It is with great sadness that the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) has received the news of the passing of Mr Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, on 18 August 2018. Through his illustrious career and remarkable achievements, Mr. Annan made countless contributions to advancing peace, security and well-being of the world, including the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes. The Court recalls that Mr. Annan played a crucial role as Secretary General of the United Nations when the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, was adopted in Rome twenty years ago. “The establishment of the Court is a gift of hope to future generations, and a giant step forward in the march towards universal human rights and the rule of law”, he stated on that occasion. Mr. Annan remained a strong supporter of the ICC and of its mandate after the end of his mandate as Secretary General, both as Chair of The Elders and as founder and chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation. Mr. Annan’s passing is a profound loss, but his enduring legacy in the service of humanity must be celebrated and continue to inspire. The Court presents its sincere condolences to Mr. Annan’s bereaved family and all who are mourning at this time of sorrow.

On the picture, Colonel Sean Ryan,  Spokesperson for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, U.S. Central Command. By Guido Lanfranchi. The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve is currently preparing its next offensive against the remnants of the Islamic State in Syria, and in particular in the lower Euphrates River Valley. In the meanwhile, the Iraqi Security Forces continue to fight ISIS cells in the Iraqi territory.   On June 15^th, 2014, the United States, together with a wide array of international allies, decided to intervene militarily to counter the expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) across the territories of Iraq and Syria. Today, more than four years later, the situation on the ground is radically changed, since ISIS has lost much of its territory and scores of fighters. “Yet, the Islamic State still controls some portions of territory in Syria, and the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS is preparing to retake them” – the Coalition’s Spokesman Colonel Sean Ryan said in an international press teleconference. “In Syria, the Coalition – in close cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces – is currently conducting shaping operations to prepare for phase three of Operation Roundup. Such preparations – Colonel Ryan said – will pave the way for the defeat of ISIS in the lower Euphrates River Valley, and in particular of the area surrounding the city of Hajin.” The Coalition estimates a number of 1.000-1.500 fighters left in the lower Euphrates River Valley, and it expects them to “make a tough stand” against the upcoming offensive. Nevertheless, the Coalition’s Spokesman expressed confidence on the fact that the offensive will succeed in defeating ISIS in that area. While the coalition’s main focus is currently on the Syrian side of the border, Colonel Ryan also gave an update on the situation in Iraq. He praised the work of the Iraqi Security Forces, who are fighting to clear and protect Iraqi infrastructures, and have managed to arrest more than 50 suspected terrorists in the first week of August alone. “The Iraqi forces – Colonel Ryan stressed – are in charge of such operations, and no Coalition troops are deployed on the ground in Iraq.” The Coalition’s Spokesman also stressed the ongoing stabilization efforts carried out by the Coalition’s partners in Northeast Syria and Iraq. These efforts are focusing on improving the people’s living conditions and providing them with access to daily necessities, such as electricity and water. As part of ISIS success has often been attributed to the dire living conditions of the Iraqi and Syrian population, such stabilization efforts are aimed at preventing a comeback by ISIS, and more generally at reining in radicalization throughout the region. Talking about the Islamic State’s leadership, Colonel Ryan stated the several ISIS leaders already fled the battlefield. Moreover, he claimed that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS top leader, has by now been rendered almost irrelevant, and he has been replaced by a new leader. Therefore, al-Baghdadi’s recent audio message calling for worldwide attacks is not among the Coalition’s priorities: the main focus is now instead on eliminating the remnants of ISIS in the region. Such a task will require different tactics than in the past – Colonel Ryan explained. While in the past the clashes at times involved house-to-house fighting, by now the scenario has changed, with the fighting taking place in desert areas, against scattered fighters hiding in tunnels. While the presence of IEDs and civilians will make the Coalition’s task more difficult, Colonel Ryan expressed the Coalition’s confidence that ISIS will be eventually defeated. Finally, the Coalition’s Spokesman also dealt with the international dimension of Operation Inherent Resolve. Asked about the relationship with Russia, he said that the Coalition and the Russian military, although not coordinating directly, have established a deconfliction zone in order to ensure their soldiers’ safety. Talking about Turkey, he stressed that the US-Turkish military cooperation is proceeding smoothly, in spite of recent political tensions. Currently, for instance, rehearsals are ongoing in order to prepare for joint patrols in the Syrian city of Manbij. In his concluding remarks, Colonel Ryan reminded that “the challenges ahead in Iraq and Syria are great,” and called on the international community to get involved in the fight against terrorism. “ISIS is an international problem. It requires an international solution.”  

 125th Anniversary celebrations of the Hague Conference on Private International Law In the afternoon of 12 September 2018, the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) will celebrate its 125th anniversary. The first session of the HCCH was officially opened on 12 September 1893. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands will honour the event with his presence. The HCCH is an intergovernmental Organisation – the oldest of all the many organisations based in The Hague. It works for the unification of private international law rules through the development of multilateral legal instruments (“Hague Conventions”). The HCCH focuses its work on international civil procedure and litigation, international family and child protection law, as well as international commercial and financial law. Today, the Organisation has established 38 Hague Conventions and other instruments, many of which are widely supported at the international level. The work of the HCCH has a direct impact on people’s lives and on the way businesses operate internationally. Some of the most widely ratified/acceded to Hague Conventions include the cross-border use of public documents (Apostille), international adoption and international parental child abduction. The Organisation counts 83 Members, including the European Union. In addition, 70 non-Member States are Party to one or more Hague Conventions. Thus, in total 152 States are connected to the work of the HCCH. The official ceremony to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the HCCH will be a high-level event with invitees representing States (Members and non-Members of the HCCH), Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Heads of International Organisations and other dignitaries.    

Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong , President of Thailand’s Election Commission. By Roy Lie Atjam. The veteran diplomat Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong  has been selected to become the next president of Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) and the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). Mr. Ittiporn Boonpracong , had been Director of the Treaties and Legal Affairs Department at the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry. Up to the autumn of 2016, he had been Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Royal Thai Kingdom to the Netherlands. When I contacted Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong  about the new phase in his career he quipped  “big challenge, I will try my best as always. Hoping my bad sense of humour will not lead me to undesirable path”. No doubt, Ittiporn Boonpracong  meets the requirements to execute the function of President of the Election Commission. I wish him every success.

H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia. Indonesia Flag Ceremony 2018 By Roy Lie Atjam. The theme for the 2018 Independence celebration is: “Our Work on National Achievement”(Kerja Kita Prestasi Bangsa). Wassenaar 17 August 2018, flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Indonesian Republic. The venue chosen was the Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag (SIDH) Indonesian School Den Haag in Wassenaar. However, it was by no means an ordinary flag hoisting ceremony. Prior to the hoisting of the flag, students of the Indonesian school, clad in immaculate white uniforms re-enacted the Independence Proclamation ceremony of 73 years ago. It has been a most impressive phenomenon! Those of Indonesian descent must have taken much pride to be Indonesian while watching the dazzling spectacle. The ceremony was under the auspices of H.E. Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja. The Indonesian diaspora, the staff of the Indonesian Mission in The Hague and friends of Indonesia, turn out in their hundreds to join in the celebration on this bright summer morning. The Indonesian Ambassador H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, heartily welcome and thanked the many guests for responding to the invitation. Indonesia is a young nation of just 73 years. The country has made great strides and could be proud of her achievements.  

Ceremony of Merrits The Satya Lencana Award, a medal for Civil Services, has been awarded to Mr. Sudarman and Mr. Noorman Effendi. They received the medal from the President of the Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo for their 30- and 20 years of government service respectively. The Ambassador also presented Tokens of Appreciation to four individuals/agencies for their dedication to the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague for over 20 years. Ambassador Puja delivered a comprehensive speech highlighting the many achievements of the young Indonesian republic. Hereto attached are highlights from the speech delivered by H.E. Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja. “For 73 years, Indonesia has been able to make achievements in various fields. Since the wake of Indonesia’s reformation in 1997, Indonesia has become the third largest democratic country in the world whilst having a more mature democratic process. Indonesia also becomes one of the largest economies in the world and is a member of G20, thus enjoying an equal standing with developed and economically large countries.

In this regard, my distinguished guests, allow me to convey excerpts from Indonesian President’s speech during the Joint Session of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia and the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia, which was held yesterday, the 16th of August 2018, as follows: For 73 years, we have demonstrated ourselves to be a strong and resilient nation, a nation eager to succeed in achieving triumphant and advancement. In its 73 years of age, we continue to work, to endure more efforts, and to struggle to reach our achievements for the nation, because we have to admit that there are other countries that have advanced faster than our country. However, we also have to be grateful that we fare better than many other countries. We are grateful that we have Pancasila as a force of Indonesia’s nation ideology that guides all the people in realizing their dreams of independence. Pancasila is a star that directs, moves, becomes a source of inspiration and becomes a unifying force of all Indonesian people with its Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. Despite of those achievements, we cannot afford to become complacent. Indonesia has to catch up with other nations that have advanced more than what we are now in pursuit of progress. Indonesian economy continues to grow at around 5 percent per year, amidst the ongoing global economic uncertainty. Inflation hovers around 3.5 percent. This has been an extraordinary achievement to maintain people’s purchasing power. We have managed to curb the inflation rate in June 2018 at 0.59 percent (month-to-month) or the lowest compared to the inflation during national religious festivities in the past seven years. The unemployment rate has also been reduced by 5.13 percent in February 2018. For the first time, Indonesia’s poverty percentage has dropped to a single digit, into 9.82 percent in March 2018. We managed to reduce the poverty rate from 28.59 million or 11.22 percent in March 2015 to 25.95 million or 9.82 percent in March 2018. Economic justice receives our utmost attention, especially serving justice for the 40 percent of the underprivileged. We are grateful for having achieved the lowest disparity level in the past six years as our Gini ratio dropped to 0.389. The recognition speaks volumes on, 8 June 2018, Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2019-2020. We have to uphold the trust we have earned from the community of nations. Indonesia’s concept is to prioritize ASEAN centrality, cooperation, habit of dialog, and respect to the international laws. Equally important, Indonesian diplomacy strives to focus on the protection for Indonesian citizens living abroad, including setting up a Safe Travel and Smart Embassy mechanism. Bear in mind that tomorrow, Indonesia will have a golden opportunity to show to the world our excellence and achievement through Asian Games 2018, the biggest sports event in Asia. After 56 years, for the second time, Indonesia will host the Asian Games, followed by the Asian Para Games. Indonesia is going to host delegates from 45 countries, more than 11,000 athletes and 5,500 officials, the biggest in the history of the Asian Games, while the Asian Para Games will involve 5,000 delegates. Indonesia, as a big nation and one of the most beautiful jewels in Asia and the world, must make use of the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games to show the world that Indonesia is a gracious host, a winning nation, a triumphant nation, that upholds a fair play. We have to show that Indonesia is ready to be at the forefront to boost Asia’s position in the world. Distinguished guests, allow me to cite the achievements and progress of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands as part of our accountability to the people of Indonesia, In 2018, stronger relations between our two countries was marked by the recent visit of Queen Maxima, in her capacity as UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), to Indonesia and met President Joko Widodo in February 2018.

In July 2018, H.E. Stephanus Abraham Blok, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands visited Indonesia and held bilateral talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and other related Indonesian high rank officials. In the economic field, the Netherlands is one of our most important partner in Europe. In 2017, for the first time in the last five years, the trade value between our two countries reached USD 5.06 billion, or a growth of 27% compared to 2016 which was USD 3.98 billion. In the field of social and cultural relations, both nations have been running well. The Indonesian Embassy will continue to promote the New Indonesia, especially a modern, positive and advanced Indonesia through culinary, fashion, film, and many others. The close connection between the peoples of the two countries also contributes to the dynamics of consular and public service provided by the Embassy. Protecting and serving 15,600 Indonesian citizens as well as 1.7 million Indonesian diasporas in the Netherlands makes the Indonesian Embassy a friendly Indonesian home. In quoting President Joko Widodo: From the Minang region, together we learn: ‘Bareksamodipikua, ringansamodijinjiang’. If we work together, we can make our job easier From Tatar Pasundan: ‘Sacangreudpageuh, sagolekpangkek’. We need to work together with a sense of commitment and consistency. From BumiAngingMamiri: ‘Resotemma-ngingi, nama-lomo, nale-tei, pammasedewata’. Let us work together hand-in-hand and let our faith carry us to attain our goals. From Bumi Gora: ‘Barengbejukung, barengbebose’. We work together and enjoy the fruits of our labour. From Banua Banjar: ‘Wajasampaikaputing’. We work together with conviction that neither of us will give in nor quit. And from the Netherlands, we learn: ‘If you want to walk fast, walk alone. But if you want to walk far, walk together”.