add a special dimension to its upcoming 30th Anniversary season
The Arts Society, originally known as The Decorative and Fine Arts Society, is a British institution which has, since its inception more than 50 years ago, brought art in all its forms to its membership and to everyone who is interested in widening their appreciation of the arts. During this time it has expanded to over 380 member societies, not only in the UK but in Continental Europe where France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Malta have societies, further afield in New Zealand and, through affiliations, Australia too.
As the only Society of its kind in the Netherlands, The Arts Society The Hague -whose Patron is H.E. the Bristish Ambassador in The Hague – is in a unique position to offer top-class lectures in English given by lecturers who have been carefully vetted and are all recognised as experts in their field. Besides high quality lectures, the Society also offers, to both its members and guests, special events in the form of visits to museums, galleries and private collections, all led by English-speaking guides.
Lectures cover an extraordinarily broad range of topics, from the art of ancient civilizations to modern artists and sculptors such as Grayson Perry and Antony Gormley, Japanese modern art, architecture, music and, beyond, to eclectic subjects such as film, fireworks and trompe l’oeil.
The Society has its base in the Warenar theatre in Wassenaar and traditionally has been very much focused on The Hague area but now, with the advent of Zoom, its lectures are available throughout the Netherlands and, in fact, worldwide.Â
For this, its 30th Anniversary season, the Society will offer a very special and expanded programme of lectures and events for members, all to be announced at the beginning of the new season.
In a recent interview, we asked its Chairman, Mr. Perugini, why he had decided to dedicate himself to the Arts after his long and successful diplomatic career, his response was:
The Arts and Culture are an integral part of any Diplomat’s life. Especially of an Italian Diplomat’s professional life and activities. Italy is a cultural powerhouse, with among the greatest numbers of UNESCO cultural heritage sites in the world. Culture is also an instrument of foreign policy, of cooperation, for promoting dialogue and understanding between peoples of different roots and historical backgrounds. But culture is at the same time universal, it brings to the fore our common roots, our common human feelings for beauty, harmony, colour, and well-being. It helps bring us together, reaching out. It helps to understand better those whom we superficially perceive as different. As a former Italian President of the Republic used to say: “Acquire knowledge before passing judgement.”
After receiving this remarkable answer, we asked him whether there was any correlation between diplomacy and art in his previous life. Once again, we were met with a notable response:Â
I may have already answered this question in my comment above. I would like to add that Arts and Culture are also a means to promote not only cultural exchanges and ties between countries and peoples; they also promote business, tourism, education, human and social relations as well as good and healthy habits, which includes knowledge of the vulnerabilities of our planet and all that goes with it. When I was a young diplomat posted in Luanda, Angola, I bought a painting from a then unknown Angolan artist called Victor Texeira (in art, Viteix). Now, thirty-five years later, I discovered that Viteix became one of the most prominent Angolan and African artists, his paintings were in the meanwhile exhibited at the Venice Biennale, as he represents one the main iconic painters who contributed, through art, to the struggle for African independence in the second half of the XX Century. So, as you can see, art is limitless in what it can do.
Not only is Mr. Perugini the first and only Italian to be appointed Chairman of the Arts Society in the Netherlands, but he is coming into a prominent thirtieth Anniversary season, as well as during a Pandemic that has made many realize how impactful and beneficial the Arts and Culture can be .
We asked the former ambassador what he intended to do to enhance the participation of the members and newcomers during the time of the Pandemic, he responded:Â
I was already a member of The Arts Society in The Hague when I was Ambassador of Italy to The Netherlands because I appreciated the very high cultural standard of their lectures and the captivating way in which their lectures are able to deliver them, by stimulating interest, drawing connections and historical parallels, by sharing their personal experiences and by being available to answer questions and provide enthusiastic and well-informed advice to participants. Since I became Chairman, I have engaged to expand the membership of The Arts Society; it is like a medicine, it is beneficial to me, so I am confident that it would do good to others as well. It is invaluable and I am grateful to Diplomat Magazine for helping disseminate this knowledge. During the Covid pandemic The Arts Society in The Hague has quickly adapted to circumstances by moving to online Zoom Lectures. The challenge has become an opportunity since we were able to actively preserve our membership and, in addition, to expand it. We shall continue on Zoom for the moment. But we are prepared to move back gradually to “in person” lectures while keeping the Zoom option open for our members. We all need to socialize and enjoy the Arts and Culture together.
Mr. Perugini and The Arts Society in The Hague have been able to not only survive but expand during the pandemic. This is a wonderful example of how vital Arts and Culture is to society and its good fortune.
The Arts Society in The Hague has reported that it has been able to expand providing lectures from its base in the Warenar theatre in Wassenaar, traditionally being focused in the Hague area, to a worldwide audience with the advent of Zoom.
It will be intriguing to witness how The Arts Society in The Hague continues to grow and flourish under Mr. Perugini’s leadership and all that is to come.
The southeastern crater of Italy’s Mount Etna has increased in height after six months of activity, making Europe’s tallest active volcano more pronounced than ever.
Mount Etna’s youngest and most active crater is now above sea level at 11,000 feet, breaking a new record, according to the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).
Since mid-February there have been nearly fifty episodes of ash and lava being released from the crater leading to a transformation of the volcano’s outline, which has been calculated through satellite images.
Mount Etna has apparently been more active since February, posing threat to surrounding villages, with ash being released damaging crops, dirtying streets, slowing traffic, and creating a nuisance in surrounding areas.
On Tuesday, France’s government warned of a Covid-19 crisis in the country’s overseas territories, including the Caribbean, and Martinique.
It is reported that infection rates have climbed to levels that are unprecedented on France’s mainland.
Martinique tightened a lockdown and told tourists to leave, with similar measures being implemented in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe.
This has negatively affected the Caribbean islands at the height of the summer season.
Regarding these overseas territories, it is reported that the Delta variant is more contagious and is about to hit a population that is not well protected by vaccinations.
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.
Italy is in the grip of its worst period of extreme weather in recent history. There has been a non-stop influx of record high temperatures, wildfires, hailstorms, tornadoes, and mudslides.
It is predicted from a leading climate expert that this may be the “new normal,” for Italy.
The first economic sector to suffer the consequences of the climate crisis was agriculture, with a year’s worth of fruit and vegetables lost in a matter of moments.
Climate experts are stating that Italians are seeing the impact of a lack of action towards climate change.
France has begun to require people to a show a QR code proving they have special virus pass before they can enjoy restaurants, cafes, or travel across the country.
The plan has been implemented by the government to encourage more people to get a COVID-19 vaccine shot as well as slow down a surge in infections. Over half the population in France is vaccinated.
The special pass is issued to people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have proof of a recent recovery from the virus or who have a recent negative test.
The measure has initiated strong opposition from some people who say it compromises their freedoms by limiting movements and daily activities outside the home.
On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched in Paris and other French cities for a fourth consecutive week of protests against the health pass.
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.
