Keeping up the Invictus Spirit in Düsseldorf!

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Keeping up the Invictus Spirit in Düsseldorf!

By Mark Verheul

Once in a lifetime. That’s what I thought after the incredible experience of the Invictus Games in my hometown The Hague in April 2022. It was a real honour back then to be part of the Local Organising Committee as Director of Protocol, and to work together with such an amazing team on this inspiring multilateral sports event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.

The Invictus Games is about the road to recovery, and this is why winning a medal here is such an achievement for the competitors. Many of them have suffered physical or mental trauma during service. The Invictus Games uses the power of sport to help this group rediscover themselves, support rehabilitation, and generate wider understanding and respect for those who serve or have served their country.

After having provided a lessons learned and handover workshop to the organisers of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf in October 2022, I was truly humbled to receive a request of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) and the City of Düsseldorf’s event management company D.Live, to become their International Protocol Director for the next edition from 9 until 16 September, 2023. A true privilege to keeping up the Invictus Spirit, and to be part of this remarkable event, once again! Our mission? Turning Düsseldorf into A Home For Respect for over 500 competitors and their family and friends, as well as a wide range of dignitaries from 21 countries around the world.

Opening Ceremony Invictus Games 2023 (Düsseldorf).

During the nine months before showtime, the preparations of our Protocol Team have been extremely varied and rewarding in order to achieve this mission: from planning numerous ‘recces’ to the Merkur Spiel-Arena, organizing several informative embassy briefings in Berlin, sending more than 1,000 invitations for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, meticulously planning for instructing dozens of medal presenters, or trying to find a right balance between the focus on sports and facilitating side events in a geopolitical context, to having a meeting with presenting partner Boeing in Arlington, Virginia. And from getting familiar with the crowd control in and around the event venue during a colorful concert of Harry Styles, to welcoming our furry mascot Buddy, who symbolizes the incredible support network the Invictus community provides throughout the competitors’ recovery journey.

Due to the broad scope of our tasks, the core Protocol Team grew gradually over the course of the last preparation months to 12. Christian, Thomas, Tim, Dominik, Diana, Lorena, Lea, Christoph, Achim, Michael and Bettina: Vielen Dank für die tolle Arbeit, die Kollegialität und den Humor, den wir gemeinsam hatten on this exceptional journey!

Competitors – Invictus Games 2023 (Düsseldorf).

But regardless of all our hard work, we could not have completed the mission without our fabulous team of volunteers: Team Protocol has been blessed with more than 100 committed individuals from all walks of life! From mid-June onwards, they voluntarily prepared for the full spectrum of protocol services in a hybrid setting, attending from across Germany, and around the world. Ranging from students to retirees, military as well as civilian, event professionals or protocol novices, and from first-time involvers to committed returners who continue to keeping the Invictus Spirit alive.

With a wide variety of tasks on the ground during the Games Week; ranging from welcoming and escorting dignitaries, overseeing the hospitality lounge and the bilateral meeting rooms, providing comfortable settings for our sponsors and trustees, cooperating with security and mobility partners, arranging seatings and informal meet & greets with competitors, and liaising with all delegations by the designated country officers, to coming up with innovative solutions to last minute requests. A big round of applause for all of them! Vielen Dank. Thank you very much. Dank jullie wel.

Because: Wow, what an incredible Games Week it has been! We had operational challenges behind the scenes, but with an overall one-of-a-kind event as a result. More than 140,000 spectators experienced a great atmosphere, full of comradery, impressive sportive achievements, as well as a multitude of heart-touching and life-changing stories.

Opening ceremony Invictus Games 2023 (Düsseldorf).

It was an emotional rollercoaster going from observing a minute of silence throughout the venue to commemorate 9/11, to singing Happy Birthday during the sitting volleyball finals for Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, by an enthusiastic crowd. Or from a Ministers’ lunch and Chiefs of Defence breakfast, to the Host City reception and a Ukrainian ‘Thanks, Friends’ gathering. Or from a massive NATO Joint Force Command delegation from Brunssum, to dozens of high-level bilateral meetings, while at the same time our youngest visitors were cuddling with Buddy, a three star general in service dress dancing to Macarena with Dutch fans, to a powerful speech of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the Closing Ceremony, as well as electrifying performances by Macklemore, Sam Ryder and Rita Ora. It was a real privilege to be part of the Organising Committee once again, and to work together with such a wonderful and dedicated team.

The next Invictus Games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler from 8 to 16 February, 2025. I wish our colleagues in Canada all the best to make the 2025 edition another resounding success!

About the author:
Mark Verheul is Partner at Protocol International, a training and consultancy firm based in The Hague, with projects around the world.

Australian Embassy Hosts Annual ABIE Dinner in the Netherlands

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Australian Embassy Hosts Annual ABIE Dinner in the Netherlands

The Australian Embassy in the Netherlands recently hosted the annual Australian Business in Europe Netherlands (ABIE) dinner, celebrating the dynamic Australian business community in the Netherlands and their vital contributions to the strong and growing economic partnership between the two nations.

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Greg French,  underscored Australia’s rich and diverse relationship with the Netherlands, touching on key foreign policy and economic priorities, as well as multilateral engagement through organisations such as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Ambassador French highlighted areas of focus including clean energy, hydrogen, agribusiness, critical technologies, the circular economy, and future mobility.

Jennifer Tucker, President of ABIE, elaborated on the organization’s role in strengthening business connections, while guest speaker Jens Schumacher of STX Group discussed innovative decarbonisation initiatives in sectors such as transportation and manufacturing.

The evening provided an invaluable opportunity for the ABIE-NL community to further reinforce economic collaboration between both countries.

Three Belarusians Charged for Forcing Polish Plane Landing to Arrest Dissident

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Three Belarusians Charged for Forcing Polish Plane Landing to Arrest Dissident

A three-year investigation has led to the charging of three Belarusian nationals for deceitfully seizing a Polish aircraft in Belarus to arrest a dissident. The forced landing in Minsk of a commercial flight caused a direct threat to the life and health of the 132 passengers and unlawfully deprived the crew and passengers of their liberty. Eurojust supported this high-profile case from the start of the investigations by Polish and Lithuanian authorities in 2021.

Belarusian air traffic controllers forced the aircraft to divert from its route to Vilnius by providing false information about an alleged explosive device, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing at Minsk airport. After the aircraft landed in Minsk, the passengers were evacuated and their luggage was searched.

During the evacuation, two passengers, a Belarusian dissident and his companion, were arrested by officials. Investigations into the incident revealed that these arrests were the real reason the flight was diverted to Minsk.

Immediately after the incident, investigations were launched by the Polish and Lithuanian authorities. With the support of Eurojust, a joint investigation team (JIT) team was set up, which interviewed a number of witnesses, including passengers and the crew of the aircraft, and secured recordings and photographs taken during the incident.

The unprecedented nature of the case called for very close cooperation between multiple countries. Eurojust organised several coordination meetings and facilitated the execution of European Investigation Orders in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania to secure evidence and the requests for legal assistance in Switzerland, Norway and the United States.

Witnesses testified that air traffic controllers were informed of the false bomb threat by their superiors. The air traffic controllers were then instructed by Belarusian officials on what action to take and what information to pass on to the pilots of the aircraft.

The cooperation of the authorities led to the issuing of arrest warrants for three Belarusian nationals. The suspects are charged with unlawfully depriving 132 people of their liberty through terrorist acts and intending to seriously intimidate numerous people, including groups opposed to the Belarusian regime. Detention on remand for three months is imposed on all suspects.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

Lithuania: Department for Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation at the Prosecutor General’s Office, Criminal Police Bureau

Poland: Mazovian Division of the Department for Organised Crime and Corruption of the National Public Prosecutor’s Office; Internal Security Agency

Feel the Rythm, Taste the Flavors – Embassy Festival is Getting Ready

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Feel the Rythm, Taste the Flavors – Embassy Festival is Getting Ready

Embassy Festival 2024 – September 7 At The Lange Voorhout – 12:00 To 20:00

Free entrance, cultural adventures and culinary delights from over 50 countries on the iconic Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Discover the world in one day during the 12th edition of the Embassy Festival.

This year, the Embassy Festival stands for togetherness and celebrating the beauty of folklore like never before. The format is more intimate and interactive this year, discover new smells, colours and sounds, go dancing, tasting and singing.

Feel the rhythm, taste the flavors
The fumes of burnt curry, piri-piri and djeroek-beroet mingle with the clouds of smoke from the tajine with Ras al Hanout, where you can already taste the fresh ginger and mint. Leonardo from Mexico, Maâlem from Morocco, Morenada from Bolivia and Jonas from Denmark are eager to stir things up and the 50 ambassadors are also ready with their entourage. They straighten their traditional jackets and help each other with their matching features for the Culture Parade. The colorful procession with a colorful cloud of flags leaves at 3pm from the Folk in Motion Stage. The originally interactive Mugham performance (the pride of Azerbaijan & UNESCO Heritage) will seduce you from 1:20pm with all its emotions and melodies at the Harmony Hub and if you keep your vocal cords still at The Good Vibes Music Challenge or the grooves can stop at Jamaica Red Alert.

Time to share, join the adventure
The traditional costumes have been polished and the ordered cans of hairspray and make-up have arrived. Friends, family and artists have flown in, the shopping carts are overflowing and the planned menus are being enthusiastically expanded. While the Japanese calligraphy course is being carefully written out, the Khlui (THA), Kamancha (ARM), Steel Drums (JAM) and Balaban (AZE) are already making some squeaking sounds out of excitement and even the practice stickers in the living room (in preparation for the Angolano Danca workshop) are getting a bit faded. It’s in! It’s time to share this and take the audience into the world of the Embassy Festival.

Where cultures come together, where you order a bite of Biryani after Borscht, then sink your teeth into a Ceviche or a Taco and finally succumb to fresh Baklava. Where you go on an adventure with the Activity Passport: knead a tortilla according to the Mexican ‘nixtamalization’, paint a traditional Malaysian Batik or write your name in Cyrillic. Already got your stamps? Then pick up a few giveaways here and there and get a chance to win 2 free annual memberships to Caesars Fitness + Spa Resort.

Get ready for a world trip like never before. In one place, in one day, dancing, eating, laughing and being amazed. Feel the magic and pass it on!

FOLK IN MOTION STAGE

Ansambli Dardanet – Bolivia Minka – UFDA Dance Group – Mriya – Dança Angolano – Abovian – Bridging The Gap Foundation – KURYZARA – CULTURE PARADE – Sri Lankan Dance – Irama Dikir Barat – Fashion show by Anu – Ritmo Dominicano – Maâlem REDA – Muay Thai – Kud Tamo Daleko – Indian Dance – Pakistani Ensemble

HARMONY HUB

Leonardo Prieto – Koklētāju Kopa “Māras Meitas Un Dēls” – Khan Shushinsky foundation – Ritmo Dominicano – Good Vibes Music Challenge – Ensemble Sakartvelo – KORALI – Xochiquetzal – Jamaica Red Alert

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Croatia, Cuba, Curacao, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo , Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Vietnam, Yemen

www.embassyfestival.com
September 7, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Lange Voorhout, The Hague
Admission: FREE

Embassy Festival Opens with Cuban & Mexican Performance

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Embassy Festival Opens with Cuban & Mexican Performance

The Embassy Festival will kick off its cultural agenda on the main stage with a vibrant performance by renowned Latin American musicians Leonardo Prieto from Mexico and Jorge Martinez Galán from Cuba. The first musical moment of the day will take place at 12:00 noon.

Leonardo Prieto, a composer, multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and sociologist based in Rotterdam, will bring his unique fusion of traditional Mexican music and contemporary sounds to the festival. With a diverse musical range spanning classical music, world music, and modern jazz, Prieto is known for his ability to explore different musical genres. He plays a variety of instruments, including the piano, jarana, requinto, tres cubano, and gaita colombiana, and his performances often include a rich blend of Mexican, Cuban, and Colombian traditional music.

In 2022, Prieto’s album Al otro lado de mar and his song Poder Prieto were both nominated for best album and song of the year at the Rotterdam Music Awards. He has taught world music at the Rotterdam Conservatory and led the World Music Orchestra as artistic director. Currently, he is a guest lecturer at the Conservatory of Zwolle, teaching piano, ensembles, and music sociology.

Jorge Martínez Galán,

Joining him is Jorge Martínez Galán, a highly talented Cuban musician known as “El Galán de Cuba.” A graduate of several prestigious institutions in Havana, including the National School of Art Instructors and the Higher Institute of Art, Galán is a composer, singer, and choral conductor with more than 35 years of professional experience. He has been involved in numerous performances as a solo pianist, singer, and choral conductor and has produced over six albums.

Galán is also the founder of Coro Cantoro, a Cuban choir, and serves as the musical advisor and producer for the Conexión Latina Foundation, which promotes high-quality Cuban and Latin American music across the Netherlands.

The Embassy Festival, featuring performances and stands from over 45 countries, promises a captivating day of cultural festivity.

Be sure to join the festivities on Saturday, September 7th at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Admission is free.

For more information, visit:

– www.leonardo-prieto.com

– www.jorgemartinez.nl

Belt and Road Summit to deepen international cooperation

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Belt and Road Summit to deepen international cooperation

This year’s Belt and Road Summit – a key platform for Hong Kong to promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – is bringing together more than 80 officials and business leaders to discuss collaboration opportunities in BRI markets.

The Summit, which is taking place on 11-12 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

The Business Plenary on the first day – featuring Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas business leaders – will look at Hong Kong’s role in facilitating cooperation as well as how companies are responding to the current global landscape.

The second day’s Business Plenary will explore opportunities in the Middle East and other Belt and Road markets, another key topic for this year’s event.

“The Belt and Road Summit will deepen international business cooperation and consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the preferred business platform for the Belt and Road Initiative,” said Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development for the Hong Kong SAR Government.

As China looks for ways to drive more collaboration between Belt and Road markets, Hong Kong can play an even more active role as a global hub for investment, trade and innovation, Mr Yau explained.

Dr Peter K N Lam, Chairman of the HKTDC, highlighted the business support that HKTDC provides to foster closer cooperation, including business delegations and outreach activities to Belt and Road countries and regions.

The main theme for this year’s Summit is Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road.

This year’s event is also introducing a Green Chapter, reflecting its focus on sustainability, with thematic sessions on green construction, innovation, finance and more.

Sessions that are part of the Finance Chapter will analyse opportunities to leverage Hong Kong’s financial services, while the Youth Chapter will host young business leaders who will share their views on BRI opportunities.

This year’s Summit will also feature two new thematic sessions, on multi-dimensional connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

Investment and business matching services remain an integral part of the Summit. Business matching meetings will run on-site on 11-12 September and online on 16-17 September.

Organisers expect to match more than 280 investment projects, with more than 800 one-to-one project matching meetings already lined up.

Project investment sessions will focus on four main areas: energy, natural resources and public utilities; innovation and technology; urban development; and transport and logistics infrastructure.

The Summit’s exhibition will gather over 100 exhibitors across three zones.

A Hong Kong Zone will showcase Hong Kong service providers. A Global Investment Zone will present large-scale investment projects and opportunities as well as major cultural and technological developments. An InnoTech Zone will feature cutting-edge innovations and solutions from exhibitors around the globe.

Published today by HKTDC Hong Kong Means Business

JUST PEACE Open Day 2024

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JUST PEACE Open Day 2024

The Asser Institute and HOPE Foundation celebrate 125 years of Peace and Justice with “Voices from Gaza”

On 22 September 2024, the Asser Institute will open its doors to the public for a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition co-hosted by the HOPE Foundation, titled “Voices from Gaza”. This captivating installation aims to bring attention to the experiences of children and young adults living in conflict, showing artworks created by the children of Gaza, as well as dance performances by breakdancers, and spoken word poetry.  

“Voices from Gaza” not only highlights the creativity and artistic expressions of Gaza’s youth, but also serves to foster a deeper understanding of their experiences, resilience, and hopes for the future. In the heart of The Hague, International City of Peace and Justice and this year celebrating the 125th anniversary of the ‘First Hague Peace Conference’ of 1899, you can witness the heart-wrenching realities of growing up in the midst of conflict and violence. 

Increasingly under pressure 
“We are honoured to host this impressive exhibition of the HOPE Foundation at the T.M.C. Asser Institute,” says Christophe Paulussen, Acting Academic Director of the Asser Institute. “It’s a fitting location, as our institute is named after the famous international lawyer Tobias Asser, who played a significant role in bringing the First Peace Conference to The Hague and thus assisted in establishing The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice. Despite this year’s celebrations, international law is increasingly under pressure, as conflicts around the world, including in Gaza, show. However, it is our mission to contribute to the development of international law and not to give up hope. In doing so, we are inspired by the resilience of Gaza’s youth, as demonstrated by this powerful installation.”  

Ingrid Rollema, co-founder and director of the HOPE Foundation, says on the importance of practicing art in conflict: “Art can offer children a shelter for mental survival, offering a perspective beyond wars when reality is failing. It is precisely that glimmer of hope that we are trying to keep alive”. 

The installation, designed by KC Bodegom, comes alive while it serves as a backdrop for conversations with legal experts, artists, and with advocates working in the Gaza Strip within conflict-afflicted communities. In a space for learning and conversations, visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the artworks, the performances, and the practitioners.  

Please join us in celebrating 125 years of peace and justice in The Hague, while inspiring hope for a brighter future. “Voices from Gaza” promises to be a moving experience for all. 

Register now

Event details: 

  • Location: T.M.C. Asser Instituut 
  • Opening time: 22 September 2024; 12.00 – 18.00 
  • Admission: free 

Please contact communications@asser.nl for more information. 

About T.M.C. Asser Instituut 
The Asser Institute’s mission is to contribute to the development of international and European public and private law. We achieve this by:  

Independent legal research: We conduct fundamental, policy-oriented, and applied legal research in international and European public and private law.  

Knowledge dissemination: We initiate and facilitate academic and expert meetings, (professional) education, and public events aimed at disseminating knowledge of international and European public and private law. We further share our legal knowledge by adding to the public debate. Read more 

About the HOPE Foundation 
The HOPE Foundation was founded in 1996 with the aim to offer inventive lessons in the fields of art and culture in order to empower children in conflict areas to build a meaningful life for themselves. The driving forces behind this initiative were Fathi Arafat, Jean Calder, Willem Vugteveen, Riekus Feijen and Ingrid Rollema. 

HOPE envisions a future where children are able to cope with the effects of war in the best way possible and where the basic requirements for leading a life that is worthwhile are available to all. For the Khan Yunis Open Studio team, Academy for Young Talent, Social Media Lab, Breakdance Academy and many more local organizations and artists, HOPE acts as a source of inspiration and as initiator for projects. Read more 

Geopolitical Analysis: Security, Outer Space, and Human Rights Protection

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Geopolitical Analysis: Security, Outer Space, and Human Rights Protection

By Marco Pizzorno

The increasing militarization of outer space and its impact on human rights represents a critical geopolitical challenge of the 21st century. As nations look to expand their strategic capabilities beyond Earth, the implications for security and human rights become increasingly complex. This analysis examines the intersection of space security, geopolitical strategies, and the protection of human rights.

The Militarization of Outer Space

The militarization of outer space has accelerated in recent years, driven by technological advancements and national security concerns. Major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China, have invested heavily in developing military capabilities in space. According to a report by the European Space Agency, “The growing reliance on space-based assets for national security has led to a race for dominance in this new frontier” (European Space Agency, 2021).

The establishment of entities like the U.S. Space Force in 2019 underscores the strategic importance of space in national defense. As noted by General John W. Raymond, the Chief of Space Operations, “The Space Force is essential to protect our interests in space and ensure that we can operate freely in this domain” (Raymond, 2020). However, this militarization raises concerns about the potential for conflict in space, which could have dire consequences for human rights on Earth.

Geopolitical Strategies and Human Rights

The geopolitical strategies that drive the militarization of space often overlook the implications for human rights. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) emphasizes the need for international cooperation to ensure that space activities are conducted for peaceful purposes, stating, “The exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit of all countries” (UNOOSA, 2020). Yet, as countries compete for dominance, the potential for space-based conflicts increases, which could disrupt global communication systems and affect civilian populations.

Moreover, the use of satellite technology for surveillance and military operations can infringe upon privacy rights and civil liberties. The UN Human Rights Council has recognized that “the same technologies that can enhance our lives can also be used to surveil and control populations” (UN Human Rights Council, 2018). This dual-use nature of space technology necessitates a careful consideration of how security measures can be balanced with the protection of human rights.

The Role of International Law

International law plays a critical role in regulating activities in outer space. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 establishes that space shall be used for peaceful purposes and prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons in space. However, as the treaty approaches its sixth decade, its relevance is increasingly questioned. Legal scholars argue that “the existing legal framework is insufficient to address the complexities of modern space activities” (Baker et al., 2022).

The development of new treaties or agreements focused on space security and human rights may be necessary to adapt to the evolving landscape. Initiatives like the “Artemis Accords,” which promote international cooperation in space exploration, offer a potential pathway for aligning security interests with human rights considerations (NASA, 2020).

Conclusion

The interplay between security in outer space and the protection of human rights presents a multifaceted challenge for the international community. As nations continue to pursue military capabilities in space, it is imperative that strategies are developed to ensure that these advancements do not come at the expense of human rights. By fostering international cooperation and strengthening legal frameworks, the global community can work towards a future where space is used for the benefit of all humanity.

 References

  • European Space Agency (2021). “The Importance of Space for National Security.”
  • Raymond, J. W. (2020). “Space Operations: The Future of National Defense.”
  • UNOOSA (2020). “Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities.”
  • UN Human Rights Council (2018). “Report on the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age.”
  • Baker, D., et al. (2022). “Challenges in Space Law: Adapting to the New Space Age.”
  • NASA (2020). “Artemis Accords: A Pathway to Future Space Exploration.”

Czech Republic Boosts Support for Rome Statute Victims

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Czech Republic Boosts Support for Rome Statute Victims

The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) announces with appreciation that the Government of Czech Republic, a State Party to the ICC since 21 July 2009, renewed and increased its voluntary contribution to the TFV for 2024 for a total amount of CZK 1,000,000 (approximately EUR 40,000). This unrestricted contribution, which is doubled from the one received in 2023, will be used to redress the harm suffered by victims of Rome Statute crimes, through reparations awards ordered by the ICC and other programs for their benefit.

In welcoming the contribution, Andres Parmas, member of the TFV Board of Directors stated, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Czech Republic for their contribution. This generous support highlights the Czech Republic’s dedication to addressing the harm endured by victims of Rome Statute crimes. Such contributions are vital in enabling us to provide meaningful reparations and support, helping survivors restore their lives and dignity.”


H.E. Mr. René Miko, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons said, “I am pleased to announce the Czech contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims. We consider the protection and support of the victims as one of the essential tasks and obligations of the work of the international criminal justice system. It is an indisputable and inseparable part of international law. Our current contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims demonstrates the long-term support and importance that the Czech Republic has attached to the International Criminal Court.”

The Czech Republic has been consistently supporting the programs for the benefit of victims implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims through sustained and gradually increasing voluntary contributions since 2011.

For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims, please contacttrustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.int or visit:www.trustfundforvictims.org 

New Ambassador of Bangladesh presents credentials

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New Ambassador of Bangladesh presents credentials

On 28 August 2024, the new Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Tareque Muhammad, presented his letter of Credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands at a ceremony held at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague.

The Ambassador was accompanied by the Royal Chamberlain from the Chancery to the Palace in a traditional horse-drawn ceremonial carriage. Upon arrival at the palace, a contingent of the Royal Guard played the national anthem of Bangladesh, followed by an inspection of the guard. He was then received at the Palace by the Grand Master of the Royal Household.

Royal Palace, in The Hague during the inspection of the guard by H.E. Mr. Tareque Muhammad, Ambassador of Bngladesh.

His Majesty the King expressed his satisfaction at the extensive bilateral relations demonstrated in continuous and growing engagements between the two countries. He expressed hope that the interim government of Bangladesh will bring back normalcy rapidly and complete the transition through an election.

The King also highlighted that the Netherlands and Bangladesh had established synergistic relations by exchanging expertise and knowledge in the management of flood and post-flood rehabilitations.

The Bangladesh Ambassador emphasized the interim government’s priorities, which encompass establishing security and a stable environment, implementing crucial reforms, and ensuring the smooth organization of elections.

The ambassador of Bangladesh at the Royal Palace in The Hague.

Ambassador Tareque Muhammad expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their highly productive cooperation in socio-economic development. Additionally, he confidently highlighted the existing robust investment opportunities and the sound policies designed to foster and support a resilient private sector.

The King wished to strengthen bilateral relations across various fields, stressing his country’s readiness to provide all possible support.

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