Under the hospitable roof of the Embassy of the Republic of TĆ¼rkiye, 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 TĆ¼rkiye and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dr. Lerzan Kayıhan Ćnal, 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 Ćnal, 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. Ćnal 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 TĆ¼rkiye, 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 TĆ¼rkiye’s language, literature, history, culture, and art on a global scale. By preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of TĆ¼rkiye, 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 ErdoÄan, spouse of H.E. President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan. 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 onƧa” or “The Sound of The Jaguarās 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.
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 IƱe-e and the boy Juri who were allegedly given as a gift. Once in Munich, IƱe-e and Juri became study objects at the university and proudly presented to the court of King Maximilian Joseph I.
āSpeaking at the launch of the book “O som do roar da onƧa” or “The Sound of The Jaguarās Roar,” which in Dutch is “De brul van de jaguar,” written by the award-winning Brazilian author Micheliny Verunschk, who is from Pernambuco, Brazil, MrĀ Felipe 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 OnƧa”, also here in the Netherlands.
Dr Sara Brandellerdo, Micheliny Vernuschk and Anne Lopes Michielsen.
Micheliny Verunschkās 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 Brazilās 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 Michelinyās 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 Michelinyās captivating storytelling.
And of course, our profound thanks go to Dr. Sara Brandellero, who will be guiding our literary discussion today. Dr. Brandelleroās expertise in Latin American literature is invaluable, and her insights will certainly enrich our conversation and understanding of Michelinyās work.
As we proceed with todayās 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 todayās 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.ā 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 āHgateriā Ā toured the Netherlands from 25 April to 8 May 2024 for a roadshow of Papuan culture. The group leader, Mr Andy Nussy, explains, āour mission is to introduce and promote the tradition of the Wonti tribe to the Worldā. 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 āPapuan Heritage Cultural Dayā (āPapoea-Erfgoed Culturele Dagā) 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 āBirds of Godā (āVogels van Godā) 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 āNusantara Nightā, a presentation of Indonesian cultural richness which included display of Indonesian traditional woven fabrics, exhibition of Pencak Silat ā traditional martial art, a mini concert of Sasando ā 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 āBird of Paradise: Papuan Cultural Nightā
(āBird of Paradise: Papoea Culturele Avondā) at the Municipal Theater of Olst that went on from after dinner time until well past midnight.
Hgateri took part in āOUR COUNTRY: The Freedom Showā (āONS LAND: De Vrijheidshowā) organized by the IndischĀ HerinneringscentrumĀ (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 āsupposedlyā 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 crowdās 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.
In a detailed and emphatic statement, the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has outlined severe allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity against key figures from both Hamas and the Israeli government. The charges stem from events beginning on October 7, 2023, amid escalating violence between Israel and Palestine.
The ICC Prosecutor has identified Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas as bearing criminal responsibility for a series of grave offenses. These charges include extermination, murder, hostage-taking, rape, torture, and other inhumane acts. These crimes are purported to have been committed during attacks on Israeli civilians and the taking of hostages.
Extermination and Murder: These leaders are accused of orchestrating attacks resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians.
Hostage-Taking: At least 245 hostages were allegedly taken during these attacks.
Sexual Violence and Torture: There are allegations of rape and torture among the captives, supported by medical records and victim testimonies.
The Prosecutor emphasized the extensive evidence supporting these charges, including CCTV footage, authenticated multimedia, and eyewitness accounts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of Israel are similarly accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza. These charges arise from actions taken from October 8, 2023, onwards, amidst the ongoing conflict.
Starvation and Siege: Israel is accused of using starvation as a method of warfare by blocking essential supplies and cutting off water and electricity to Gaza.
Attacks on Civilians: Intentional attacks against civilians, including those queuing for food and humanitarian aid workers, are detailed.
Systematic Deprivation: The allegations include a systematic plan to deprive the Gazan population of necessities, resulting in severe suffering and numerous deaths.
The Prosecutor noted the substantial evidence, such as satellite imagery, interviews, and verified documentation, underpinning these accusations.
Legal and Humanitarian Implications
The ICC’s actions are based on its mandate under the Rome Statute, with jurisdiction affirmed over Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Prosecutor underscored the principle of applying international humanitarian law equally, without bias.
The Prosecutor reiterated calls for the immediate release of all hostages and the urgent need for humanitarian aid access to Gaza. The statement concludes with a firm stance on the necessity of accountability, urging all states to uphold their obligations under international law and support the ICC’s efforts.
Both sides face serious accusations, highlighting the profound impact of the conflict on civilian populations and the critical need for international legal standards to be upheld.
Tragedy struck Iran on Sunday morning as President Ebrahim Raisi, along with several high-ranking officials, perished in a helicopter crash in the mountains of East Azerbaijan province. Among the casualties was Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, marking a devastating loss for the nation’s leadership.
The confirmation of President Raisi’s death came from various sources, including Ali Reza Dawari, Head of the Communication Department in Ahmadinejadās presidency, and Pir Hossein Kolivand, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Reports indicated that there were no survivors among the passengers on board the crashed helicopter. The president was reportedly en route to Tabriz, a city in northwestern Iran, following his visit to the border with Azerbaijan, where he inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi and Khodaafarin dams.
The helicopter was part of a convoy of three aircraft, highlighting the gravity of the incident and the scale of the loss. Rescue efforts were hindered by adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain, necessitating the use of drones to approach the crash site. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered the charred wreckage of the aircraft, further confirming the severity of the crash. Sadly, no signs of life were detected, reinforcing the grim likelihood of no survivors, as reported by Reuters and Iranian state media.
President Raisi, aged 63, had assumed office in 2021, making his tenure tragically short-lived. In the wake of his untimely death, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is expected to assume the responsibilities of the presidency, contingent upon certain conditions.
According to Iran’s constitutional provisions, the emergency succession process requires the approval of the supreme guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who serves as the country’s highest authority and head of state. Additionally, the vice president assuming the presidency is a temporary measure, as they are mandated to call for elections within a short timeframe.
The loss of President Raisi and his accompanying officials leaves a void in Iran’s leadership, prompting mourning and reflection across the nation. As investigations into the causes of the helicopter crash continue, the Iranian people grapple with the sudden departure of their president and the uncertain road ahead for their country’s governance.
Art Installation by conceptual artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa in support of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence
Location: The Hague City Hall, 03-28 June 2024 & Lange Voorhout, 18-23 June 2024
In June 2024, The Hague City Hall and the Lange Voorhout will be festooned with washing lines full of dresses donated by survivors of sexual violence in conflict and their supporters.
This landmark public art installation by the internationally recognized conceptual artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa will be a powerful homage to survivors of sexual violence in conflict worldwide. The artist created the installation in collaboration with the Mukwege Foundation, the Embassy of Kosovo in the Netherlands, and the Municipality of The Hague.
Together, through this installation, we are calling to draw a Red Line to end conflict-related sexual violence.
The Embassy of Kosovo in The Hague collaborates with Alketa Xhafa-Mripa to bring the art installation “Thinking of You” to the city, emphasizing Kosovo’s quest for justice and raising awareness of wartime atrocities.
Survivors SEMA Ukraine-Thinking of You
Introducing Thinking of You
The artist initially conceived the concept in response to the ongoing traumatization and social exclusion of survivors of sexual violence from the 1999 war in her native Kosovo. The first Thinking of You exhibition (Prishtina, 2015) was held in the football stadium in the capital of Kosovo, receiving international acclaim and attention.
Alketa has aimed to take this installation to other countries and to collaborate in solidarity with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence around the world. Since its initial launch in Kosovo and subsequent installations, Thinking of You has become a global symbol of remembrance and solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.
Alketa Xhafa-Mripa’s art delves into personal and universal themes encompassing motherhood, women, gender relations, memory, and the body. Through mediums like films, installations, paintings, and photography, she explores personal and collective experiences. Alketa, a Kosovar-born artist residing in London, brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a refugee during the Kosovo War. Her work is deeply rooted in feminist values, advocating for vulnerable communities, particularly survivors of sexual violence and wartime rape. Collaboration and activism are integral to her practice, reflecting her commitment to challenging oppression and fostering new discourse.
āI use artās transformative and restorative power as a vehicle for raising awareness, empowering, and giving a platform to survivors of sexual violence in conflict to come forward and speak up. We must reach everyone in society and use all means at our disposal to end this intolerable suffering once and for all. The first Thinking of You, in my home nation of Kosovo, became a collective act of listening and healing for the estimated 20,000 survivors of sexual violence committed during the war there. Bringing Thinking of You to The Hague is a powerful homage to the survivors from all over the world and a call to decision-makers to take action.ā – Alketa Xhafa Mripa
Thinking of You art installation (The Hague, 2024)
From June 3rd to June 28th 2024, Thinking of You will be installed in the Atrium of the City Hall, and from June 18th to 23rd, the installation will be extended along the avenue of trees on the Lange Voorhout in The Hagueāthis time gathering dresses and shirts from survivors of conflict-related sexual violence across the world.
The dresses are collected from over 20 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Colombia. This powerful collection is possible with the support of SEMA, the Global Network of Victims and Survivors to End Wartime Sexual Violence, and many national survivorsā networks. The installation is a testimony of the reality of sexual violence in conflict and its human consequences, challenging a wide audience to think more deeply about the lived realities of survivors around the world and mobilize key decision-makers to draw a Red Line against the use of sexual violence and take stronger action in preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence.
South-Sudan-Survivors-Thinking-of-You
With The Hague celebrated as the International City of Peace and Justice, there is no better place to present this exhibition. The installation will also commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on June 19th 2024, hosting a special celebration in the evening and officially bringing the exhibition outdoors along the avenue of trees on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague.
āArt can be a powerful tool to touch people deeply and raise awareness about the consequences of conflict-related sexual violence. On this occasion, we are excited to collaborate with artist Alketa Xhafa Mripa in carrying out this meaningful art exhibition together with SEMA, the Global Network of Victims and Survivors to End Wartime Sexual Violence. It’s our wish that more people join us in drawing a Red Line against the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.” – Katrien Coppens, Executive Director at the Mukwege Foundation.
āConflict-related sexual violence is a crime that strikes at the very heart of humanity and leaves the victims and survivors with an everlasting and excruciating pain. It is therefore our collective responsibility to act decisively and address the staggering reality of CRSV. This is why we are happy to collaborate with Artist Alketa Xhafa-Mripa, by bringing the power of Thinking of You art installation to the city of peace and justice.ā – H.E. Mr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
āThis year marks 125 years since the First Hague Peace Conference, a historic gathering that laid the groundwork for international cooperation and conflict resolution by establishing the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The Municipality of The Hague is very honoured to host the Alketa Xhafa-Mripa art installation Thinking of You this year, from 3rd to 23rd June. Establishing a permanent global Red Line against sexual violence in conflict is imperative for peace and justice worldwide.ā- MariĆ«lle Vavier, Deputy Mayor International Affairs, Municipality of The Hague
In recent weeks, Canadian and American universities including Ottawa, Harvard, Stanford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have been inundated by pro-Palestinian protests condemning Israelās war in Gaza (Chaffin, 2024). Unbeknownst to most, the initial pro-Palestinian protests unfolded prior to the current surge of demonstrations with students occupying administrative buildings at Brown University in November and December 2023 (Mukherjee et al., 2023).
The revival of these protests has constituted of a new wave of uproar attracting significant media attention, and commencing at Columbia University on the 17th of April with an encampment of over fifty tents (Egan, et al., 2024). The demonstrations initially expanded across the East coast of America, with protesters beginning to occupy university campuses on the 22nd of April at Yale University, MIT and NYU (Looker, 2024). There have subsequently been protests in 45 of the 50 American states (Faguy, 2024).
Whilst news reports have predominantly focused on the protests occurring in the USA, the demonstrations have spread to Europe following Israelās continued attacks in Rafah, impacting more than 25 countries worldwide (Faguy, 2024; Oguc et al., 2024). European rallies began in Spain at the University of Valencia on the 29th of April, and have since materialised at the University of Oxford, Cambridge, Newcastle, Sheffield, Birmingham, Lausanne, Geneva and Copenhagen with the recurring demand being to cease collaboration with Israel to various degrees ranging from terminating interaction with education institutions to that with any form of Israeli organisation (Oguc et al., 2024).
Ottawa University Students protest.
Studentās exigencies at Columbia University are analogous, consisting of: supporting a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war; amnesty for protestors; and the disinvestment from Israel, requiring the University halts financial ties with companies who do business in or with Israel, including Microsoft, Google and Boeing (Harte, et al., 2024; Noor, 2024).
There is considerable evidence of external influence and organisational backing within the demonstrations, with known members of far right and white nationalist groups appearing at various University campuses holding protests across America (Binkowski, 2024). During arrests in New York City on the 2nd of May, police reported that almost half of those protestors arrested at Columbia University were unaffiliated with the University (Yu, 2024). Groups organising the protests at Columbia include Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace, an anti-Zionism endorsement group suspended by Columbia in November 2023 which is supported by the non-profit New York Civil Liberties Union (Allen et al., 2024).
Further evidence of extrinsic leverage is exemplified through the role in counter-protests at UCLA on April 30th of the international, non-partisan group, Stand With Us, who organised a demonstration with pro-Israel groups attacking the pro-Palestinian camp, and was subsidised by the United Jewish Coalition in partnership with the Israeli American Council (Bedi et al., 2024; Binkowski, 2024).
Evident similarities between protests at Columbia University, George Washington University and UCLA are exemplified through persistent rows of countless coloured tents with unused sleeping bags and well-organised meals, further indicating underlying an funding of the demonstrations (Jon Michael Raasch, 2024).
Subsequently, there has been considerable speculation as to who is sponsoring the demonstrations, with evidence that there is an overlap with President Bidenās donors including Soros, Rockefeller and Pritzker as well as the Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow – two organisations both backed by the Tides Foundation (Kapos, 2024).
Given the frequently violent nature of the protests, mass arrests have taken place, with 300 protestors at Columbia University and City College of New York being detained on the 30th of April (Prokupecz et al., 2024). Police responses have also included the use of pepper balls, tasers, and beating both students and professors (Andone, 2024).
The involvement of police in response to the pro-Palestinian demonstrations is notable as the first time Columbia University has authorised police suppression of campus protests since those organised in response to the Vietnam War in 1968 (Mansoor, 2024). This has contributed towards prevalent comparisons between the Israel-Hamas war and the Vietnam War in terms of its impact upon the presidential elections, with Independent Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders, warning that President Bidenās approach to both the war and corresponding protests āmay be Bidenās Vietnamā (Ruhiyyih Ewing, 2024).
Demonstration violence has also provoked reactive action from universities, with Columbia University cancelling graduations and both suspending and expelling students involved in the protests (Khalifeh, 2024; Pro-Palestine Protests: How Some Universities Reached Deals with Students, 2024). However, universities are not the only institutions implementing policy in response to the protests: as a result of Jewish students feeling distressed by the demonstrations, which they have accused of being anti-Semitic, Republican Representative, Mike Lawler, of New York and Democratic Representative, Josh Gottheimer, of New Jersey have introduced the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act which, if enacted, would implement a definition of anti-Semitism into federal law, ensuring that universities account for āanti-Semitic intentā (Mathur-Ashton, 2024) when examining claims of discrimination, as in the case of the current pro-Palestinian protests (Harte, et al., 2024).
Relative to the violence exhibited at American university campuses, the student protests occurring in Europe have predominantly been peaceful in nature, such as in the case of those at the University of Edinburgh whereby students are utilising hunger strikes (Kerr, 2024). EuropeanĀ demonstrations appear to be coming to an end, exemplified by the encampment at Trinity College Dublin ending on the 8th of May on the basis of an agreement between the university management team and protestors with the university acceding to divest from Israeli companies (Kerr, 2024; OāMahony, 2024).
It seems likely that the demonstrations at American universities have also climaxed given that American students are beginning to return home following their commencements, with students at Harvard University halting their encampment on May the 14th following nearly three weeks of protest (Gray & WBUR Newsroom, 2024; Kuper, 2024). Whilst the turmoil of the pro-Palestinian student protests is abating, whether the placation lasts is questionable; through Instagram, the Harvard protestors coalition stated: āencampments are a tacticā¦ we believe the utility of this tactic has passed, and we have decided to re-group and carry out this protracted struggle through other meansā (Kuper, 2024).
Andone, D. (2024, April 28). How universities are cracking down on a swell of tension months into student protests over Israelās bombardment of Gaza. CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/28/us/student-protests-universities-israel-gaza/index.html
Bedi, N., Erden, B., Hernandez, M., Jhaveri, I., Lajka, A., Reneau, N., Rosales, H., & Toler, A. (2024, May 3). How Counterprotesters at U.C.L.A. Provoked Violence, Unchecked for Hours. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/05/03/us/ucla-protests-encampment-violence.html
Gray, A., & WBUR Newsroom. (2024, May 14). Pro-Palestinian encampment ends at Harvard, but organizers say the protest isnāt over. Www.wbur.org. https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/05/14/harvard-encampment-clearout-police-gaza
From 13 to 15 May 2024, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (āICCā or āthe Courtā), Osvaldo Zavala Giler, paid an official visit to Kampala, Uganda, and met with Ugandan national authorities, United Nations (UN) and members of the diplomatic community, stakeholders and members of the affected communities from northern Uganda and Kampala, as well as local and international media.
During his visit, Registrar Zavala Giler met the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda Hon. Okello Henry Oryem as well as the Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi, in Kampala. He underlined the importance of continued strong cooperation in the common fight against impunity for mass atrocities.
ICC Registrar also met with the UN Resident Coordinator HE Ms Susan Ngongi Namondo and he expressed his gratitude for the strong support the UN provides to the ICC in situation countries. In addition, during a meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassadors, he highlighted the importance of the EU and its Member States, as vital partners in fulfilling the mandate of the Court. The Registrar further met with the Dean of African Ambassadors, South Africa’s High Commissioner HE Ms Lulama Xingwana to discuss the key role that African States Parties play in supporting the Court.
During his 3-day visit, Registrar Zavala Giler held a media briefing with 35 local and international journalists from key media houses in Kampala and Gulu. He also met with stakeholders and members of the affected communities from northern Uganda and Kampala. āLocal voices make justice processes come alive and make them meaningful, ICC Registrar Zavala Giler said.
While in Kampala, Uganda, the ICC Registrar also engaged the ICC country office’s team, noting that the work of the office is invaluable for effectively carrying out the mandate of the Court.
In a strategic effort to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) initiatives, the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has appointed His Excellency Mr Joseph Borghese as Special Envoy for Foreign Direct Investments. H.E. Mr. Borghese, is a global entrepreneur, known for his remarkable ability to bridge diverse markets and cultures through innovative business strategies. With ventures spread across multiple continents, he excels in identifying unique opportunities in complex international markets. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a deep understanding of global economic dynamics and a commitment to sustainable business practices that benefit local and international communities alike.
The Ceremony of presenting the instrument of appointment to H.E. Mr. Borghese, was held recently by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Liewellyn Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
During the ceremony of the presentation of the Instrument of Appointment, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Douglas, who also served as the longest serving Prime Minister of the country from 1995 to 2015, stated:
āItās my pleasure and honor on behalf of the Government of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis to have presented you a commission that sets out that you are now the Special Envoy of Saint Kitts and Nevis for Foreign Direct Investments, and that you shall fulfill your duties on behalf of our Government and People with honor and with distinctionā.
H.E Joseph Borghese thanked the Minister reply:
āI am really honored to be appointed as Special Envoy for FDIs and I will work hard to implement sustainable investment projects in Saint Kitts & Nevisā.
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States and the United Nations. It serves as the financial capital of the Eastern Caribbean, hosting the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange, and the Eastern Caribbean Regulatory Commission.
The appointment of H.E. Mr. Borghese with this rank is a testament to the country’s dedication to improving its global economic stance through the advancement of FDI and digital FDI initiatives.
The Special Envoy position, a distinguished role within diplomatic law, is assigned to high-ranking diplomats or eminent individuals.
There are very few such special Envoys worldwide representing various countries where these envoys are charged with the broad representation of their nations across international arenas. Unlike resident ambassadors, who are stationed in specific locations, Special Envoys are tasked with wider responsibilities, encompassing extensive geographic regions and major international organizations, such as the United Nations and the European Union.
Special Envoys are chosen to work as surrogates for the Heads of the States, Heads of Governments and Foreign Ministers on a particular issue that requires sustained, high-level attention.
In his new diplomatic role, H.E Mr. Borghese will advise the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the government on a variety of investment issues. His aim will be to diversify the economy with the support of nationals who obtained citizenship by investment. The focus will be on reinvestments in the areas of renewable energy, technology, hospitality, shipping and sustainable agriculture.
In addition, Mr. Borghese will facilitate dialogue with European Union and other officials from international and intragovernmental organizations to explore and expand revenue sources. He will also be responsible for communicating with international development funds and investment funds that choose St. Kitts and Nevis for their FDI projects.H.E Borghese’s appointment as Special Envoy for FDI is a pivotal move by the Government of Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to fortify its economic framework, attract foreign investments, and affirm its status as a premier hub for business innovation and growth.
