Philippines’ “War on Drugs” Information Tour in Europe

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Philippines’ “War on Drugs” Information Tour in Europe

Secretary Martin M. Andanar with Ambassador Jaime V. Ledda. Photography by Anton Lutter.

By Anton Lutter.

February saw a much appreciated tour of Mr. Martin M. Andanar, the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) visiting cities like Paris, Brussels, The Hague, London and Geneva informing Filipino community leaders, journalists, politicians and officials about – amongst others – the accomplishments of the President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs. 

One part of the mission of the PCCO is to inform and raise awareness of the public about the policies, programs, and projects of the Presidency. It is during President Duterte’s midterm that Secretary Andanar has taken it upon himself to inform us what’s at stake and what the results are considering the War on Drugs. In 2016, Duterte was elected on a platform of combating the illegal drugs trade and corruption, which up until now is overwhelming backed by the Philippines people resulting in continuous high popularity, now being at an all-time high.

To illustrate the effects narcotics has on family life the documentary “Gramo” was shown to fully packed venues. Particular gruesome is the murder, by a man high on drugs, of his own wife and even more shocking is the reaction of their young child who cannot encompass what occurred. Sadly enough this is not the exception. As the President iterates if the breadwinner is on drugs the whole family is destroyed. There’s no food on the table, the wife is abused, children cannot attend school, poverty continued. This is the real human rights offense. 

President Duterte has vowed to the Filipino’s to fight this evil, with all his might. His straight-talking message underlines the importance of his mission. There’s no sugarcoating here. Of course, this is not to the liking of the do-nothings, who’s legacy to the current government and the Philippines people is what it says: nothing. The 2016 presidential election changed all that, the Clean-Up Guy got voted in! And clean up he can. As Mayor of Davao City he got rid of crime making it the safest city in The Philippines becoming a hugely popular destination for tourists. 

These challenges are obviously not easy. You just don’t solve a problem that for decades has been neglected. As President Duterte explains himself: With the sheer magnitude of the illegal drug problem, I am cognizant that we still have a long way to go in addressing this deeply rooted societal. 

The Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy states clear a vision for the future: by 2022, the Philippines will be able to achieve drug-free communities, provided by an extensive framework for law enforcement and penalties for violations. At the same time adopting a compassionate approach to the victims of drug use by encouraging treatment and rehabilitation. Sofar a broad array of projects have been implemented, bringing together families, schools, communities, faith-based groups and many more. 

To name just a few examples of the many activities which make up the War on Drugs campaign: Kids Against Drugs Program, which educates children to say no against drugs; Barkada Kontra Droga, organizing youth who advocate a healthy, drug-free lifestyle within their peer groups; Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils, established to help eradicate illegal drugs within communities at the village and ward level; Yakap Bayan Program, which provides former illegal drugs users and their families financial assistance (educational, medical and burial), cash and food for work, livelihood assistance, family counseling, and enrollment to the Family Drug Abuse Prevention Program and Special Drug Education Center.

It’s obvious these huge tasks take leadership and perseverance.  So, what has been achieved under the guidance of President Duterte? Facts speak louder than words: since July 2016 150.000+ anti-drugs operations conducted, 223.000+ persons arrested, Euro 715.000.000+ worth of drugs seized, 500+ narcotics dens and clandestine laboratories have been dismantled, 485.000+ surrendered to reformation programs, 34.000+ wards or villages have been declared drug-free and more than 2.800 children have been rescued form illegal drugs activities. Next to that almost 1000 government workers have been arrested in anti-drugs operations. Duterte’s message to the servants of the state leaves no room for interpretation: if you’re involved in narcotics, you’re going down. 

Many have died because of illegal drugs and its trade, at the same time many more have been saved and that’s what really counts. So, what’s at stake is obvious, the future of The Philippines and its children. The Filipino’s are very aware of this, 82% support the War on Drugs of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

Idlib: a story of clashes and ceasefires in Syria’s strategic province

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Idlib: a story of clashes and ceasefires in Syria’s strategic province

By Guido Lanfranchi.

On March 5th, 2020, the leaders of Turkey and Russia – involved on different sides in the conflict in Syria’s Idlib province – agreed once more to halt the fight in the region. Ten days later, the ceasefire seems to hold, and the two country’s militaries are moving on with the implementation of the agreement.

March 15th, 2020. The first joint Turkish-Russian patrol along the strategic M4 highway is underway today – as announced two days ago by Turkish Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar. The coordinated operation is taking place as part of the agreement reached on March 5th by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who decided to halt combat operations in the war-torn Idlib province of north-western Syria. 

The Idlib province is of major strategical importance in Syria, as it lies at the intersection between two of the country’s major communication arteries, the M4 and the M5 highways. The M5 cuts the most populated areas of Syria from south to north, connecting the capital Damascus with major cities such as Homs and Aleppo. The M4 cuts instead the country from west to east, connecting the Mediterranean port of Latakia with Syria’s north-east. The two highways intersect in the town of Saraqib, in Idlib province, which over the past weeks has been the focus of major clashes.

The fighting in Idlib has pitted the Syrian Arab Army, backed by Russia, against Turkish forces and their allied rebel groups in the region.

Clashes between these forces in Idlib are nothing new. Fierce fighting had already erupted in late 2018 between the Russian-backed Syrian Army and Turkish-backed groups in the area. An agreement between the Turkish and Russian leaders in September had temporarily stopped the clashes, providing for a halt to the Syrian offensive in return for the withdrawal of radical, al-Qaeda-linked groups from the region. The deal’s terms, however, were never fully implemented, and fighting erupted again in the spring of 2019.

Despite attempts to revive the Turkish-Russian agreement during the summer, clashes continued – eventually intensifying in late 2019, when Syrian forces, with the help of Russian airpower, launched an offensive to recapture territories in Idlib. This offensive prompted direct clashes between the Syrian army and Turkish forces, who had been deployed to several observation posts inside Idlib province under the September 2018 agreement. This last wave of clashes – which was particularly fierce – had devastating effects on Idlib province’s population. Over three months, nearly a million people were reportedly displaced – their conditions being all the more difficult owing to the combination of heavy clashes and harsh climate conditions.

As the fighting escalated in late February, the international community turned its attention to Idlib, and pressure on all sides mounted to put a halt to the clashes. On March 5th, Mr. Erdogan and Mr. Putin – after a six hours meeting – declared that another agreement had been reached. The new Idlib deal provided for an immediate ceasefire, as well as the establishment of a secure corridor around the M4 highway, to be managed jointly by Turkish and Russian forces. Under the deal, the Syrian government maintained its control over the areas recaptured during the latest offensive, thus finally securing control over the M5 highway. 

In the wake of the March 5th agreement, the international community’s attention has been rapidly shifting away from Idlib, with all eyes turning to the propagation of the COVID-19 across the globe. Yet, the situation in Idlib continues to evolve. In the days after the March 5th agreement, the two sides did not report major violations of the ceasefire. At the time of writing this article, on March 15th, the first joint Turkish-Russian patrol is currently ongoing. The operation is set to take place with a reduced route – due to the risk of provocation by armed groups, the Russian Ministry of Defense declared. Yet, increased coordination seems to be again underway – hopefully to the benefit of the civilian population in Idlib, who remains the real victim of this conflict.


About the author:

Guido Lanfranchi is a student and young professional in the field of international affairs. He has pursued his studies both at Leiden University and Sciences Po Paris, where he is currently enrolled. In parallel, he has been gaining professional experience through internships (first at the Council of the European Union, and currently at Clingendael Institute), as well as by working as reporter and associate editor for Diplomat Magazine The Netherlands. His research and work focus on the Middle East and Africa, and especially on conflict situations in these regions.

La BD Francophone: a celebration of the French language and comic book culture

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La BD Francophone: a celebration of the French language and comic book culture

H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia.

By Tereza Neuwirthova.

On the evening of March 5th, the embassies of the countries of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to The Netherlands, together with the French Institute, organised a celebration of the richness and diversity of the francophone cultures. The theme of this event that is annually held in the week of the French language, as well as during the month of La Francophonie, was Bandes Dessinées (BD); a culture of cartoons that represents an artistic form connecting and honoured in all francophone countries.

The event was held in the interiors of Pathé Buitenhof in The Hague, and saw the attendance of many diplomatic representatives, but also cartoonists, journalists or experts from the French-speaking world, together with a large number of members of the francophone community in The Netherlands.

La Francophonie, festival des Bandes Dessinées.

To begin the programme, the chairman of the Group of French-speaking Ambassadors in The Hague and the ambassador of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, welcomed the guests:

“It is my pleasure to be hosting this special event on the occasion of 50 years’ celebration of the International Organization of La Francophonie. The basis of this organisation is the French language, which also serves as the universal value that strengthens international solidarity and cooperation among the members of La Francophonie, but of course with other countries as well. This unique cause is recognised by all ambassadors of francophone countries to The Netherlands, my colleagues who are present here today.” 

Ambassadors, artists and participants to the 50 years’ celebration of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

“Moreover, the exceptional creativity and variety that the art of Bandes Dessinées offers, provides a unique means of communication that supports and ameliorates the relations through this cultural expression. Therefore, I hope that this evening will be an opportunity not only to honour the culture of comics, but also the commitment to building solidarity with the help of this artistic expression.”

The moderator of the event, Sonia Deschamps, held two round-table discussions with famous cartoonists that presented their works, as well as intellectual and artistic approach. During the first part of the programme, a debate on the topic “Comics: glances on history and the duty of memory”, was held with the authors Zeina Abirached (Lebanon), Emile Bravo (France), and Emilie Plateau (France). 

Thereafter, an intervention performance by the pupils of the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh from The Hague followed, during which their works-comics on the topic of climate change, were presented.

50 years’ celebration of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Festival des Bandes Dessinées.

After the performance, a second round-table debate followed, during which the illustrators Jean Auquier (Belgium), Guy Delisle (Québec), and Judith Vanistendael (Belgium) presented their works related to the topic “Comics: witness to reality and highlights of the issues of our time”. In addition, a short film about the “Velvet Revolution” was shown, where a group of Armenian cartoonists called Mayro Comics presented their work conveying the message of tolerance and mutual respect to the Armenian public.

The evening ended with a reception at which the embassies of francophone countries presented plenty of their national delicacies, in the form of a variety of drinks and dishes. The reception was highly enjoyed by all guests, who chatted about the topics of the evening programme, as well as the exceptional artistic value that the Bandes Dessinées present for the culture of La Francophonie. This celebration marked another enjoyable event organised by the diplomatic community of The Hague.

ICC Trial Chamber IX to deliberate on the Ongwen case

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ICC Trial Chamber IX to deliberate on the Ongwen case

Dominic Ongwen at the International Criminal Court in The Hague (Netherlands) on 10 March 2020 ©ICC-CPI.

The trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen has entered its final stages following closing statements that took place before Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) from 10 to 12 March 2020. During the closing statement hearings, the Prosecution, the Legal Representatives of Victims and the Defence presented their final arguments.

The ICC’s Trial Chamber IX, composed of Judge Bertram Schmitt, Presiding Judge, Judge Péter Kovács and Judge Raul Cano Pangalangan, will deliberate on the proceedings and, within a reasonable period, pronounce its decision on conviction or acquittal pursuant to article 74 of the Rome Statute. The Chamber bases its decision only on the applicable law and on evidence submitted and discussed before it at the trial.

The trial in this case opened on 6 December 2016. Dominic Ongwen is accused of 70 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in northern Uganda. The Prosecution and the Defence have completed the presentation of their evidence. The Legal Representatives of Victims also called witnesses to appear before the Chamber. On 12 December 2019, the Presiding Judge declared the closure of the submission of evidence in the case. The closing briefs were filed on 24 February 2020.

Korean Opera Gala Concert With Kim Cha Kyung Opera

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Korean Opera Gala Concert With Kim Cha Kyung Opera

In the picture H.E. Mr. Yeondoo Jeong, Ambassador of Korea with Kim Cha Kyung Opera Gala Concert’s artists.

By Roy Lie Atjam.

On 27th February 2020, a superb spectacle took place at the Diligentia Theatre in  The Hague featuring the Kim Cha Kyung Opera Gala Concert. On the program, classy young singers and a world-class repertoire, consisting of classical song and dance, pieces as La donna e mobile, Nessun Dorma ( Luciano Pavarotti) Ave Maria, Lippen schweigen and so much more.

The audience could not resist getting on their feet to applaud the performers. Kim Cha Kyung Opera, is the first private Korean opera company.

Kim Cha Kyung Opera Gala Concert.

Established in 1968 and named after the soprano Kim Cha Kyung, who dedicated her life to promulgate opera. The concert was under the auspices of the Embassy of Korea in the Netherlands.

It is interesting to note that the  relationship between Korea and the Netherlands dates back to the 17th century. It started with the  Dutch sailors Jan Janszn Weltevree ( Pak Yon) and Hendrik Hamel who landed on the island Jeju . Korea and the Netherlands established Diplomatic relations in 1961.

Guests at the Korean Gala Concert – Diligentia Theatre.

In his address, H.E. Mr. Yeondoo Jeong, Ambassador of Korea,  made mention of the fact that the two countries envisage celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021

Hence, the  Kim Cha Kyung Opera Gala Concert is to be considered as a prelude to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2021.

Dr Ekaterina Trendafilova, President of the Specialist Chambers and the Ambassador of Yemen, H.E. Ms. Sarah Ghanem at the Korean Opera Gala Concert.

Ambassador Yeondoo Jeong concluded by stating: “I look forward to your continuous love and affection towards Korea, as well as your active participation and support to various events to be hosted by the embassy. I appreciate your attendance today, and wish you good luck, continued health and happiness.”

What a wonderful evening it has been, all left the  Diligentia Theatre in high spirits.

An Italian expert: Saudi Arabia’s unilateral decision on oil serves Washington’s interest

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An Italian expert: Saudi Arabia’s unilateral decision on oil serves Washington’s interest

In the picture Tiberio Graziani.

Tiberio Graziani, director of the Italian International Vision and Global Trends Institute for Analytical Studies, said today, Tuesday, that Saudi Arabia’s decision to increase production and thus reduce the price of oil is beneficial to the United States and makes the oil market more chaotic.

Rome – Sputnik. “I believe that Saudi Arabia’s unilateral decision to reduce the price of oil was a tactical ploy that was mainly directed against Russia,” Graziani told Sputnik. He added: “When it comes to any type of energy source, whether from the point of view of technology development or infrastructure improvements or as in this case, from the point of view of the market or transactions in it, you always act consciously or not, in a geopolitical context Therefore, Saudi Arabia’s decision has a clear geopolitical dimension. ”

He added: “Riyadh’s behavior may help counter Russia’s attempts to boost its efforts in the Middle East and North Africa.”

Graziani explained: “Currently, Saudi Arabia’s” head blow “serves the United States, as it punishes Russia and creates indirect problems for China, meaning that it strikes two countries, Russia and China, with which the Trump administration declared a trade war with it long ago.

The head of the institute concluded that “because of this decision, the oil market has become more chaotic, than it was before.”
And oil futures prices fell by more than 20 percent, last Sunday evening, after Saudi Arabia reduced the official price for selling its crude oil, indicating the start of a price war after OPEC talks with Russia failed to reach an agreement on reducing production.

Earlier, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak announced that the “OPEC +” agreement will not be formally in place from April 1, but the coalition itself will remain and will operate under the Cooperation Treaty indefinitely and within the framework of this document.

A joint response to the situation in the oil market is expected, if necessary. In future, the alliance may return to regulating the level of production. The minister also said that the next OPEC + meetings will be from May to June 2020.

Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi’s case – admissible before the ICC

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Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi’s case – admissible before the ICC

Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi case: ICC Appeals Chamber confirms case is admissible before the ICC

In the picture Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, presiding judge on the appeal regarding the admissibility of the case against Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, on 9 March 2020 at the International Criminal Court in The Hague (Netherlands) © ICC-CPI.

Today, 9 March 2020, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) unanimously confirmed the admissibility of the case against Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi before the Court and rejected his appeal against the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision dismissing his challenge to the admissibility of this case.

The Appeals Chamber recalled that the Court is “complementary to national criminal jurisdictions”. A case is inadmissible when a person “has already been tried” and no person “who has been tried by another court” for crimes under the ICC jurisdiction shall be tried by the ICC with respect to the same conduct. In reviewing the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision, the Appeals Chamber found no error in it and agreed with its interpretation of the Rome Statute, indicating that the decision issued by a national jurisdiction must be final before a case can be declared inadmissible.

Having considered the submissions of the Defense, the Prosecutor, the victims, Libya’s government and others, the Appeals Chamber found that the Pre-Trial Chamber did not err in concluding that the Libyan judgment of 28 July 2015 against Mr Gaddafi was rendered in absentia. This is also supported by the Libyan Government’s submissions to the ICC. Thus, under Libyan Law, the Tripoli Court’s judgment cannot be considered final. The Appeals Chamber further agreed with Pre-Trial Chamber I’s decision that the Libyan Law No. 6 (2015) in respect of amnesty is not applicable to the crimes for which Mr Gaddafi was convicted by the Tripoli Court. Accordingly, the Appeals Chamber rejects Mr Gaddafi’s appeal.

The Appeals Chamber is composed of Judges Chile Eboe-Osuji, Presiding, Howard Morrison, Piotr Hofmański, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza and Solomy Balungi Bossa. Judge Eboe-Osuji and Judge Bossa jointly append a concurring separate opinion. Judge Ibáñez Carranza will, in due course, file a separate opinion to this judgment, related to the question of amnesties and international law.

Judgment on the appeal of Mr Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi against the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I entitled ‘Decision on the “Admissibility Challenge by Dr. Saif Al-Islam Gadafi pursuant to Articles 17(1)(c), 19 and 20(3) of the Rome Statute”’ of 5 April 2019

Concurring Separate Opinion of Judge Eboe-Osuji and Judge Bossa

Fatou Bensouda, on the referral by Venezuela

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Fatou Bensouda, on the referral by Venezuela

Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, on the referral by Venezuela regarding the situation in its own territory.

On 13 February 2020, I received a referral from the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (“Venezuela”) regarding the situation in its own territory, in accordance with its prerogatives as a State Party to the Rome Statute (the “Statute”).

Pursuant to article 14(1) of the Statute of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), the referring State requests the Prosecutor to initiate an investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed on the territory of Venezuela, with the view to determining whether one or more persons should be charged with the commission of such crimes.

In its referral, the Government of Venezuela states that crimes against humanity are committed “as a result of the application of unlawful coercive measures adopted unilaterally by the government of the United States of America against Venezuela, at least since the year 2014.” The referral is accompanied by a supporting document, which further specifies the relevant circumstances under which such crimes are alleged to have occurred. Pursuant to Regulation 45 of the Regulations of the Court, I have informed the ICC Presidency of this referral to enable the assignment of the situation to a Pre-Trial Chamber.

This is the second referral received by my Office concerning the situation in Venezuela. Previously, on 27 September 2018, a group of States Parties to the Rome Statute, namely the Argentine Republic, Canada, the Republic of Colombia, the Republic of Chile, the Republic of Paraguay and the Republic of Peru, made a referral regarding the situation in Venezuela, since 12 February 2014. This followed my earlier decision, of 8 February 2018, to open a preliminary examination into the situation in Venezuela to analyse alleged crimes in the context of demonstrations and related political unrest.

In my notification to the ICC Presidency, I have noted that the two referrals appear to overlap geographically and temporally and may therefore warrant assignment to the same Pre-Trial Chamber; but that this should not prejudice a later determination on whether the referred scope of the two situations is sufficiently linked to constitute a single situation.

A State Party referral does not automatically lead to the opening of an investigation. Should I, however, ultimately determine that the situation referred warrants an investigation in accordance with the statutory criteria, as a result of this referral, the Statute does not require the Prosecutor to seek authorisation from the Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court in order to proceed with an investigation. The receipt of a referral may expedite the process of opening an investigation only to the extent that judicial review of my decision would not be required under the Statute.

Specifically, under article 53 (1) of the Statute, as Prosecutor, I must consider issues of jurisdiction, admissibility and the interests of justice in making this determination. As noted in the Office’s Policy Paper on Preliminary Examinations, these factors are applied to all situations, irrespective of whether the preliminary examination was initiated on the basis of information on crimes submitted pursuant to article 15 of the Statute, by a referral from a State Party (or a group of States Parties) or the United Nations Security Council, or by a declaration accepting the exercise of jurisdiction by the Court, pursuant to article 12(3) of the Statute. In all circumstances, my Office independently evaluates and analyses the information available.

In the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate, my Office gives consideration to all submissions and views conveyed to it during the course of each preliminary examination, including any observation by the competent national authorities concerning any relevant investigation and prosecution at the national level.

Referral submitted by the Government of Venezuela. 

This is the tenth referral received by my Office since the Rome Statute came into force on 1 July 2002. Previously, the Governments of Uganda (2004), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2004), the Central African Republic (2004 and 2014), Mali (2012), the Union of the Comoros (2013), the Gabonese Republic (2016), the State of Palestine (2018) and the Group of six States Parties (2018) have referred situations to my Office in accordance with their prerogatives as States Parties to the Statute.

Expo 2020 Dubai unveils ‘Women’s Pavilion’

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Expo 2020 Dubai unveils ‘Women’s Pavilion’

Cyrille Vignero, CEO of Cartier & Minister Reem-Al-Hashimy – Picture by Expo 2020

A Women’s Pavilion will form a key part of Expo 2020 Dubai. The pavilion is a collaboration between Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier, and shall celebrate the contribution of women and their impact on society, shining a light on the countless achievements, past and present.

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said as per announcement: “The Women’s Pavilion highlights the crucial roles that women have long played as linchpins of their communities and drivers of economies, and underscores Expo 2020 Dubai’s firm commitment to empowering all women to drive their own development and create a better future for us all.”

The pavilion has been backed by United Nations Under-Secretary-General and executive director of UN women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and international human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

Cyrille Vigneron, president and CEO of Cartier International, said: “We are thrilled and honoured to collaborate with Expo 2020 Dubai, which offers a unique occasion to share our vision for a better future and a more inclusive society, with men and women across the globe.

For further information: 
https://www.expo2020dubai.com

Yecheon World Archery Festival

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Yecheon World Archery Festival

Under the theme of ‘The World United in Archery’, archers from 29 countries demonstrated the traditional archery of each country in the city of Yecheon located in the southeast part of South Korea at the World Archery Competition, giving visitors a meaningful time to experience the world’s traditional bows in one place. 

At the Yecheon World Archery Festival, International archery teams from 29 countries participated in individual and national competitions to show off their great performances. In the individual competitions, Malaysian archers ranked first, third and fourth, while Polish players took second. In the national competition, two representative archers from each country have participated, with China ranked first, followed by Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Yecheon World Archery Festival.

On the opening day, more than 100 archers and bowmen, in their traditional attire and bow, from 29 countries including Turkey, Malaysia and France created magnificent spectacle in the opening parade.

There were also various archery-themed experiential programs including VR shooting, bow hunting experience, and archery survival games. 

Another highlights of the festival was the entertaining traditional culture manifested by the local artists engaged in Yecheon Nongyo (farmers’ songs), regional music bands(wind ensemble), and Korean traditional costume parade. There were diverse events promoting Korean folk cultures where visitors and the local residents can participate together, sharing a sense of community. Also, there have been unique art and entertainment programs for the visitors to enjoy such as orchestra concerts, dance performances by Gyungbuk Provincial Dance Company, and smartphone film festival awards.

Besides a variety of archery-related events and performances, the visitors could also enjoy excellent local products in Yecheon Agricultural Products Festival, which was held concurrently. During the festival, people could have learning experiences of innovative technologies in agriculture through the exhibition of labor-saving agricultural equipment in the 6th Industrial Agriculture Promotion Hall of Yecheon. 

More than 100,000 visitors have been estimated to come to Yecheon World Archery Festival in 2019, which will be another representative tourist destination of Korea, where visitors can enjoy, learn, and experience cultural heritage of national and international archery.

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