Transhumanism

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Transhumanism

By Ljubodrag Simonovic

The theory of “the obsolescence of man” has become one of the most aggressive social and anthropological theories in the contemporary world, reckoning with man as a human and natural being. The established ideological sphere of capitalism produces an anthropological model that becomes the basis of man’s self-understanding. Instead of arriving at the idea of man as a specific and unique cosmic being based on the historical development of humanity and the creative powers of man, the concept of the “human nature” is approached from the nature of capitalism and cosmological mysticism. Man is not viewed as a historical being and as such a specific and unique cosmic being; instead, the essence of man as a cosmic being is reached by starting from the “structure of matter.” The capitalist degeneration of the world and man through technology is the foundation of transhumanism. Capitalism transforms natural laws into a means of destroying man as a natural and human being and turning him into a technical means for reproduction of capitalism.

The prevailing cosmology severs the existential connection between nature and man, thereby abolishing man as a natural being. The survival of man is not conditioned by the survival of the living world on Earth. In the technocratic vision of the future, life is possible without the living world. Humans are “obtained” through technical processes, while technological innovations are to make man “immortal.” It is no longer priests who are the masters of life and death; instead, it is scientists. “Immortality” is transferred from the heavens to scientific laboratories. Simultaneously, man is not only robbed of his natural vitality but also of the planet Earth – his cosmic home. Earth and the living world are written off. Man no longer exists in the universe as an organic part of living nature, but rather finds himself in an artificial technical space, and his relationship to the universe is mediated by life within it. In order to survive, man must adapt to a new living environment, which implies suppressing his natural being. The natural life-creating ability is no longer a condition of life; it is replaced by the technical functionality of an organism reduced to a robot.

The “space futurists” scare people by claiming that Earth will soon “perish” and that migration to other planets is necessary for humanity’s survival. This becomes a pretext for the destruction of people as humane and natural beings and for transforming them into technical abominations. The capitalist propaganda machinery fabricates reality and creates a virtual world in people’s minds, thereby destroying critical and visionary thinking.  At the same time, capitalism degenerates man as a social being and turns him into an atomized wretch. The creation of a “consumer society,” representing the final phase in the development of capitalism, has led to the transformation of man into a destructive being and thus an accomplice in the destruction of life on Earth. “Consumer standard” has become the most devastating tool of capitalism for destroying the true living standard of man, which means destroying man as a humane and natural being. The relationship of man to his body, which is his immediate nature, has become a reflection of the relationship of man to the natural environment.

By becoming a totalitarian order of destruction that increasingly devastates life on Earth, capitalism imposes the idea of the “obsolescence of traditional humanity,” which is existentially and essentially tied to the Earth, and the need to create a “new humanity” capable of venturing into space. Man must mentally and physically adapt to the challenges imposed by the “cosmic saga.” This is not just a message for man to give up on Earth as his cosmic home, but also a call to adapt to the technically degenerated world and to accept his own disappearance as a humane and natural being.

The technocratic approach to space only seemingly implies the transformation of people into technical means for “conquering space.” In actuality, “space conquest” becomes a way to legitimize the ruling class’s endeavor to abolish “traditional humanity” and create a new ruling race of “cyborgs” capable not only of “competing” with “intelligent machines” but also of dominating the world. This is a modern form of racism based on capitalistically degenerated science and technology. The “world’s demise” and “colonizing other planets” become excuses for establishing a modern fascism with an ecocidal and genocidal nature.

This is why scientists can talk about “androids” and “artificial intelligence” with such an ease. The affirmative attitude towards robots is based on a derogatory attitude towards humans. “Space visionaries” speak of a “future world” as a world of robots because they have deprived man of the qualities that make him a unique and unrepeatable cosmic being. Man is abolished as an emotional, erotic, moral, libertarian, social, historical, visionary being… The difference between humans and robots is diminishing because capitalism turns humans into robotized freaks. Depriving people of the need to have a humane relationship with other people leads to an increasing number of people embracing the idea of ​​man-robot.

Through technology, capitalism abolishes man as a humane and natural being, thus negating historical materialism and the dialectic of nature, and regressing man to the level of mechanicistic materialism. This includes the quantum theory. Capitalism abolishes man as a humane being and reduces him to a mechanical part of cosmic processes. People are not unique and unrepeatable personalities; instead, they are reduced to energy waves and quantum particles. In this way, scientists abolish both man as a specific cosmic being and the humane cosmos.

It is not the quantum structure of the human organism that makes man human. Man is a material being, but he is also a social, historical, and creative being – and as such, a specific and unique cosmic being. The self-awareness of man, his way of thinking, his understanding of human society and his relationship to the future… – all have social and historical conditioning. Man doesn’t become a cosmic being by becoming an embodiment of cosmic processes, but by developing his creative being, interpersonal relationships, visionary imagination… A song or an embrace speak more about the specific essence of man as a cosmic being than all cosmic processes combined. Ultimately, the creative sociability based on the human need for one another constitutes the foundation of the true universe.

According to quantum physics, the universe has a holographic structure. This understanding is also present in ancient religions. Every part of the universe contains within itself the image of the whole. As a tiny part of the universe, man is a manifest form of the multidimensional hologram that is the paradigm of the universe. We exist in the universe, and the universe exists within us. Man does not exist as a specific libertarian and creative being that as such relates to the universe based on humanistic criteria; he is rather reduced to the universe in the form of quantum particles. Here we return to the cosmology of Parmenides and Zeno. Everything that exists in the cosmos is located in one point. Motion is an illusion.

If man is the universe and the universe is man, how did man become a unique human being, and how did the world become a human world? How can man have self-awareness as an authentic personality? What makes people different from one another and what makes them have their own understandings, beliefs, experiences…? What is the meaning of life? What is beauty? What is freedom? What is goodness? What is truth? What led people from believing in spirits, totems, and pagan gods to start believing in one god? Is this the result of the action of cosmic processes or is it about social processes with historical nature?

Historically, the way in which man secures his existence conditions social relations and a value horizon on which the self-conception of man, his relationship to nature, and to other people are based. Peoples engaged in agriculture had one kind, while those engaged in hunting had a different kind of gods. This is the basis of matriarchy and patriarchy. Marx’s view that “it is not the consciousness of men that determines their existence, but on the contrary, their social existence determines their consciousness” remains an unsurpassed methodological guideline for the historical shaping of human self-awareness.

Guided by technocratic imagination, scientists are unable to comprehend the nature of the universe. This is because they lack respect for man. Instead of envisioning a humane world in harmony with nature, a vision of a “technical world” with a totalitarian and anti-human character is offered. Instead of developing interpersonal relationships and the creative essence of man, technical mastery of space and technologized existential processes are offered. Capitalistically degenerated science is based on mechanicistic materialism, which aims to deal with naturalistic and historical materialism. Science and technology view man in an extra-historical and extra-social context. The closer science gets to the “essence of matter,” the further it gets from the essence of man. Man is abolished as a libertarian, historical, creative, and visionary being and reduced to a material dimension. Mechanicistic materialism is the deadliest form of abolishing man as a natural and human being. The essence of man as a cosmic being is derived from the structure of matter and in this context, from the structure of the universe, rather than from the nature of the living world and human society. Man becomes a cosmic hologram.

Scientists do not view man as a natural and human being who, as such, has specific capabilities and limitations, but rather reduce man to a technical being and instrumentalize him in the context of creating a technical world and “conquering space.” Man is reduced to an object of technical processing and in this context has become a mutating being that can fulfill whatever his masters demand of him. The model of the man of the future is a cyborg, which is a mechanical symbiosis of dehumanized intelligence and technology.

Scientists reduce man to a technical thing and therefore have no problem declaring robots as human beings. The pathology of the capitalistically degenerated man becomes the “nature” of robots. Robots become “evil” and have a need to destroy humans. Indicative is the film “2001 Space Odyssey”, which was based on the futuristic ideas of Arthur Clarke. In fact, it is not about the destructive nature of technology and man’s fear of it, but about the destructive nature of capitalism which has instrumentalized technology to make profit by destroying nature and man, as well as about the destructive nature of the capitalistically degenerated man.

Scientific knowledge is growing, but it is a privilege of scientists who have become tools of capitalism for destroying the world. The more advanced science becomes, the more it grows distant from “ordinary” people. It has become the exclusive means of the ruling class to control people and destroy nature. Instead of people becoming more educated and smarter, they are becoming more uneducated and dumber. An entertainment industry has been created for them, turning them into idiots. This is the Coca-Cola “culture”. The poison that symbolizes the “new (American) world order” has become “The Real Thing!” Similarly, there is no money for education and environmental projects aimed at preventing the destruction of life on Earth, while hundreds of billions of dollars are being invested in military projects every year…

Robotization points to the future of capitalism. Robots and holograms are capitalism’s response to the existential and the general social crisis it creates. The increasingly diverse offer of technical aids and robots becomes the most important means of capitalist reproduction. The extermination of humans and the production of robots is becoming an increasingly realistic projection of capitalist future. At the same time, capitalism produces spectacular virtual worlds where everything will be possible. Humans will become immortal. The dead will be able to “come to life” in the form of robots and holograms. People will be able to have sexual relations with Cleopatra, as well as with Pharaoh Ramses and his favorite crocodile. Sex with “aliens,” corpses, and vampires will also be possible… Technology will abolish the difference between the real and virtual worlds. Capitalism will create a “paradise” on Earth.

Robotization of man has reached its highest level in sports. Athletes have become self-destructive mechanical beings. “Elite sport” is a spectacular advertising for technocratic degeneration of man. As such, it is the ultimate mimetic and value challenge for youth. Instead of teaching humanistic pedagogy of the body on sports faculties, which implies the development of man’s playful being and interpersonal relationships, students become slave-driving coaches and body technicians. “Sports pedagogy” embodies the social-Darwinist (bellum omnium contra omnes) and destructive-progressistic (citius, altius, fortius) spirit of capitalism in its purest sense. At the same time, sport is the most important and effective way to erase people’s historical self-awareness. Sporting events acquire “historical” significance so that true historical events, meaning libertarian and cultural history of the people, are erased from people’s memory. Thus, historical self-awareness is destroyed, and a mondialist barbarism is created – the most important ideological tool of capitalist “progress” that increasingly destroys life on Earth.

The most dramatic truth is this: capitalism can survive the death of man as a human and biological being. For capitalism, the “traditional” man is only a temporary means for its reproduction. The “consumer-man” represents a transitional phase in the process of capitalist-induced mutation of man into the “highest” form of capitalist man: the man-robot. “Terminators” and other robotic freaks, which are products of the Hollywood entertainment industry that creates a capitalistically degenerated “vision of the future”, are the embodiment of alienated creative powers of man that become a means of destroying man and life.

A new “ruling race” of robotic humanoids is being created to deal with “traditional humanity,” meaning with people who are able to love, to think, to dream, to fight for freedom and existence – and to dominate the Earth. Instead of a new world, a “new man” is created who is reduced to that “measure of human” which cannot threaten the ruling order.

Translated from Serbian by Igor Barjaktarevic / English translation supervisor Vanja Zakanji                

Towards A Possible Peace In The South Caucasus?

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Towards A Possible Peace In The South Caucasus?

By Corneliu Pivariu

In a statement made on May 1, 2024, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kasym Jomart Tokayev welcomed the agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia to hold negotiations at the level of foreign ministers to prepare a peace treaty, at the initiative of the Kazakh side.

The Kazakh initiative takes place in a complex global geopolitical situation, unlike any seen in the decades since the outbreak of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This complexity will also influence the course and even the outcome of the negotiations.

Another important element is the position of the directly involved parties. It is noteworthy that Azerbaijan has the advantage resulting from its success in the recent military conflict with Armenia, which practically led to the exodus of the majority Armenian population from Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, Azerbaijan is economically far superior to Armenia.

Under these conditions, it is very difficult to achieve a fair and sustainable peace. However, starting from the premise that there is a sincere desire for peace among the parties, we believe that, in order to succeed in the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Almaty, there are several key factors that must be taken into account:

  1. Cooperation and political will: Both parties must demonstrate a clear political will and cooperate constructively to reach a sustainable agreement. Flexibility and reciprocal compromises will be essential.
  2. Addressing all key issues: Negotiations must comprehensively address all aspects of the conflict, including border demarcation, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, security, and humanitarian issues. No topic should be avoided.
  3. Trust and transparency: Building trust between the parties through transparency, information exchange, and reciprocal gestures of good faith will be crucial to facilitate progress. The lack of trust between Yerevan and Baku has been a defining element of this conflict.
  4. Involvement of credible mediators: The participation of international mediators, such as Russia, the United States, and the EU, can help facilitate compromises and acceptable solutions for both parties.
  5. Peace solutions must fairly recognize and integrate the fundamental concerns and needs of both states. Important regional actors will also have an influence on the outcome of the negotiations. We primarily consider Turkey and Iran, but we do not exclude Israel, India, and Saudi Arabia. Of course, the current major powers will also pay due attention to developments in this area, in the context of global geopolitical competition.

Important regional actors will also have an influence on the outcome of the negotiations. We primarily consider Turkey, Iran, but we also do not exclude Israel, India, Saudi Arabia. Of course, the current major powers will also pay due attention to developments in this area, in the context of global geopolitical competition.

Ultimately, success will largely depend on the willingness of both parties to refrain from conflictual rhetoric and to work constructively towards achieving lasting peace in the region.

Empowering Internationals: Insights from Legal Expert Godelijn Boonman

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Empowering Internationals: Insights from Legal Expert Godelijn Boonman

Godelijn Boonman, with over 30 years of legal expertise, is a senior partner at GMW lawyers in The Hague. She specializes in employment law, offering guidance to both businesses, organisations and internationals. Born in Kenya and raised in an English-speaking setting, her diverse background formed and forms her approach to law. GMW lawyers, a full-service law firm of 35 specialists, celebrating 35 years of service, is renowned for its commitment to clients both in the Netherlands and abroad.

As an employment law attorney with a focus on internationals, what unique challenges do your clients face in the Netherlands?
They often face challenges related to understanding the nuances of Dutch employment law, which can differ significantly from their home countries. Dutch law protects employees to a great extent, be it  dismissal or during periods of illness. Issues such as employment contracts, termination procedures, and employee rights can be complex. Additionally, cultural differences in workplace norms and expectations can lead to misunderstandings without proper guidance.

Having been born in Kenya and raised in Kenia and the UK, how has your multicultural background influenced your legal practice?
Growing up abroad has given me a broader perspective on cultural sensitivities and communication styles. This background allows me to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and to navigate cross-cultural legal communications more effectively. Being an international myself, I decided to focus on an international practice within our firm In a time when many law firms did not yet do so. Our firm now assists both internationals and international companies on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to expats navigating Dutch employment law for the first time?
For expats and businesses encountering Dutch employment law for the first time, I would advise seeking legal counsel early on. Understanding your rights and obligations, as well as the expectations of Dutch employers, is crucial. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the terms of your employment contract and to be aware of the legal protections available to you in the Netherlands. At GMW lawyers, we are adept at doing just this.

If you need advice in employment law or other legal matters, please contact GMW lawyers in The Hague. We can work it out.

GMW lawyers • gmw.nl
Scheveningseweg 52
2517 KW Den Haag
E-mail: info@gmw.nl

Web link: GMW lawyers
Telephone: +31 (0)70 3615048

Une Exploration Poétique à travers les Regards Croisés de René Char et Alain Mabanckou

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Une Exploration Poétique à travers les Regards Croisés de René Char et Alain Mabanckou

La Société de Wittes à La Haye a récemment accueilli un événement culturel d’une importance remarquable, une conférence magistrale tenue par le Dr Frank Diafouka. Placée sous le signe de la Francophonie, cette conférence a célébré la Journée Mondiale de la Poésie, proclamée par l’UNESCO en 1999, ainsi que les 54 ans d’existence de la Francophonie.

Le thème de cette conférence, intitulé “Comparaison littéraire de deux poètes francophones, René Char (1907 – 1988) et Alain Mabanckou (1966 – )”, a suscité un vif intérêt parmi les membres et les invités prestigieux de la Table Française de la Société de Wittes. Dr Diafouka a brillamment démarré son exposé en revenant sur les fondements de la Francophonie, évoquant ses Pères Fondateurs et l’histoire de cette organisation rassemblant 54 États et gouvernements membres. Il a rappelé à son auditoire l’importance de la langue française, parlée par 321 millions de personnes à travers le monde, avec une prédominance en Afrique.

Dans son allocution d’ouverture, Monsieur Richard Scheurs, Président de l’Alliance Française, a souligné l’importance de célébrer la Francophonie et la langue française. Puis, Patrick Driebeek, Président de la Table Française de la Société de Wittes, a introduit le Dr Frank Diafouka et le thème de sa conférence, qui s’est avérée être une véritable révélation.

Dr Diafouka a captivé l’auditoire par sa présentation brillante et éloquente. La comparaison entre les poètes René Char et Alain Mabanckou s’est révélée être d’une profondeur fascinante, même pour ceux qui ne les connaissaient pas auparavant. Avec une passion évidente pour la poésie et une connaissance approfondie de son sujet, Dr Diafouka a tissé des liens entre les deux poètes, malgré les différences marquantes de leurs époques et de leurs origines.

H.E. Mr. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Ambassadeur du Ruanda et H.E. Mr. Mifougo Youssouf Diarrassouba, Ambassadeur de la Côte d’Ivoire.

L’une des dimensions explorées par Dr Diafouka était l’expression controversée de “Françafrique”, une relation complexe entre la France et ses anciennes colonies en Afrique subsaharienne. Cette analyse a fourni un contexte essentiel pour comprendre les œuvres des deux poètes dans leurs contextes historiques et culturels respectifs.

René Char, dont la poésie est décrite par Dr Diafouka comme “La parole en archipel”, se distingue par son style elliptique et concis. Ses vers, pulvérisés et axiomatiques, révèlent une poésie de l’oracle, chargée d’une énergie animale et d’une force fulgurante. En revanche, Alain Mabanckou, avec sa poésie sans ponctuation, évoque une nostalgie perpétuelle et une errance à travers les paysages de son Congo natal et de sa patrie d’adoption, la France.

Malgré leurs différences stylistiques, René Char et Alain Mabanckou partagent des thèmes communs, tels que le poids de la famille, la perte des êtres chers et l’engagement envers leur langue et leur culture. Leur poésie résonne avec une indépendance intellectuelle et un amour profond pour leur terre natale.

La conférence du Dr Frank Diafouka a ainsi offert une plongée fascinante dans l’univers poétique de deux géants de la Francophonie. À travers cette exploration, les membres et les invités de la Table Française de la Société de Wittes ont été amenés à apprécier la richesse et la diversité de la poésie francophone, célébrant ainsi la langue française et les liens qui unissent les peuples à travers le monde.

Seeds of Collaboration: Cultivating Partnership between Bangladesh and the Netherlands

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Seeds of Collaboration: Cultivating Partnership between Bangladesh and the Netherlands

During a courtesy visit from Diplomat Magazine to H.E. Mr. Riaz Hamidullah, the Ambassador of Bangladesh, the conversation evolved into a sincere analysis of his personal perspectives on Dutch society and the relationship between the Netherlands and Bangladesh.

“I arrived in the Netherlands in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and presented my credentials on July 15, 2020,” Ambassador Hamidullah began. “Initially, the challenge was connecting with people, and frankly, navigating this society, so different from others I’ve served in before. It was quite difficult because there wasn’t a straightforward way to reach out to people. Even when I did manage to get in touch with someone, they would immediately ask, ‘What’s your agenda this time?’ or ‘What brings you to me?’ It was a bit of a culture shock for me.”

“One of the key pieces of advice I received early on was from H.E. Ambassador Karin Mössenlechner of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She suggested that I immerse myself in Dutch society. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of her advice, but now I understand the importance of it. Understanding that Dutch people often look to the future rather than dwelling on the present also helped me adjust my approach.”

“There’s no rulebook for engaging with the Dutch. It’s about finding common ground and aligning your interests with theirs. I quickly realized that the Dutch media often portrayed Bangladesh in a dated light, so I took to platforms like LinkedIn to share more contemporary perspectives and spark conversations.”

“Building friendships and fostering trust are at the core of my role as an ambassador. While promoting trade and investment is important, establishing genuine connections is paramount. I’ve learned that the Dutch are drawn to excitement and innovation, particularly in areas like art and culture. By organizing events like the Bangladesh Mango Festival, poetry & songs concerts, Food Bangladesh Festival, saris exhibitions, which showcased our cultural richness, I was able to engage with a wide range of Dutch individuals and institutions.”

“The Netherlands and Bangladesh may be vastly different in size and population, but our shared spirit of openness and experimentation has brought us closer together. As Bangladesh transitions from a recipient of development aid to a middle-income country, our focus is shifting towards fostering business partnerships and economic cooperation. The Dutch approach to development has also evolved, emphasizing a combination of economic and social objectives.”

“Last year marked a significant milestone as we welcomed not just one, but two trade missions from the Netherlands to Bangladesh. And now, we anticipate the show The Best of Bangladesh 2nd edition and the arrival of a seed mission from Bangladesh to the Netherlands. This exchange isn’t solely about bringing Dutch companies to Bangladesh; it’s also about showcasing our own companies and exposing them to opportunities abroad. This dynamic reflects the beauty of mutual collaboration.”

Bangladesh is renowned for its vast vegetable and fruit production, making it a natural partner for the Netherlands, which controls 45% of the global seed industry. “While traditionally, the delta plan was seen as infrastructure-focused, we’re redefining it to encompass both economy and ecology. It’s about knowledge exchange, practical solutions, and continuous learning. The Dutch have a unique approach, utilizing a grid folder model that emphasizes consultation and mutual learning among all stakeholders.”

Roy Lie Atjam, Diplomat Magazine’s Editor, Ambassador Hamidullah and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher during the interview.

Bangladesh, being an active delta, serves as a living lab for the Dutch to test solutions for water management and agriculture. They observe first-hand how environmental factors like salinity and heat affect seed viability and soil behaviour. This collaborative process fosters a long-lasting interest in Bangladesh, benefiting both nations.

“Our relationship goes beyond trade figures. While our trade volume stands at around $2 billion, predominantly in vegetables, moreover, this evolving partnership extends beyond mere trade missions and economic transactions. The seed mission from Bangladesh to the Netherlands exemplifies this shared commitment to mutual growth. As Bangladesh reimagines its delta plan to integrate economy and ecology, we’re not just adapting to change; we’re shaping it together.”

In this journey, both countries stand to gain immensely. Bangladesh offers fertile land, abundant resources, and a vibrant market, while the Netherlands brings technological prowess, efficient distribution networks, and a wealth of experience. “Together, we form a formidable partnership, driving progress and prosperity for our people and beyond.”

Defense cooperation is becoming increasingly important, given the geopolitical dynamics in our region. While Bangladesh may not currently be a conflict area, there are elements that suggest potential tensions, especially with the interests of China, India, and the US in the region. With Myanmar nearby, there’s strategic importance as well, as China seeks to establish a foothold in warm waters, bypassing the Malacca Strait and gaining direct access to Southeast Asia.

However, this geopolitical complexity also presents opportunities. As Bangladesh aims to become one of the top 30 economies by 2035, with rapid urbanization and manufacturing growth, the demand for technology and innovation will soar. Climate change poses additional challenges, requiring sustainable solutions and efficient resource management.

This is where partnerships with countries like the Netherlands become crucial. The Dutch, renowned for their expertise in innovation and sustainability, can offer invaluable solutions to address our evolving needs. Furthermore, with Bangladesh increasingly connected to India and Southeast Asia, our role as an economic hub is gaining prominence.

In terms of water management, there’s a misconception that Bangladesh is water-rich. While we do have abundant water resources, seasonal variations and water stress in certain regions highlight the need for efficient water use. As urbanization and industrialization expand, the demand for water grows, necessitating advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

Our dialogue with the Dutch extends beyond governmental interactions to include private sector engagement. Collaborating with companies and organizations like the Netherlands Water Partnership, we’re exploring innovative solutions for water efficiency and circular water management. This shift towards private sector-driven solutions reflects the evolving nature of our partnership and the pressing need for practical, market-oriented approaches.

While our efforts encompass promoting trade, it’s equally about showcasing Bangladesh as a nation rich in culture, heritage, and authenticity. European audiences appreciate originality, and that’s precisely what we aim to deliver. Instead of presenting a glossy, superficial image of Dhaka city, we opted for a more nuanced portrayal, capturing the essence of our country in its raw beauty.

One such endeavor is our upcoming event, the Best of Bangladesh which promises to be a one-of-a-kind showcase of Bangladesh’s fashion, culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Organizing such an event requires meticulous coordination and adherence to regulations, but the end result is worth the effort.

In essence, our relationship with the Netherlands is evolving, reflecting broader shifts in global development paradigms. By embracing innovation, sustainability and building on our shared values, I’m confident that we are building a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.

Armenia-Netherlands Diplomatic Dialogue

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Armenia-Netherlands Diplomatic Dialogue

Diplomat Magazine recently had the privilege of meeting with H.E. Ambassador Viktor Biyagov for a productive and enlightening conversation about Armenia and the Netherlands.

How would you describe the current state of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the Netherlands? Any recent developments highlighting collaboration?

On January 30, 1992, Armenia and the Netherlands formalised their long-standing connections by establishing diplomatic relations. However, defining the Armenian-Dutch relations solely from the establishment of diplomatic ties would be a major understatement. As early as in the 4th century, an Armenian, Saint Servatius of Maastricht, became the first bishop of the Netherlands, bridging the historical, spiritual and cultural traditions between the two nations. 

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the vibrant port of Amsterdam played a crucial role as a significant hub for Armenian merchants engaging in the trade of textiles, gems, and diamonds. This activity transformed the city into a major centre of Armenian commercial and cultural life.

The same period of history also witnessed one of the most memorable milestones of Armenian typography. In 1660 a printing house was established in Amsterdam, where in 1664 the first Armenian publication of the Holy Bible was carried out.  

The 32 years of diplomatic ties between the Netherlands and Armenia have witnessed notable achievements. Among them the establishment of the embassies in both countries, which has significantly contributed to expanding cooperation in various spheres such as education, agriculture, water management, technology etc. 

Armenia and the Netherlands share multifaceted relations encompassing trade, investment, and cultural exchange that has evolved into a strong political dialogue based on universal values of democracy, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. 

It is with deep appreciation that Armenia acknowledges the invaluable support of the Netherlands during these historically challenging times for Armenia. The recent contribution of the Netherlands to the Global Concessional Funding Facility for Armenia was welcomed with much gratitude. 

H.E. Viktor Biyagov, Ambassador of Armenia.

What opportunities and challenges exist in enhancing commercial ties between Armenia and the Netherlands? Any specific sectors for collaboration?

The main perspectives of economic development between Armenia and the Netherlands are seen in the fields of agriculture, water management, IT sector and tourism.

Armenia stands out for its agrobiodiversity, with a conducive climate for robust agriculture, particularly in areas like modern greenhouses, wine production, and organic agriculture. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, being the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter, focuses on importing a limited amount of processed goods from Armenia. The growth potential for Armenia lies in exporting, where Dutch technology and companies aim to play a role in supporting Armenian businesses to become global net-exporters.

Armenia is emerging as a regional hub for technology and innovation, propelled by its competitive workforce, the sector’s contribution to GDP, and a growing number of companies with increasing turnovers. Notably, Armenia has firmly established its position on the global IT map, emphasising its dedication to the continued development of this highly promising economic sector.

Tourism stands as a key driver of the Armenian economy, marked as a priority by the Armenian government. The sector’s continuous growth aligns with ongoing government support and increasing interest in Armenia. 

Speaking of tourism, I cannot help but state that Armenia is an impressive combination of old and new, of peaceful countryside and vibrant city life, of historical monuments and modern attractions. 

Armenia boasts more than 700 tourist attractions, among them UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, The Cathedral of Ejmiatsin, the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots as well as the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley. 

Our country has gained a new wave of attraction over the past couple of years also due to the series of festivals that take place in different cities of Armenia. Annual festival “Yerevan Wine Days” has already become the favourite event not only for locals, but for thousands of tourists as well. This is definitely a must try experience in Armenia, which is a unique way to get to know the Armenian culture, rich history and everyday life, all through wine.

Speaking of wine, not everyone probably knows that the history of winemaking in Armenia dates back to more than 6100 years ago, when the first production of wine began in a cave near Areni village, in Vayots Dzor province of Armenia, which after thousands of years remains the main wine producing region in Armenia. Recent excavations and scientific research uncovered that the cave of Areni was an ancient ritual site where wine production played an integral part. Laboratory research conducted by scientists of Oxford and California universities verify that in the face of Areni cave complex we deal with the world’s oldest and most complete wine production facility, with its wine press, large karases for fermentation and storage, as well as jars of around 6000 years.

And today, millennia later from the very first try, wine production is amongst the biggest booming industries in Armenia. 

As it has been announced, the Armenian government has embarked on an ambitious agenda of diversification of the country’s economy, by identifying and actively engaging in new export opportunities with different countries including from the European Union.

How does the embassy promote Armenian culture in the Netherlands and foster cultural exchange?

First of all, I would like to note that as different as our cultures seem from the first sight, the Armenian and Dutch people are united by the universal human values they share. This brings the societies closer and the cultural bonds develop around the keenness of learning more about each other’s culture.

The cultural bonds between Armenia and the Netherlands have deepened, as both countries actively encourage cultural exchanges, cultivating a more profound understanding and admiration for each other’s heritage. This commitment is evident in a variety of events, exhibitions, and academic programs, fostering enduring connections between the people of Armenia and the Netherlands.

Our embassy is involved in various activities, including cultural events, exhibitions, educational programs, all aimed at enriching understanding and promoting tolerance.

The embassy is also actively using its social media platforms to promote Armenian culture, make it more visible and attractive for our Dutch friends. 

I am also very happy to share with our readers that by a decision adopted during the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, the 100th anniversaries of Charles Aznavour and Sergei Parajanov were included in the UNESCO Calendar of anniversaries of eminent personalities and important events for the 2024-2025 cycle.

I am confident that our Dutch friends will have opportunities to enjoy the legacy of these renowned Armenian artists in the Netherlands as well. 

Can you share insights into current trade dynamics between Armenia and the Netherlands? Efforts to encourage investment?

It is of utmost importance to note that the Armenian government is unwavering in its commitment to create an investment-friendly atmosphere, increasing the transparency of the regulatory framework and ensuring that business owners feel secure and protected in our country.

The efforts of the Armenian government are further enhanced by the expertise and knowledge of our international partners, which bring forth new ideas and opportunities.

Armenia follows an “open door” investment policy, which successfully ranks the country as one of the most open investment regimes among emerging market countries.

The extensive opportunities offered to investors include: 100% property ownership, the ability for Armenian-registered companies to acquire land, unrestricted currency exchange at market rates, duty-free import of personal items for foreign employees, and more.

A milestone was reached recently in Brussels, on 5 April, 2024, where the EU and USA jointly committed to a new package of grants aimed at strengthening the resilience of the Armenian economy and society. It will be targeted to supporting local businesses, talents, small and medium enterprises, making them more accessible to new markets. 

The plan envisages new investment opportunities in key infrastructure projects, including the Black Sea electricity cable, cross-border transport and much more. 

It is noteworthy that the “Crossroads of Peace”, an ambitious project introduced by the Government of Armenia, was also welcomed during the aforementioned meeting. With this project the Government of the Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to contribute to regional peace and stability. The key essence of the project is the development of communications between the countries of the region, enabling connectivity between the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulfs, playing an instrumental role in connecting North to South and West to East. 

It is our strong belief that only a secure and stable environment can pave the way for foreign investments and ensure a robust economy. 

Coming to the commercial links between Armenia and the Netherlands, it should be noted that the Netherlands is one of the leading trade partners of Armenia among the countries of the European Union. Over the years, various Dutch entities, notably the senior advisors’ organisation PUM, have played a significant role, resulting in the growing interest of numerous Dutch companies in the Armenian economy. Thanks to PUM, hundreds of professionals, small and medium-sized enterprises in Armenia were offered high-quality consulting, advanced technologies and best practices. 

Trade links between Armenia and the Netherlands involve a diverse array of goods and services. The Netherlands, as a key hub for international trade, has played a vital role in facilitating Armenia’s entry into European markets. The exchange includes machinery, chemicals, agricultural products, and high-tech goods. 

The technology sector has been a key focus of collaboration. Dutch businesses seeking technological solutions have found reliable partners in Armenian IT companies, known for innovation and a skilled workforce. 

Given the championing role that the Netherlands plays in the field of water management, this sector also bears a huge potential of future cooperation between our countries.  

The trade and investment relations between Armenia and the Netherlands exemplifies the potential for collaboration between nations with distinct histories and economic structures. This partnership has not only driven economic growth but also facilitated the exchange of knowledge, technology, and cultural experiences. As both countries navigate through global challenges, continued cooperation in trade and investment will play a crucial role in fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable development.

What areas of collaboration are being explored to strengthen the relationship? Any upcoming events or initiatives for both countries?

There are several initiatives on the way to be shared with the interested public. But I would like to draw the attention of Dutch art lovers on the 100th anniversaries of Charles Aznavour and Sergei Parajanov. We are hopeful that through upcoming initiatives the legacy of these artists will resonate in the Netherlands again.

Demining, reconstruction of the liberated territories and safe return of IDPs are our main priorities

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Demining, reconstruction of the liberated territories and safe return of IDPs are our main priorities

Diplomat Magazine’s Interview with the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan H.E. Mr. Rahman Mustafayev

How significant is the issue of landmine contamination in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan faces a significant challenge due to landmine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) contamination as a result of nearly three decades of military occupation of our territories. Let’s start with the sad fact that Azerbaijan is among the most heavily mine-contaminated countries globally, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines and ERW contaminating around 12% of the country’s territory. Over the last 30 years, the cumulative human toll of landmine victims in Azerbaijan has reached 3427; from the end of Second Karabakh war in November 2020 until May 2024, 203 landmine explosion incidents occurred, resulting in more than 350 victims, including 70 fatalities, underscoring the urgent need for mine clearance and victim assistance.

How effective has Azerbaijan’s national demining campaign been, and what are its primary objectives?

Although the end of Second Karabakh war marked the beginning of an extensive humanitarian demining activity, and this action is progressing, we are still at the beginning of the process and more international assistance is needed. Since the end of war in 2020, the total cleared area constitutes only 11.5% of the total estimated contaminated area, and the number of deactivated landmines is 49802 mines, what amount to about only 3.3% of the estimated 1.5 million landmines. One of the reasons is that since the start of large-scale humanitarian demining at the end of 2020, foreign assistance has accounted for only 5% of the resources used for this purpose. So, more active foreign assistance is needed for accelerating demining operations and safe return of 800,000 IDPs to their homes.

What complicates the situation is the fact that the mines were deployed by Armenian military in a manner, devoid of any military necessity and without appropriate markings required under international law. More of it, we cannot receive  accurate maps of landmines planted on Azerbaijani territory, the fact that further complicates demining operations and endangers human lives, and we are raising this issue both on bilateral level and in our arguments before the International Court of Justice. As for the objectives, they are obvious: we have to restore safety in the liberated territories of Karabakh, facilitate the reconstruction of these areas and the development of infrastructure, secure safe return of almost 800.000 Azerbaijani IDPs, and last, but not least, to strengthen international cooperation for collective response.

Over the past two decades, Azerbaijan has built a robust institutional framework for demining. Who are the key stakeholders driving this process?

Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Action – ANAMA – stands as the primary entity responsible for humanitarian demining initiatives within the country. Established in 1998, it started demining operations in 2000. Following the liberation of occupied territories in late 2020, ANAMA underwent a strategic restructuring in February 2021, aimed at enhancing its capacity to plan, coordinate, and supervise humanitarian demining efforts nationwide.

This restructuring has facilitated the involvement of national stakeholders, such as ministries of defense, emergency, State Border Service, local and international NGOs in mine action activities across Azerbaijan. Our general national demining capacity today comprises of 2282 members of operational stuff (1590 for ANAMA), 70 mine-clearance machines and 150 mine-detection dogs.

Found anti tank and anti personnel mines during clearance operations in Azerbaijan, September 2022.

What are the main priorities for clearance operations this year?

Given the vast extent of the problem and the constrained resources for mine action, the Azerbaijani government prioritizes the demining of critical areas such as access roads, essential infrastructure, and residential zones to facilitate the return of IDPs. Another critical issue is Mine Risk Education program. The Government of Azerbaijan implements this program to minimize the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. These efforts focus on enhancing awareness and fostering behavioral changes through public information campaigns, education, training, and community engagement. The primary goal of MRE is to ensure that communities understand the risks associated with these hazards and adopt safer practices to protect individuals, property, and the environment. In total, these initiatives have engaged over 200 local organizations and 452,321 individuals. Mine awareness groups have been established in 80 villages near mine-contaminated areas.

We haven’t discussed the humanitarian aspects of demining efforts. How does your organization support the victims of landmines?

Thank you for raising this issue. Victim assistance is utmost priority in national demining process. The Government provides assistance for the care and rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration of mine victims and for mine awareness programs. Assistance includes emergency and continuing medical care; physical rehabilitation; psychosocial support and social inclusion; care and protection for all disabled citizens. Based on the agreement signed between ANAMA and National Football Association the team of amputees from Azerbaijan participated in the League of Nations held in Scotland organized by the European Amputee Football Federation. Competing against the teams from the Netherlands, Scotland, Albania and Kosovo in the “D” division, the team was the 2nd and qualified for the final stage of the EuroChampionship to be held in France in 2024.

You mentioned that the level of foreign assistance is insufficient…

Azerbaijan faces an immense landmine contamination and needs substantial foreign assistance in humanitarian demining in forms of direct assistance and collaborative actions. Given our capacity and challenges, the most critical form of assistance needed at this juncture is direct financial donations. Such contributions are essential to amplify the humanitarian mine action efforts and augment the operational scope of ANAMA and other operators. As I mentioned earlier, since 2020, foreign assistance has accounted for merely 5% of the resources dedicated to humanitarian demining. This is notably low, both in light of the gravity of demining challenges Azerbaijan confronts and when compared to the level of contributions typically made by the international donor community to similar issues. Azerbaijan counts on adequate support by the international community to its demining efforts as a matter of humane solidarity.

You highlighted the significance of international cooperation in demining efforts. Could you elaborate on who your partners are in this field?

As I underlined earlier, international cooperation is one of the main objectives of our demining action. For example, in partnership with the ICRC, ANAMA benefits from specialized training provided to its site paramedics, enhancing the safety and efficiency of demining operations. A significant partnership with the EU, the UNDPand ANAMA has led to the launch of a new project, funded with a budget of 4.25 million Euros, aimed at facilitating the safe return of IDPs to liberated areas. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 33,000 families by improving safety and restoring livelihoods in mine-affected regions. Through this project, ANAMA has achieved a milestone by establishing the first female demining teams in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, the collaboration with Mines Advisory Group has facilitated training and mentoring programs specifically for female de-miners, promoting gender inclusivity in the field. The contribution of Mine Detection Dogs by the Marshall Legacy Institute plays a crucial role in bolstering ANAMA’s capabilities in detecting landmines.

Azerbaijan has embarked on numerous initiatives to galvanize international attention to the mine problem. Together with the UN, Azerbaijan co-organized two annual international conferences on mine action in 2022 and 2023 with nearly 190 delegates representing 51 countries and 16 international organizations. On May 30-31, 2024 Azerbaijan, in partnership with the United Nations, will host the 3rd International Conference on the landmine issue, in Zangilan and Baku.

Another important area of our interest is the impact of landmines on cultural property. Landmines, explosive ordinances and unexploded ordinances threaten cultural property by directly damaging them, limiting people’s access to these sites and disrupting communities’ connection to their heritage. Azerbaijan has also been subjected to this devastating impact of landmines as much of its cultural heritage decimated during the occupation, and remaining sites are still inaccessible due to heavy contamination with landmines, posing a significant challenge for the affected communities. Upon Azerbaijan’s initiative, a resolution “The impact of mines on cultural heritage” was adopted on December 11, 2023, at the 15th meeting of states parties to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property during Armed Conflict”. As a follow-up to this resolution a “Special Conference on the Impact of landmines, explosive ordinances and unexploded ordinances on cultural property” was organized within the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Aghdam on May 3, 2024.

Upon initiative of Azerbaijan, the Non-Aligned Movement established a Contact Group on Humanitarian De-mining in July 2023. The Group commenced its activities by holding the inaugural meeting in September 2023 in New York. The NAM Contact Group, chaired by Azerbaijan, aims at fostering a collective approach to a problem that encompasses over 120 million landmines planted globally, with more than 100 million within NAM territories. The group’s formation marks a significant step towards coordinated efforts in humanitarian mine action, emphasizing advocacy, best practice sharing, victim assistance, and resource mobilization towards achieving a mine-free world, thereby contributing to development, peace, and security for the affected countries.

Azerbaijan is hosting the World Energy Summit in November. Are there any plans to address the issue of landmine contamination during COP29?

The negative impacts of landmines on ecosystems are significant and multifaceted. Landmines cause significant environmental degradation by contaminating soil and water resources with explosive residues, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, leading to pollution and disruption of natural ecosystems. Landmines restrict access to large areas of land, leading to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

That is why, as part of its commitment to addressing environmental concerns related to landmines, Azerbaijan plans to host a side event focusing on the environmental consequences of landmines on the margins of the COP29 meeting in November 2024, integrating landmine issue into this important international discourse and emphasizing the need to address the environmental repercussions of landmine contamination.

La Francophonie dans les domaines juridique et diplomatique

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La Francophonie dans les domaines juridique et diplomatique

Programmes pédagogiques au sein des organisations internationales organisés par l’Alliance Française

Par Beatrice Levorato Barsotti

Dans un monde où les organisations internationales jouent un rôle de plus en plus important, la maîtrise des langues officielles devient un atout crucial. C’est dans ce contexte que le travail de l’Alliance Française pour la promotion de la francophonie, particulièrement dans les domaines juridique et diplomatique, prend tout son sens.

Le cinq fevrier Dr Mayelinne De Lara and Roy Lie Atjam de Diplomat Magazine, ont interviewé Mme. Hélène Pichon Directrice de l’Alliance Francaise de La Haye, Coordinatrice du réseau des Alliances Françaises des Pays-Bas pour le Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères et Lucas Levien, Directeur des cours. Levien,  impliquée dans le développement de programmes pédagogiques au sein des organisations internationals, a partagé des détails passionnants sur cette mission.

Lucas Levien, Directeur des cours Alliance Francaise La Haya.

Au cœur de cette initiative se trouve un partenariat avec l’Académie de droit international, située au Palais de la Paix. Grâce à ce partenariat, des cours de français juridique ont été mis en place pour les apprenants, avec le soutien du service juridique de l’ambassade de France et de le Secrétaire général, le Professeur Jean-Marc Thouvenin. Cette collaboration représente un effort conjoint pour renforcer l’usage du français dans des domaines spécialisés comme le droit international.

Les sessions de formation, dirigées par des professeurs de l’Alliance, ont lieu deux fois par an, ciblant non seulement les agents actuels des organisations internationales, mais aussi les futurs agents. Il s’agit donc de préparer les décideurs de demain à la maîtrise d’un français diplomatique et juridique.

Parmi les organisations qui bénéficient de ces cours, on trouve la Cour pénale internationale (CPI) et l’Organisation pour l’interdiction des armes chimiques (OIAC), entre autres.

Lucas Levien souligne que dans de nombreuses cases, il existe une tendance où les organisations investissent elles-mêmes dans l’apprentissage du français pour leur personnel. En parallèle, il mentionne que d’autres donateurs externes, comme la France ou l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, apportent également leur soutien financier à ces initiatives. “Leur contribution vise non seulement à financer la formation linguistique pour le personnel existant, mais aussi à former de futurs employés qui pourraient rejoindre ces organisations. Donc, il y a un effort collaborative entre les organisations et les donateurs externes pour promouvoir l’apprentissage du francais.”

“En fait, outre le soutien de l’ambassade de France, cette initiative reçoit également des fonds de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), ce qui souligne l’importance de promouvoir la langue française dans des contextes juridiques et diplomatiques. Le programme s’adresse également à des apprenants privés, tels que des diplomates travaillant dans des ambassades, ainsi que des membres d’organisations comme Europol et Eurojust.”

Au fil de la conversation, Lucas Levien a souligné que ces programmes ne se limitent pas aux organisations internationales. L’Alliance enseigne également depuis neuf ans à l’Office Européen des Brevets, situé à Resveig, avec un bâtiment conçu par le célèbre architecte français Jean Nouvel. Cette diversité d’apprenants démontre la portée de l’enseignement du français dans divers domaines, y compris le droit des brevets.

“L’enseignement du français juridique n’est pas un défi facile, mais la persévérance des enseignants et des apprenants a permis de construire une solide base de francophones compétents. Les juges de la CPI, par exemple, bénéficient de cours privés organisés par l’Alliance pour améliorer leur maîtrise du français, avec le soutien de l’OIF. Ces juges, issus de divers pays, ont des emplois du temps chargés, mais leur engagement dans l’apprentissage du français démontre l’importance de cette compétence dans le monde judiciaire international. Actuellement, sept juges suivent des cours privés. Ainsi, l’OIF et l’ambassade de France sont les principaux acteurs du développement de la francophonie parmi eux, en particulier les juges nouvellement élus ainsi que ceux qui ont déjà atteint un certain niveau de compétence en français.”

En fin de compte, cet effort conjoint entre diverses parties prenantes, y compris l’Alliance, l’ambassade de France, et l’OIF, contribue à renforcer la présence de la langue française dans des domaines critiques. L’avenir de la francophonie juridique et diplomatique semble prometteur, grâce à des initiatives comme celle-ci, qui réunissent des acteurs internationaux pour favoriser l’apprentissage et la collaboration.

Dutch Employment Law

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Dutch Employment Law

6 clauses that should be included in an employment contract

Diplomat Magazine recently conducted an interesting interview with our longstanding partner, Jan Dop, from Russell Advocaten, a firm that has been accompanying us for over 10 years in all legal matters. Our focus was on Dutch Employment law, a significant concern for many diplomatic missions. Let’s listen to the expert legal counsel.

The employment contracts of locally hired staff and private servants employed with diplomatic missions including Ambassadors are mostly governed by Dutch employment law. Employers can in principle determine, in consultation with their employees, what is included in the employment contract. However, Dutch law imposes a number of requirements on certain clauses. Which clauses are useful in an employment contract, what do they imply and what should you be aware of? This article discusses various clauses that we recommend to include in an employment contract, such as:

1.   Probationary period clause

Upon entering into an employment contract, employer and employee can agree upon a period within which both parties can terminate the contract with immediate effect at any time: the probationary period. However, it is not allowed to include a probationary period clause in a fixed-term employment contract for a period shorter or equal to six months. If an employment contract is entered into for a period exceeding six months, it may be agreed upon a maximum probationary period of one month. A maximum probationary period of two months may be included in employments contracts for a period of 2 years or longer and for an indefinite period. A probationary period does only apply if it (1) has been agreed upon in writing and (2) is the same for both parties. Please note that a probationary period may only be included once and cannot be extended for example because of illness of the employee.

2.   Ancillary activities clause

An ancillary activities clause usually means that employees are not allowed to perform other work than for their employer, unless they have received approval to do so. The prohibition of other paid or unpaid activities is limited to the duration of the employment contract. An ancillary activities clause may prevent that employees perform other undesirable activities or that they will get overburdened by having several jobs. A prohibition to perform ancillary activities is only valid if it can be justified on the basis of objective grounds.

3.   Unilateral amendments clause

If an employment contract contains a unilateral amendments clause in writing, it may be a little easier for the employer to unilaterally change the employment conditions of the employee. Employees are protected by employment law, so, in principle, the terms and conditions of employment can only be changed with the consent of the employee. However, if a unilateral amendments clause has been agreed upon and the employer has a substantial interest, the employee’s interest in maintaining his terms and conditions of employment may sometimes have to give way.

4.   Incorporation clause

The incorporation clause is a clause in the employment contract in which a personnel handbook or code of conduct containing employment conditions and internal regulations of the Diplomatic Mission will be declared applicable. The employee and employer are therefore bound to these additional rules and regulations in case of such a clause.

5.   Confidentiality clause

When performing their work, employees will get familiar with confidential information of the employer or relations. To achieve that employees will treat this kind of information carefully, a confidentiality clause can be included in the employment contract. A confidentiality clause determines that the employee will observe secrecy towards confidential information, both during and after the employment.

6.   Penalty clause

The employment contract may include that the employee owes a penalty if he violates the agreed-upon conditions. It may be determined that an employee who breaches for example the confidentiality obligation has to pay a certain amount for each violation. The amount of the penalty can be reduced by the judge.

More information

Of course more clauses are possible, like a non-compete clause, social media clause or specific rules applicable to illness of the employee. Apart from these optional clauses, Dutch law prescribes which basic information the employer has to give the employee about the employment contract and in which way this must be done.

This mandatory information includes the description of the job, whether the contract is for a definite or indefinite period, the duration of the contract if it is for a definite period, the right to holidays, the amount of salary, the notice period, the working hours per week, whether overtime is paid and whether the employee is socially insured.

Would you like to get more information on employment contracts and what you can and must include? Do you need assistance in drawing up and assessing an employment contract? Would you like to know whether a situation is in violation of the agreed conditions of employment?

Jan Dop.

Please contact: Jan Dop, LL.M. (jan.dop@russell.nl) or embassydesk@russell.nl or visit our websites www.russell.law and www.embassydesk.nl. We are dedicated to helping you!

Reflecting on the Success of the Curacao Experience

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Reflecting on the Success of the Curacao Experience

In an exclusive interview with Diplomat Magazine, Minister Carlson Manuel of Curacao offered insights into the triumph of the Curacao Experience, “an extraordinary diplomatic journey that aimed at fostering stronger diplomatic ties and exploring avenues for collaboration and prosperity.”

Inspired by a vision to bring the world to Curacao and transform ambassadors into advocates for the island, Minister Manuel outlined the primary objectives of the Curacao Experience. Central to its mission was the goal of strengthening ties between countries, fostering a sense of unity, and nurturing enduring connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Reflecting on the journey, Minister Manuel highlighted key moments and interactions that defined the Curacao Experience. “Participants were immersed in Curacao’s vibrant culture, engaged in interactive sessions, and formed a tight-knit community akin to family during their time on the island, sharing experiences and forging deep connections.” 

The selection process for ambassadors proved to be a meticulous endeavor,. “Selecting ambassadors was challenging, prioritizing countries with the greatest potential for collaboration and those geographically close to Curacao.” While the inaugural trip accommodated 25 ambassadors, Minister Manuel expressed:  “it was difficult because I wanted to invite them all. Next Curacao Experience, I will aim to accommodate more participants to expand the reach and impact of the initiative.”

Among the sectors identified for collaboration, green energy, agriculture, trade, and tourism emerged as areas of mutual interest for participating countries. The carefully curated agenda seamlessly blended informative sessions with practical work visits, providing ambassadors with an immersive experience that deepened their understanding of Curacao’s strengths and potential for partnership.

Looking ahead, Minister Manuel envisions tangible outcomes arising from the relationships forged during the Curacao Experience. Increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange are anticipated to drive mutual prosperity and growth, laying the foundation for enduring collaboration between Curacao and its partners.

To sustain the momentum generated by the trip, Minister Manuel said “regular communication with ambassadors and follow-ups on initiatives from the trip are planned aiming to solidify partnerships and expand cooperation in the months and years to come.”

Reflecting on lessons learned, Minister Manuel emphasized the importance of transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and the transformative power of experiential learning in fostering cooperation. In conclusion, the success of the Curacao Experience underscores the transformative potential of diplomacy in forging meaningful connections and paving the way for a brighter future of collaboration and growth.

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