The interesting planned meeting in Turkey of the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with the President of Turkey Tayyip Erdogan – What were the red lines and what were the calm waters in the discussion between the two political leaders.
By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
In a scheduled meeting, at the invitation of Turkish President Erdogan, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis went to Ankara. The visit of the Turkish president to Athens was preceded a few months ago. After about two hours of talks, the leaders of Greece and Turkey gave a press conference, an interview in the context of which they underlined the value of the positive agenda in Greek-Turkish relations, without, however, managing to hide a series of disagreements at the same time.
As Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, “we have shown that next to our disagreements we can also write a parallel page with our agreements.”
Mr. Mitsotakis argued that “today should not remain captive to yesterday,” underlining at the same time that “we wish to intensify our bilateral contacts.” “I can only begin by thanking you for the warm hospitality today in Ankara, in a meeting worth noting is the fourth in the last ten months. Something which I believe proves that the two neighbors can now establish this approach of mutual understanding, no longer as an exception, but as a productive normality that is not negated by the known differences in our positions,” stressed the Greek Prime Minister. “I greet you cordially and respectfully. I feel great satisfaction hosting the honorable Mr. Mitsotakis and his delegation in Ankara,” said, for his part, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“As you know, when I visited Athens in December, we had confirmed our mutual agreement to keep the channels open. We recorded this consensus with the Declaration of Athens. The return visit is a reflection of this agreement. I thank him for his honesty regarding the development of bilateral relations,” added the Turkish president, addressing the Greek prime minister. Tayyip Erdogan said that the discussion with Kyriakos Mitsotakis was “productive, honest and constructive.” He noted that bilateral issues were discussed, as well as the fight against terrorism. On the other hand, of course, there were disagreements that were evident during the press conference.
Photos by the Press Office of the Greek Prime Minister). Συνάντηση του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη με τον Πρόεδρο της Τουρκίας, Ρετζέπ Ταγίπ Ερντογάν στο Προεδρικό Μέγαρο στην Άγκυρα, Δευτέρα 13 Μαΐου 2024.
(ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΠΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ/ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
They disagreed about Hamas
“There is an important issue on which we do not agree,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said to the Greek prime minister shortly before the end of a joint press conference in Ankara this afternoon. The Turkish leadership “does not consider Hamas a terrorist organization” but instead “a resistance organization […] that fights to protect the Palestinian territories and people,” the Turkish leader continued.
A little earlier, Kyriakos Mitsotakis had denounced the attack launched by Hamas terrorists on October 7, underlining Israel’s right to self-defense but distancing himself from the asymmetric use of force by the Israelis in the Gaza Strip.
Referring in particular to what is happening in the Gaza Strip, Mr. Mitsotakis called for a permanent truce and an end to the asymmetric violence on the part of the Israelis. At the same time, he described an Israeli attack on Rafah as a “colossal mistake”, while making it clear that the only sustainable perspective in the Palestinian issue is the two-state solution. “Western countries must speak with a louder voice” about what is happening in Gaza, said the Turkish president, who again accused Israel of “genocide.”
Photos by the Press Office of the Greek Prime Minister) Συνάντηση του Πρωθυπουργού Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη με τον Πρόεδρο της Τουρκίας, Ρετζέπ Ταγίπ Ερντογάν στο Προεδρικό Μέγαρο στην Άγκυρα, Δευτέρα 13 Μαΐου 2024.
(ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΠΑΠΑΜΗΤΣΟΣ/ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
Greek-Turkish and minority
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Erdogan reiterated that in his opinion “there is no problem that is so big that it cannot be solved.” “Despite the differences of opinion, we are focusing on the positive agenda,” continued the Turkish president who, however, spoke again about the “Turkish minority in Greece,” thus provoking the reaction of the Greek prime minister. “The characterization of the minority as religious is expressly provided for by the Treaty of Lausanne,” the Greek Prime Minister said for his part, before speaking about Hellenism in Turkey which is unfortunately constantly shrinking.
Greek dissatisfaction with the Monastery of Chora
Mr. Mitsotakis did not fail, however, to express at the same time the “sorrow and dissatisfaction” of the Greek side for the Monastery of Chora, which will henceforth function as a mosque. “Turkey is a model country in the protection of cultural heritage. The Monastery of Hora is open for everyone to visit,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously stated, referring to the same issue.
IRMCT Principals note the adoption of the UN General Assembly resolution on the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica
The Hague, 24 May 2024 – On the occasion of the adoption on 23 May 2024 of resolution A/78/L.67/Rev.1 by the United Nations General Assembly, the Principals of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), President Graciela Gatti Santana, Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou, issued the following statement:
“We note the adoption yesterday by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution designating 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
As independent judicial institutions, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the Mechanism have adjudicated numerous cases related to the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica with a view to determining the individual responsibility of accused persons in the relevant events. Judicial findings made in those cases have both advanced international criminal law and helped to establish an irrefutible historical record.
We observe in this regard that the resolution acknowledges the contributions made by the ICTY and the Mechanism in fighting impunity and ensuring accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, as well as their role, and that of the International Court of Justice, in determining that the acts committed in Srebrenica constituted acts of genocide.
Today, although it no longer has active trials or appeals in core crimes cases, the Mechanism continues to assist national jurisdictions in delivering justice for crimes committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. The Mechanism also remains committed to consolidating its legacy and that of the ICTY and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), recognising their tremendous value in combatting the divisive phenomena of genocide denial, historical revisionism and glorification of convicted war criminals.”
The Mechanism was established by the United Nations Security Council on 22 December 2010, and is mandated to perform a number of essential functions previously carried out by the ICTR and the ICTY.
Aujourd’hui, le 24 mai 2024, l’Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas (France) a remporté la finale de la version française du concours de procès fictif de la Cour pénale internationale (CPI), qui a eu lieu en salle d’audience I de la CPI à La Haye (Pays-Bas). L’Université de Kinshasa (République Démocratique du Congo) a remporté la deuxième place. Le prix du « Meilleur orateur » a été décerné à Débora Sabanga de l’Université de Kinshasa.
L’équipe lauréate était composée de Jérémie Boisfer, Adèle Siry, Cyrielle Danzin et Joy Rodrigues Dos Santos.
Le jury était composé de la Seconde vice-présidente de la CPI, Mme la juge Reine Alapini-Gansou, juge présidente du jury, Mme la juge de la CPI Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza, et du juriste de la CPI Léo Jolivet.
L’équipe lauréate composée de Jérémie Boisfer, Adèle Siry, Cyrielle Danzin et Joy Rodrigues Dos Santos.
Les équipes se sont affrontées dans une affaire fictive et ont présenté leurs arguments dans les rôles des Représentants légaux des victimes et de la Défense, qui ont été diffusés en direct sur le site Internet de la Cour ainsi que sur son compte Facebook.
Cette troisième édition du concours de procès fictif en langue française est organisée par l’Académie de droit international de La Haye, avec le soutien de l’Ambassade de France aux Pays-Bas. 42 universités de 17 pays ont participé au concours.
Dans le cadre du programme qu’elle consacre aux milieux universitaires, la CPI soutient l’organisation de concours de procès fictifs en anglais, en espagnol, en français et en chinois et envisage d’en soutenir également l’organisation d’une version en arabe à l’avenir. Ces initiatives jouent un rôle fondamental pour susciter dans les milieux universitaires de l’intérêt pour le travail de la Cour et pour mieux faire connaître et respecter le droit international pénal.
From April 18 to 21, the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam became the epicenter for wine lovers during the prestigious ‘Amsterdam Wine Festival’. This B2C (business to consumer) event offered visitors the opportunity to taste a varied selection of wines from around the world. In this edition, dedicated to wines from the southern hemisphere, the participation of Peru stood out, represented by the company “La Bodega Vinos”.
Peru at Peru’s successful participation in the Amsterdam Wine Festival.
Peruvian presence at the festival
La Bodega Vinos, directed by Arjan Kiel, made its presence felt with a stand offering the acclaimed Intipalka wines. This name, which means “Valley of the Sun” in Quechua, honors its origin in the Ica Valley, a region known for its ideal climate and soils for wine agriculture. The Intipalka vineyards, located 500 meters above sea level and more than 60 km from the coast, benefit from a desert climate with great thermal amplitude and soils rich in magnesium, which contributes to the exceptional quality of the wines.
To encourage the purchase of Peruvian wine during the festival, La Bodega Vinos offered an attractive prize: a trip to Peru for two people. Attendees who purchased a bottle of Peruvian wine at the stand on Thursday or Sunday of the event had the opportunity to participate in a drawing for two round-trip tickets to Peru, plus a night at Intipalka’s vineyards. This prize not only encouraged the sale of the wines, but also aroused great interest in wine tourism in Peru.
Peru’s successful participation in the Amsterdam Wine Festival 2024.
The Amsterdam Wine Festival is a well-established event with two annual editions: in March, focusing on wines from the southern hemisphere, and in September, on wines from the northern hemisphere. In 2023, the festival attracted more than 26,500 visitors between the two editions, reflecting its popularity and reach.
With a strong social media presence (over 22,000 followers on Facebook and 8,000 on Instagram), and a newsletter with 98,000 subscribers, the festival ensures a wide reach for exhibitors.
Henry Torres, from the Peruvian Embassy.
The success of Intipalka
Founded in 2008, Intipalka has positioned itself as a representative brand of Peruvian viticulture. With technified vineyards and manual harvests, its wines are vinified at controlled temperatures in stainless steel tanks and aged in French and American oak barrels. Intipalka’s presence at the festival not only raised Peru’s name in the wine world, but also opened up new market opportunities and international promotion.
Peru’s participation in the Amsterdam Wine Festival was undoubtedly a great success, demonstrating the quality and potential of Peruvian wines in the competitive European market. With innovative promotional strategies and high quality products, Intipalka and La Bodega Vinos have left a lasting impression on festival attendees, consolidating Peru’s reputation as a producer of exceptional wines.
The role of the International Criminal Justice in Upholding Accountability for the Crime of Genocide – 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda
By Beatrice Levorato Barsotti
On May 22nd, the Embassy of Rwanda and the Embassy of France organized a conference on the ‘Role of International Criminal Justice in Upholding Accountability for the Crime of Genocide’ in the context of the 30th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
The conference was held at Peace Palace in The Hague, and featured high-profile participants involved in the judicial process following the genocide. These included Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT); Aimable Havugiyaremye, Prosecutor General at the National Public Prosecution Authority in Rwanda; Guillaume Lefevre Pontalis, Deputy Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor of France; and Prof. Dr. Carsten Stahn, Professor of International Criminal Law & Global Justice at Leiden University.
H.E. Mr. Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and H.E. Mr. François Alabrune, Ambassador of France to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, opened the conference with their opening remarks.
In his opening remarks, the Rwandan Ambassador underscored the devastating impact of the genocide, which resulted in over a million deaths within three months, the destruction of Rwanda’s economy and infrastructure, and the displacement of millions. He addressed the immense challenges faced by the new government in seeking justice amid the widespread loss of judicial personnel and infrastructure. The Ambassador detailed the three-pronged approach to ensuring accountability through Rwandan national jurisdictions, foreign tribunals, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). He expressed hope that the conference would provide valuable insights into the successes and challenges of the ICTR and contribute to the broader understanding of how international criminal justice can effectively prosecute genocide suspects. The Ambassador concluded by encouraging a fruitful and interactive debate among the diplomatic, academic, and legal communities present.
“I hope that the debate will be as informative and interactive as possible, and could enable the diplomatic, academic and legal communities in The Hague to draw lessons from the 1994 genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi, and reflect on the best way to ensure accountability and to prosecute, in an effective manner, suspects of genocide.” Said Ambassador Nduhungirehe.
H.E. Mr. Alabrune, Ambassador of France, drew attention to two critical and contemporary questions: what lessons can we draw from the genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda, and have these lessons been integrated into the fight against impunity for the crime of genocide? Reflecting on the friendship between France and Rwanda, the Ambassador emphasized the themes of memory and justice. He highlighted the duty to remember and combat negationism to prevent history from repeating itself and to facilitate reconciliation and recovery for the victims. The Ambassador also noted that in response to the genocide, which unfolded before the eyes of the international community, the United Nations Security Council established the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) on 8 November 1994, based in Arusha, Tanzania. The ICTR was tasked with trying those responsible for the genocide against the Tutsis and was the first international tribunal to rule specifically on genocide, carrying forward the legacy of the Nuremberg Tribunal. The ICTR pioneered many aspects of international criminal justice, setting important precedents for future tribunals.
Ambassador Alabrune said: “The international community witnessed the last genocide of the 20th century. This kwibuka, this commemoration participates in this work and this duty of memory. The duty to remember is not only to remember; it is remembering so as not to repeat. The duty to remember also means fighting against negationism.”
Judge Graciela Gatti-Santana highlighted the significance of the conference in reflecting on the achievements of international criminal justice in prosecuting genocide suspects and emphasized the importance of international cooperation. The judge acknowledged the pioneering role of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and its successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (MICT), in defining and prosecuting genocide. She underscored the crucial role of national and international collaboration in achieving these milestones and emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure accountability and combat impunity. She also highlighted the importance of disseminating the jurisprudence of international judicial mechanisms to prevent genocide denial and revisionism.
Starting with a reflection on the beauty of the landscapes of Rwanda, Mame Mandiaye Niang, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, delved into the challenges of dispensing justice amidst the lingering anguish and resentment following the atrocities of 1994. Having witnessed firsthand the aftermath of genocide, as well as the arduous processes of investigation and prosecution, before ascending to the judiciary himself, Niang recounted the palpable dissatisfaction with the international community. The discontent emanated from all sides: perpetrators saw the ICTR as biased toward the victors, while neither victims nor perpetrators found solace in its proceedings. Kenya’s pivotal decision to cooperate in 1997 marked a turning point, facilitating the apprehension of numerous leaders and the establishment of a detention center. Mr. Havuguyaremye emphasized a poignant message: the transformative power of justice in reclaiming the humanity denied to those scarred by unspeakable atrocities.
Aimable Havugiyaremye, Prosecutor General at National Public Prosecution Authority of Rwanda, intervened on the national reconciliation in Rwanda, the process and challenges in the past and today. To understand the genocide against the Tutsi, he stressed the importance of examining Rwanda’s history, particularly the transformation of social classes into ethnic divisions by colonial powers. Before colonization, Rwandan society was organized into fluid social classes—Tutsi, Hutu, and Twa—based on occupation and wealth, with minimal conflict. However, Belgian colonizers, employing a divide and conquer strategy, rigidified these classes into fixed ethnic identities by introducing identity cards and favoring the Tutsi minority, thereby exacerbating social inequalities and fostering resentment. This colonial manipulation laid the groundwork for ethnic tensions that erupted into violence, notably during the 1959 Social Revolution, and culminated in the 1994 genocide. The General Prosecutor described the Rwandan Patriotic Front’s (RPF) liberation war beginning in 1990, aimed at fighting injustice. By 1994, the genocide was in full execution, leaving Rwanda devastated with mass killings and a shattered nation. Post-genocide, the critical challenge was to deliver justice amidst a destroyed judicial infrastructure and a populace in flight.
Reconciliation efforts focused on rebuilding the social fabric without revenge, eradicating the culture of impunity, and reconstructing a unified national identity. The establishment of Gacaca courts, despite criticism, allowed for community-based justice, addressing the massive number of genocide suspects. These courts were crucial in processing cases rapidly and ensuring accountability.
Challenges persisted, including identifying suspects who had changed names, ensuring political will for prosecutions, and addressing refugee statuses complicating extradition. The General Prosecutor underscored the importance of international judicial cooperation and combating genocide negationism, which remains a painful reminder of past atrocities. He concluded by affirming that the pursuit of justice is an ongoing, generational struggle, essential for global accountability and the prevention of future genocides.
Guillaume Lefevre Pontalis, Deputy Anti Terrorist Prosecutor of France, explained the efforts made in France to prosecute suspected perpetuators and current challenges, as well as the joint efforts to fight impunity. The main challenge highlighted by the Deputy was the initial challenge of creating some sort of jurisdiction, creating an expertise pool with historical and technical knowledge on the genocide in Rwanda. They had to wait until 2012 to create in Paris a centralised unit. They applied the universal jurisdicition principle – given that the persons persecuted were not French, and the crime wasn’t committed in France. The Deputy highlighted the challenges stemming from the fact that it was not their jurisdiction, hence they lacked important materials as archives, evidence. These difficulties were exacerbated by the fact that the crime had been committed 20 years ago. The deputy underscored the improtance of criminal, justical and police cooperation in this context. Finally, he explained the symbolic improtance of 2024. In fact, there will be two processes. In general, he stressed that judgin will remain one of France priorities, new investigations are nearing completion and should lead to new projects in the years to come.
In conclusion of the Conference, Prof. dr. Carsten Stahn emphasized the importance of the past in moving forward, underscoring that commemoration not only honors the dead but also aids survivors in rebuilding their lives, which he deemed more vital than legal frameworks. He highlighted how the unique Dutch approach to international criminal justice, similar to Rwanda’s Gacaca courts, facilitated reconciliation by incorporating local contexts and allowing victims to see justice served, sometimes between neighbors and former enemies. Reflecting on Rwanda’s history, he noted the colonial manipulation that transformed social classes into rigid ethnic divisions, sowing seeds of conflict that erupted into the 1994 genocide. He echoed the Attorney General’s insights on the importance of judicial cooperation and the fight against impunity, stressing the development of international legal standards to combat genocide.
The Professor pointed out the enduring challenges in preventing genocide, incitement to genocide, proving genocidal intent, and preventing violence, but also noted positive developments like the creation of the International Criminal Court and evolving case law that mandates states to prevent mass atrocities extraterritorially. He praised innovative legal approaches that prosecute incitement to genocide even without subsequent crimes, and he highlighted the critical role of media in either promoting or preventing hate. The Professor concluded by emphasizing the need for robust international cooperation and continuous efforts to strengthen legal mechanisms and prevent future genocides, drawing lessons from Rwanda’s painful history and the ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation.
A unique collaboration between the Dutch-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce-Holland House Costa Rica and Costa Rican governmental authorities based in the Netherlands, has led to an exciting exploration of the advanced business, production and social world of the Netherlands. This mission, coordinated with the assistance of the Costa Rican Embassy and the Procomer office in the Netherlands, has marked a milestone in the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of sustainable innovation in Central America.
For eight days, a delegation comprising of several Costa Rican companies and business initiatives, had the opportunity to dive into the heart of Dutch sustainable business strategies, exploring innovative practices ranging from agribusiness to health, retail, construction, urban design and recycling. The overriding objective: to learn from leading Dutch sustainability and regeneration companies to drive sustainable development in the Central American region. Dos Pinos, Philips, CRDC Global, Penseed, Sol Naciente, Dutch Power Group y A-01 were among the participating companies from the Costa Rican side.
H.E. Mr. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Netherlands.
This mission not only sought to acquire knowledge, but also to foster strategic alliances between companies from both countries. It is a joint effort to promote human rights, circular economy, and social inclusion, all with the purpose of inspiring the adoption of similar approaches in Costa Rican companies.
During the trip, that took place May 11-19, 2024 and was the first of its kind, the delegation met with more than 20 leading global companies, key institutions, municipalities, universities and visited sustainable cities. This diverse and enriching agenda took place over more than 6 cities, including high-level meetings with more than 25 representatives.
Sustainable business practices that were explored during this tour cover a wide range of areas, from innovative design to renewable energy and waste management.
Notable examples include visits to Wageningen University, Floating Farm and NZO (Dutch Dairy Organisation) in the field of research, bioplastics, livestock and agriculture, as well as exchanges with Blue City, RotterZwam, Green Cycl at van Straten Medical, Heineken Green Circle, de Steck, Maium, Lubo Recycling and Dutch Power Group in waste management, upcycling, food gardens, and circular economy.
In addition, the delegation had the opportunity to immerse itself in the field of innovative regenerative design and construction with visits to renowned architecture offices MVRDV and OMA, as well as to some of their built projects such as Depot Booijmans van Beuningen, Markthallen and Rotterdam’s town hall Timmerhuis. Other flagship entities that were part of this exchange include FMO, Rabobank, Marina Terrain Amsterdam, Municipality Utrecht, Rotterdam Partners, and IKEA, among others.
The start-up meeting with a focus on expectations and wrap-up meeting with lessons learned and how to apply, was beautifully reflected in drawings by Sketchy Business.
Participating Costa Rican companies bring a wide range of sustainable initiatives, from the production of medical devices to nature based solutions in cities, recycling and construction from plastic waste. This diversity of approaches reflects Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in all sectors of the economy.
In short, the learning and exchange mission to the Netherlands represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable future for Central America. By fostering collaboration between companies, promoting responsible business practices and exploring new forms of innovation, this initiative has the potential to transform not only participating companies, but also communities and the environment at large.
With a shared vision of a more sustainable world, this partnership between Costa Rica and the Netherlands is poised to inspire and catalyze positive change throughout the region.
Under the hospitable roof of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye, located in the heart of The Hague, an animated celebration of cultural heritage unfolded. Marking the remarkable milestone of the 100th anniversary of the friendship treaty between the Republic of Türkiye and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dr. Lerzan Kayıhan Ünal, spouse of His Excellency the Ambassador Selcuk Unal, graciously hosted an enlightening introduction to Ebru art at the Turkish Residence.
The gathering was attended by members and friends of ASA, the Diplomatic Spouse Association of The Hague, including the spouses of the ambassadors of Egypt, Morocco, Germany, France, Brazil, Moldova, Kosovo, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Indonesia, among many others.
Members and friends of ASA attending the Ebru’s event at the Turkish residence.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Lerzan Kayıhan Ünal, the hostess, warmly welcomed the guests to the Turkish Residence, a historical Dutch cultural heritage building with a rich collection of stories dating back 290 years. She eloquently portrayed the shared history that this architectural gem has witnessed, serving as a silent witness to the evolving Turkish-Dutch relations and the broader history of The Hague.
As the day unfolded, the spotlight turned to the ancient Turkish art of Ebru, also known as marbling paper art. Dr. Ünal emphasized the significance of Ebru, a painting technique steeped in 1,300 years of Turkish culture. With water, paint, and brushes, Ebru artists create intricate patterns and symbols on the surface of water, a mesmerizing dance of colors and shapes that culminate in unique works of art. In 2014, Ebru was rightfully inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Leading the Ebru Art Workshop was the talented Mr. Okan Akın, a visual artist born and raised in Türkiye, whose passion for traditional and contemporary art shines through his work. With skillful hands and a wealth of experience, Mr. Akın guided the guests through the intricate process of Ebru, demonstrating the delicate balance between technique and creativity.
The event was made possible through the support of the Yunus Emre Institute in Amsterdam, an institution dedicated to promoting Türkiye’s language, literature, history, culture, and art on a global scale. By preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Türkiye, the Yunus Emre Institute serves as a bridge between nations, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
Guests were treated to Turkish cuisine, courtesy of the timeless recipes featured in the book “Turkish Cuisine With Timeless Recipes,” published under the auspices of Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, spouse of H.E. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It was a fitting finale to a day filled with art, culture, and friendships.
Leiden, May 13, 2024, the Embassy of Brazil in the Netherlands hosted the launch of the book “O som do roar da onça” or “The Sound of The Jaguar’s Roar,” which in Dutch is “De brul van de jaguar.” The book was written by the Jabuti Award-winning(2021) Brazilian author Micheliny Verunschk, who hails from Pernambuco, Brazil.
The launch took place in Room 1.01 of the PJ Veth Building at Leiden University. It is believed that Albert Einstein himself lectured in this very room while in Leiden. The attendees included the Consul-General of Brazil in Amsterdam Mr Alexandre Vidal Porto, Mr Felipe Ferreira MarquesCultural Attaché, students, special invitees, and members of Brazilian Studies Leiden.
Prof. Dr. Sara Brandellero interviewed Micheliny Verunschk, the author of “De brul van de Jaguar”, with Anne Lopes Michielsen serving as interpreter. During the interview, Micheliny elaborated on the significance of the jaguar, describing it as a figure of power, not subordinated, and venerated in the Americas. Micheliny’s approach as a researcher was unconventional; she did not use tape recordings and cameras. Instead, she engaged in conversations with indigenous people to familiarize herself with their way of life. She also drank Ayahuasca tea and underwent an initiation ceremony to ensure she captured the story accurately.
Brazil, book launch. Section of the audience
The novel De brul van de jaguar tells the story of one of the most shocking crimes committed in the name of science and colonialism. Two German scientists, the naturalist botanist Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius and the zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix. They took several objects from Brazil to Germany (Munich) as part of their scientific expedition, including thousands of plants, reptiles, insects, and other materials, as well as two children, the miranha girl Iñe-e and the boy Juri who were allegedly given as a gift. Once in Munich, Iñe-e and Juri became study objects at the university and proudly presented to the court of King Maximilian Joseph I.
“Speaking at the launch of the book “O som do roar da onça” or “The Sound of The Jaguar’s Roar,” which in Dutch is “De brul van de jaguar,” written by the award-winning Brazilian author Micheliny Verunschk, who is from Pernambuco, Brazil, MrFelipe Ferreira Marques delivered the following address. It is both an honor and a pleasure to welcome you all to the University of Leiden for this special literary afternoon with Micheliny Verunschk, a distinguished Brazilian author celebrated not only in Brazil but now, thanks to the new Dutch edition of her book “O Som do Rugido da Onça”, also here in the Netherlands.
Dr Sara Brandellerdo, Micheliny Vernuschk and Anne Lopes Michielsen.
Micheliny Verunschk’s work serves as a profound exploration of the indigenous cosmologies of Brazil. Her narrative masterfully integrates elements of Miranha cosmology, among others, in a rich and complex system of beliefs that deeply connect the spiritual with the natural world. By including these indigenous perspectives into the fabric of her storytelling, Micheliny not only highlights these rich traditions but also invites us to reconsider the ways in which we understand history and the natural world.
Her literary inputs go beyond storytelling; they challenge us to reevaluate the narratives of Brazil’s colonial past. Through her powerful characters and their journeys, Micheliny offers a poignant critique of the historical injustices inflicted upon indigenous peoples. She reshapes our understanding of history, urging readers to acknowledge and reflect on the impacts of colonization that resonate to this day. Her work is a testament to the power of literature to question, to transform and to heal.
This event is not only a celebration of Micheliny’s work but also a recognition of the collaborative efforts that made this afternoon possible. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marmer Publishers for their commitment to bringing this wonderful book to Dutch readers. Their dedication to sharing diverse voices is what brings us together today.
Furthermore, I express my deep gratitude to Ms. Anne Lopes. Translating literature is no small feat. Your skillful translation has opened the doors for Dutch-speaking audiences to experience Micheliny’s captivating storytelling.
And of course, our profound thanks go to Dr. Sara Brandellero, who will be guiding our literary discussion today. Dr. Brandellero’s expertise in Latin American literature is invaluable, and her insights will certainly enrich our conversation and understanding of Micheliny’s work.
As we proceed with today’s program, I invite you all to engage openly in the discussions, share your perspectives, and perhaps see the world a little differently through the lens of Brazilian literature. May today’s discussion inspire and provoke, leaving us with new ideas and a greater appreciation for the stories that shape our world. Thank you, I wish you all an enriching literary afternoon.” A reception and book signing session concluded the Brazilian-style book launching afternoon.
On Monday, May 6, 2024, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Mayerfas, hosted a “Papua Cultural Night” featuring traditional dances and music from Papua. The performance was presented by Hgateri Akustik, a Papuan cultural group consisting of young Papuans from the Wonti ethnic group in Waropen, Papua.
The group, currently on tour in Europe, paid a courtesy call to Ambassador Mayerfas and performed at the auditorium of the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague. The event was well-attended, and the artists, dressed in colorful attire, presented a dazzling show of dances, music, and songs in both the Indonesian language and the Papuan vernacular. Mr. Manuel, a seasoned singer, captivated the audience with his celestial voice. The audience also had the opportunity to participate by joining in the dancing.
Hgateri Akustik, Papua Cultural Group.
Overall, it was a wonderful evening of entertainment and cultural celebration.
Hgateri Akustik from Indonesia to the Netherlands: a Showcase of Papuan Culture. Eighteen talented young Papuans fused in “Hgateri” toured the Netherlands from 25 April to 8 May 2024 for a roadshow of Papuan culture. The group leader, Mr Andy Nussy, explains, “our mission is to introduce and promote the tradition of the Wonti tribe to the World”. In their performances, Hgateri shows the traditional values and wisdom of the Wonti etnic group, which include living in harmony with nature, protection of Cendrawasih (Bird of Paradise), the spirit of togetherness and gratefulness. The Wonti tribe, native to Waropen Regency, is one of more than 255 ethic groups in Papua, Indonesia.
Papua Hgateri Akustik / Indonesia Embassy The Hague.
During their stay in the Netherlands, Hgateri has staged in Steyl, Maastricht, Olst and The Hague. The group amazed the public during the “Papuan Heritage Cultural Day” (“Papoea-Erfgoed Culturele Dag”) at Missiemuseum, Steyl, on 27 April 2024. The workshop, followed by a stunning performance of traditional music and the Cendrawasih dance, were part of the ongoing “Birds of God” (“Vogels van God”) exhibition, a special showcase about Cendrawasih at Missiemuseum that will remain until 1 September 2024.
On 28 April 2024, the gifted young Papuans collaborated with the Indonesian Students Association in Maastricht to tone up “Nusantara Night”, a presentation of Indonesian cultural richness which included display of Indonesian traditional woven fabrics, exhibition of Pencak Silat – traditional martial art, a mini concert of Sasando – traditional musical instrument made of palm leaves from Rote Island, and more Papuan traditional music and Tari Perang (War Dance).
Hgateri Akustik, Papua.
After a week enjoying the warm Dutch hospitality, on 4 April 2024, the group engaged with the locals of Olst and surroundings at the “Bird of Paradise: Papuan Cultural Night”
(“Bird of Paradise: Papoea Culturele Avond”) at the Municipal Theater of Olst that went on from after dinner time until well past midnight.
Hgateri took part in “OUR COUNTRY: The Freedom Show” (“ONS LAND: De Vrijheidshow”) organized by the Indisch Herinneringscentrum (IHC) at the Sofiahof Museum in The Hague on 5 may 2024. The public was so thrilled with Tifa dance and Yospan dance that the group was requested to come back to the stage for one extra Sajojo dance after the show had –supposedly– come to an end. The rising Papuan youngsters made their final act in the Netherlands before a group of Friends of Indonesia on 6 May 2024 at the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague. There, Hgateri was able to quench the crowd’s yearning of Indonesia and revive their beautiful memories of Archipelago.
Hgateri is part of the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH), a collaborative space for Papuan youth. PYCH focuses on 6 main programs: entrepreneurs, education and health, social and culture, Creative Industry, Farming and Fisheries, and Digital Innovation. PYCH strives to give economic value to the natural resources of Papua and encourage entrepreneurial movement in Papua through the youth.
The evening concluded with a banquet. The Papua Cultural Night, all left the Indonesian Embassy auditorium The Hague in high spirits.
Del 24 al 31 de mayo, la sede de la CPI será el escenario de la XI Semana Iberoamericana de Justicia Internacional en La Haya, un evento coorganizado por el Instituto Iberoamericano de La Haya y la Corte Penal Internacional. Este encuentro académico anual se ha consolidado como una referencia en español en el ámbito del derecho internacional.
La versión final del programa, que incluye horarios y contenidos de cada actividad, está disponible para su descarga en el siguiente enlace:
