President Agius presents his first Progress Report to UN Security Council

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President Agius presents his first Progress Report to UN Security Council

United Nations – International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals

Arusha, The Hague, 17 July 2019– The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Carmel Agius, today presented his first progress report to the United Nations Security Council (Council) since taking up office on 19 January 2019. In his address, President Agius highlighted the most notable aspects of the Mechanism’s work during the past six months. 

Regarding the Mechanism’s residual judicial workload, President Agius noted that the Appeal Judgement in the Karadžić case was delivered on 20 March 2019 at the Mechanism’s Hague branch, stressing the timely conclusion of this significant case. President Agius updated the Council on the Mladić appeal case, which is expected to conclude by the end of 2020, and the solid progress made in the Stanišić & Simatović re-trial, in which the Defence case commenced on 18 June 2019.  With regard to proceedings at the Arusha branch, the President informed the Council that the review hearing in the Ngirabatware case is anticipated to be held in September 2019. Further, the trial in the Turinabo et al. case against five persons accused of contempt of court is expected to start in October 2019. 

President Agius made a number of observations regarding the Mechanism’s responsibilities in the area of enforcement of sentences, emphasising that “justice does not end with the delivery of a judgement” and that “in order to have an enduring impact on international peace and justice, we must all remain committed not only to having trials and appeals and active judicial processes, but also to what comes afterwards.” The President called upon Member States to assist in relation to nine persons who were acquitted or released by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), and who currently remain in Arusha under the Mechanism’s responsibility as no State has yet been willing to accept them. President Agius highlighted that “these persons should be free to start a new life, having served their sentences or never been convicted in the first place”.   

President Agius was pleased to note that his address before the Council coincided with the Day of International Criminal Justice. While emphasising the important work undertaken by international courts and tribunals, the President stated that “international criminal justice is not the responsibility of courts alone” and that “all those who are committed to the rule of law have a vital part to play in the fight against impunity”. 

The President reiterated the need to stand firm against those who deny the legitimacy of the findings of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the ICTR and the Mechanism, particularly given the recent resurgence in genocide denial and revisionism. In his view, “[i]nternational criminal justice concerns us all, because justice is in the service of peace, and peace must be maintained on a daily basis”. 

In closing, President Agius expressed determination to do his “utmost to maximise the Mechanism’s ability to deliver meaningful justice and to fulfil all aspects of its mandate in an effective and efficient manner”, and his hope that Mechanism would continue to find support in the Council, as it has thus far.   

Following the President’s address, statements were made by Members of the Council as well as by representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Rwanda. 

Allocution du Procureur, Serge Brammertz, devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU

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Allocution du Procureur, Serge Brammertz, devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU

La Haye, 17 juillet 2019 – Le Procureur du Mécanisme international appelé à exercer les fonctions résiduelles des Tribunaux pénaux (le « Mécanisme »), Serge Brammertz, a prononcé aujourd’hui une allocution devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU. 

Il a commencé par faire un point sur les quelques procès en première instance et en appel conduits devant le Mécanisme, à savoir les appels dans les affaires Karadžić et Mladić, le nouveau procès dans l’affaire Stanišić et Simatović et la mise en état de l’affaire d’outrage Turinabo et consorts.

Au sujet de l’arrêt rendu dans l’affaire Karadžić, par lequel la Chambre d’appel du Mécanisme a confirmé les déclarations de culpabilité prononcées en première instance contre Radovan Karadžić et alourdi sa peine en le condamnant à l’emprisonnement à vie, le Procureur a déclaré : « Cette affaire démontre avec force que si la communauté internationale reste déterminée, la justice peut l’emporter — et l’emportera. »

Le Procureur a ensuite informé le Conseil de sécurité de l’état d’avancement de la recherche des huit personnes mises en accusation par le Tribunal pénal international pour le Rwanda encore en fuite. Il a fait savoir au Conseil que, pendant la période écoulée, son Bureau avait recueilli des renseignements crédibles sur les endroits où plusieurs fugitifs se trouvent actuellement, et pris contact en conséquence avec un certain nombre d’États Membres pour obtenir leur coopération.

Il a cependant fait observer qu’un certain nombre de questions relevant de la coopération des États contrariaient les efforts déployés par son Bureau pour que les fugitifs soient arrêtés. Le Procureur a souligné à ce propos : « Cette année a été celle de la 25e commémoration du génocide rwandais. Il est temps que les derniers fugitifs mis en accusation par le TPIR soient traduits en justice. Les victimes ont attendu bien trop longtemps. »

S’agissant des efforts déployés à l’échelle nationale au Rwanda et dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie pour que justice soit rendue au plus grand nombre de victimes, le Procureur a signalé que les autorités rwandaises recherchent toujours plus de 500 fugitifs, tandis que dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie, les juridictions nationales doivent encore traiter des milliers d’affaires. Faisant remarquer que, l’année passée, son Bureau avait reçu 333 demandes d’assistance visant à obtenir des éléments de preuve, soit plus que jamais auparavant, le Procureur a expliqué : « Nos homologues nationaux s’accordent tous à dire qu’ils ont besoin de davantage de soutien, d’assistance et de conseils pour mettre pleinement en œuvre les stratégies nationales en matière de crimes de guerre. » 

Concernant la coopération judiciaire régionale entre les pays issus de la Yougoslavie, qui a pris une mauvaise direction ces dernières années, le Procureur a déclaré : « Je suis heureux d’annoncer qu’avec le soutien de mon Bureau, les procureurs généraux de la région sont convenus, à la conférence qui s’est tenue récemment à Belgrade, que certaines affaires concernant des responsables de rang intermédiaire seraient transférées par les pays où les crimes ont été commis à ceux où les suspects résident actuellement. Les procureurs généraux ont en outre demandé à mon Bureau de faciliter ce processus. »

Enfin, le Procureur a une nouvelle fois informé le Conseil de sécurité que la glorification des criminels de guerre et le déni des crimes persistaient au Rwanda et dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie.

Au sujet du Rwanda, il a déclaré : « Il est inacceptable de minimiser le nombre de morts et l’ampleur des destructions ou de mettre l’accent sur d’autres facteurs pour détourner l’attention des faits relatifs au génocide. » Pour ce qui est des pays issus de la Yougoslavie, il a insisté sur le fait que « le déni des crimes fait profondément souffrir les victimes » et que « la glorification des criminels sanctionne les jeunes » en « les divisant au lieu de les rassembler ».

Il a déclaré en conclusion : « En se cantonnant dans l’attentisme alors que les crimes étaient commis au Rwanda et en ex Yougoslavie, la communauté internationale a failli à ses devoirs envers tous ceux qui ont été victimes de ces crimes. Nous ne pouvons pas y faillir de nouveau en nous abstenant maintenant de nous élever contre le déni des crimes et la glorification des criminels. »

ICC marks 17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice

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ICC marks 17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice

The International Criminal Court (ICC) today marks 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice. On this day in 1998, the Rome Statute was adopted. The Rome Statute is the founding treaty of the ICC, which created the Court and the Trust Fund for Victims.

Marking the day, ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji stated: “There cannot be sustainable socio-economic development, where conflicts, atrocities and fear reign supreme. The fact that we have today a permanent International Criminal Court has changed the way the world looks at atrocities. The world expects accountability. Victims demand justice. The space for impunity for these atrocities is shrinking.” In this way, the ICC President linked the work of the Court to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG16): Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Several events are being hosted to mark the anniversary, particularly through the ICC’s country offices in Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Georgia, and Uganda.

The ICC President will deliver remarks at an event commemorating 17 July at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event, hosted by the Permanent Missions of Argentina, Ecuador, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Sierra Leone and Spain, as well as Parliamentarians for Global Action, will highlight the crucial role of international criminal justice in achieving SDG16.

These events and more are covered on the ICC’s social media platforms, which are also kicking off a year-long call for stories with the theme “My #journeytojustice”. Participants can submit selfie-style video stories of under one minute by using the #journeytojustice hashtag or emailing PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int.

Starting today, stories from the ICC President, Prosecutor and Registrar, among many others, will be featured on these platforms. The stories are personal accounts of how those participating in the campaign first became interested in matters of justice, why, and where that led them to this day.

17 July unites all those who support ending impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern through the due process of law, promoting victims’ rights, and contributing to the prevention of such crimes.

″Meet Hungary” business reception

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″Meet Hungary” business reception

 On 18 June, the Embassy of Hungary and the Hungarian Business Network (HBN) organized a business reception at the newly renovated Embassy building in the Hague.

The event brought together 50 representatives of Dutch companies in Hungary, Dutch-Hungarian businessmen and international and Dutch governmental organizations. The event was opened by Ambassador Kocsis and Cisca Ansem, President of the HBN.

Keynote speaker, Mr. Balázs Vajta, KLM Vice President Strategy, Captain of Boeing B737 gave a presentation about the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Embassy of Madagascar in Germany celebrated the 59thanniversary of the return of independence

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Embassy of Madagascar in Germany celebrated the 59thanniversary of the return of independence

Chargée d’Affaires a.i. Florence Ratsimba flanked by fellow diplomats.

By Urs Unkauf.

In rememberance of the independence from France in 1960, Madagascar celebrates the 26thof June as the National Day. This day is a celebrating day for the entire Malagasy population. On this occasion, Mrs. Florence Isabelle Rafaramalala ép Ratsimba, Chargée d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Republic of Madagascar invited the diplomatic corps and friends of Madagascar to a reception at the Embassy and Residence in Falkensee near Berlin.

In her speech, Chargée d’Affaires a.i. Ratsimba declared: “The progress under way to learn and implement democracy following the state of the arts can be translated into deep commitments to deliver. As a reminder, to be elected means to honor a social contract, accountability is the key word.” Madagascar has a unique nature which is aimed to be provided and secured. Although, the fourth biggest island of the world has various potentials for economic growth, such as in the sectors of energy, agriculture, mining and digitalization.

Embassy of Madagascar in Falkensee (Federal State of Brandenburg).

With regard to the efforts of the new government, Mrs. Ratsimba explained that “the strong political will of implementation for better governance, to observe financial orthodoxy, to spare means at state level for better deliveries of social and administrative services, to meet the population’s high expectations, to work more efficiently at a decentralized level, to raise funds allocated to Communes and community level authorities, and to ease investments, those are new”.

The event was attended by many ambassadors, among them H.E. Jean-Marc Mpay (Republic of Cameroon and dean of the African ambassadors in Germany), H.E. Nor-Eddine Aouam (Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria), H.E. Ruth Masodzi Chikwira (Republic of Zimbabwe), H.E. Youngor Telewoda (Republic of Liberia), H.E. Yahia Mohammed Al-Shaibi (Republic of Yemen), H.E. Mamadou Kamara Dekamo (Republic of the Congo), H.E. Boubacar Boureima (Republic of Niger), H.E. Dr. Abdallah Possi (United Republic of Tanzania), H.E. Retselisitoe Calvin Masenyetse (Kingdom of Lesotho), H.E. Dr. Marcel R. Tibaleka (Republic of Uganda) and the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Abdul Jabar Ariyaee (Islamic Republic of Afghanistan).

The Embassies of the Republic of Chad and the Republic of Cabo Verde also sent representatives and the honorary consuls of Madagascar from different federal states in Germany came in honour of Madagascar’s national day.

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Photography by the Embassy of Madagascar.

Spanish artists at the Utrecht Early Music Festival 2019

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Spanish artists at the Utrecht Early Music Festival 2019
August 23rd – September 1st  2019, Utrecht

The Utrecht Early Music Festival 2019 will take place from August 23rd till September 1st. The theme chosen for this year’s edition of the festival, which has been held in the city of Utrecht since 1982, is Naples: a great European center for musical innovation between the 13th and 18th centuries thanks to its diverse environment, which brought the city ahead of its time. 
 

One more year, Spanish artists will be present at the festival. The well-known Spanish musician Jordi Savall repeats for the fifth time consecutively, together with his bands “La Capella Reial de Catalunya” and “Hespèrion XXI”. They will perform chansons, carols and dances from the 15th to the 18th centuries, when Naples belonged to the Kingdom of Aragon.
 

Another Spanish artist that will perform is Guillermo Pérez, specialist in early keyboard instruments and expert in the organetto, the expressive portable organ of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Finally, the soprano Raquel Andueza will come back to the festival, after she became the big surprise of the 2008 edition. Since then her international career has shot up to be a renowned soloist specialized in Spanish and Italian music of the 17th century.
 

For further information, dates and schedules visit the website of the Utrecht Early Music Festival 2019. 

Jaume Plensa’s exhibition in museum Beelden aan Zee June 22nd – September 22nd 2019, Scheveningen

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Jaume Plensa’s exhibition in museum Beelden aan Zee June 22nd – September 22nd 2019, Scheveningen


The museum Beelden aan Zee (BAZ) celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with three special exhibitions. The summer exhibition, which will take place from June 22 to September 22, will be dedicated to Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, a versatile artist known for his large sculptures that are exhibited mainly in public spaces.

He has completed over thirty large projects in cities such as Chicago, Dubai, London, Liverpool, Nice, Tokyo, Toronto and Vancouver, and he has received many awards, including the Medal de Chevalier des Arts et Lettres and the Velázquez Prize for the Arts in 2013.

The relationship between Jaume Plensa and the museum Beelden aan Zee started a long time ago. In 1985, Theo and Lida Scholten, founders of Beelden aan Zee, bought one of his first works, titled “Home”. Last year, Jaume Plensa created the fountain titled “Love”, one of the eleven fountains made for Leeuwarden-Frylân European Capital of Culture 2018. 

More information about the exhibition can be found at the website of museum BAZ.

‘Vision and Virtuosity’ by Tiffany & Co.

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‘Vision and Virtuosity’ by Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. brings its radiance to Shanghai with a novel exhibition: ‘Vision and Virtuosity’. It shall celebrate the most pulchritudinous masterpieces of the legendary jewellery brand. 

In September, Tiffany & Co. moves to Shanghai. ‘Vision and Virtuosity’ is a true journey that traces the brand’s incredible journey in design and craftsmanship.

The exhibition is divided into six chapters: “Blue is the colour of dreams” paying tribute to the signature colour of the brand’s creations, with the presence of stones such as sapphire, its decoration and packaging; “Le monde de Tiffany”, which reflects the brand’s representation in popular culture; “Le BlueBook de Tiffany”, where visitors can discover the art and innovation behind the flagship BlueBook collection. “Tiffany’s Love”, shows the role of the brand and its jewellery in the most beautiful declarations of love.

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a celebration of the cult film of the same name and its actress Audrey Hepburn. One shall discover behind the scenes, photographs, and exclusive objects such as the original scenario. And finally “Diamonds: miracles of nature”, a room entirely dedicated to the most precious of stones. 

‘Vision & Virtuosity’ shal be held from 23 September to 10 November 2019 at the Fosun Foundation in Shanghai.

For further information:
http://www.fosunfoundation.com/en/index.php/venue/fosun_foundation_center

Ralph Lauren at Wimbledon

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Ralph Lauren at Wimbledon

Monday, 8 July 8 2019, London, UK: This year Ralph Lauren continued its partnership, and private suite venue in the framework of The Championships, Wimbledon, the world’s oldest tennis tournament. 

The Polo Ralph Lauren Suite and Derek Blasberg welcomed guests to the tournament that is held since 1877. Ralph Lauren treated its celebrity, and aristocratic guests to a drinks reception, seated lunch and afternoon tea whist enjoying the matches of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and 15-year-old American rising star Cori Gauff. 

Ralph Lauren Company’s luxury brands include Polo Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Ralph Lauren Childrenswear, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren, Chaps, and Club Monaco.

For further information: 
https://www.ralphlauren.de/?ab=Geo_iDE_rUS_dDE&locale=de_DE

German Public Prosecutors General in support of Eurojust

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German Public Prosecutors General in support of Eurojust

The Hague, 16 July 2019


During the meeting of the Working Group Europe of Germany’s Public Prosecutors General at Eurojust’s premises in The Hague, their support and appreciation for Eurojust’s operational support to cross-border investigations was reaffirmed.

They stressed the need to safeguard the role of Eurojust for the future. In a resolution of 10 June 2019, the Public Prosecutor Generals expressed their grave concerns that the proposed financial resources for Eurojust in the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2021-2027) are far too limited to meet the growing demand for practical, on-call support to judicial authorities.

This situation risks weakening the EU security chain, when other law enforcement agencies are being considerably strengthened.

The Working Group Europe of Germany’s Public Prosecutors General visited Eurojust on 15 and 16 July under the leadership of Dr Frank Lüttig, the Public Prosecutor General of Celle. The Federal Public Prosecutor General, Dr Peter Frank, and the Public Prosecutors General of Berlin, Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, Munich and Naumburg were present.

The delegation met with Mr Ladislav Hamran, President of Eurojust, and Mr Klaus Meyer-Cabri, Vice President of Eurojust and National Member for Germany. Recent developments around e-evidence and the future increase in workload for Eurojust after the European Public Prosecutor’s Office becomes operational were also discussed.

The Working Group discussed current issues with the acting Deputy Director General (DG JUST) of the European Commission and the Executive Director of Europol.

‘Eurojust has become a very important partner in our fight against serious cross-border crime’, said Dr Lüttig. ‘In the past four years, the support requested through the German Desk at Eurojust has in fact risen by 350%. With cross-border crime on the rise, we expect that German prosecutors will turn even more often to Eurojust in the future. We want them to be able to count on the swift, useful service they have been getting until now. With the resolution, we also stress the importance of proper funding for the opportunities in the new Eurojust Regulation to deepen judicial cooperation at EU level, including a rapid introduction of an EU-wide Digital Justice infrastructure.’

Mr Meyer-Cabri confirmed that the demand for services from German prosecutors via the German Desk at Eurojust is steadily increasing. ‘By mid-July 2019, we have already reached the number of cases we had registered by September 2018. This represents an increase of 83% compared to last year. Through our 24/7 services and strict focus on the needs of the local prosecutors, the German Desk, and Eurojust as a whole, are ready to help when it really matters.’

The added value of Eurojust to German prosecutors was particularly evident following a landmark judgement by the European Court of Justice of 27 May 2019 on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW). As a result, German public prosecutors remain in charge of preparing the EAWs but German courts have become competent to issue them. Through swift support via Eurojust, approximately 150 EAWs have been urgently replaced, including EAWs for which people were already in custody and EAWs for serious offences. Eurojust has also taken the lead in an analysis of the wider implications of the ruling and quickly complied an overview of the role of prosecutors in all Member States. Eurojust will monitor future developments closely. 

‘As Eurojust’s quick analysis of the EAW ruling on Germany clearly shows, we are very well placed to help practitioners find their way in an increasingly complex EU legal environment’, said Mr Hamran. ‘I warmly welcome the outspoken support of the German Prosecutors General concerning our budgetary needs and proper funding for the future. The steady rise in cases referred to us, including from German prosecutors, is for me the best indicator that our pragmatic, decentralised cooperation model, with national representatives united under one roof, works well and needs to be safeguarded. It is agile and fosters considerable trust. We want to continue serving each prosecutor that knocks on our door without no to future requests due to budgetary reasons.’

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Photo © Eurojust

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