Donald Tusk and Shinzo Abe at the signing ceremony – Picture by European Union Tuesday, 17 July 2018, 25th EU-Japan summit: A historic agreement to bring about a future of free and fair trade between Japan and the EU was signed at Tokyo. The new Economic Partnership Agreement will lead to increased openness, transparency, and easier Japan-EU trade. This agreement will strengthen economic cooperation between Japan and the EU and, by creating new business opportunities, reinforce their competitiveness as mature yet innovative economies. The EPA is one of the largest and most comprehensive economic agreements that either the EU or Japan have concluded so far. This EPA will create a huge economic zone with 600 million people and approximately 30 percent of the world GDP, and it will open up tremendous trade and investment opportunities and will contribute to strengthening our economies and societies. The EU was represented by Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and by Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, also partook at the Summit. Japan was represented by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. For further information: 

• https://www.government.se/articles/2017/07/eu-and-japan--agreement-on-free-trade-deal/
• http://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2017/12/11/japan-and-eu-settle-trade-agreement/

(Left to right) ICC Registrar Mr Peter Lewis, ASP President H.E. O-Gon Kwon, President of Nigeria H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji and ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda at the high-level commemorations of the Rome Statute’s anniversary on 17 July 2018 ©ICC-CPI. Rome Statute 20^th anniversary high-level commemorations generate strong calls for justice On 16 and 17 July 2018, an event was held at the headquarters of International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”), in The Hague, The Netherlands, to mark the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the ICC. High-level representatives of more than 30 States in attendance included the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representatives of national Senates and Parliaments, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, as well as officials of international and regional organisations, civil society and academia. Speakers reiterated their support to justice and accountability for the gravest crimes listed under the Rome Statute. The event featured a keynote address by the President of Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, as well as remarks by the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, Mr. O-Gon Kwon; ICC President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji; ICC Prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda; ICC Registrar, Mr. Peter Lewis; UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel, Mr Miguel de Serpa Soares; Chair of the Trust Fund for Victims (“TFV”), Mr Motoo Noguchi, and other high-level guests. In his opening remarks, the President of the Court, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, recalled that the Rome Statute was adopted with a vision of a world in which atrocities that shock the conscience of humanity would no longer be committed with impunity. He said that reflections on the 20^th anniversary of the treaty should concentrate on what this generation will do with the monumental legacy handed to it by the visionaries of 1998. “Let us ensure that allegations of the most serious crimes are met with a robust, fair and impartial judicial response – at the international level as a last resort, where national systems prove unable to give victims their day in court. Let us make sure that we do not let down those who worked so hard to make the Statute of an International Criminal Court a reality”, President Eboe-Osuji said. “The ICC has given hope for justice to so many, by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law. A strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law,” said the President of Nigeria, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari. “I urge all States that have not yet done so to, as a matter of deliberate State policy, accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC so that it can become a universal treaty.” “I am certain that the Rome Statute is as necessary today as it was 20 years ago. I believe it is important to go ‘back to the basics’ with a renewed dedication, commitment and also excitement – just as we did when we first adopted the Rome Statute,” said the President of the Assembly of States Parties, H.E. O-Gon Kwon. “Let today serve as a time to reflect, look back, appreciate what we have accomplished, and most importantly revive our commitment to the fight against impunity.” ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stressed the importance of the anniversary and the opportunity it presents to recommit to the values and goals of the Statute, but also to take stock of the last two decades and reflect on how the Rome Statute system can be made more effective. “As we commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, we owe it to ourselves, our children and future generations to fully support and nurture the ever evolving international criminal justice system, and the ICC as its central pillar,” she stated, adding, “a more rule-based global order where mass atrocities are checked through the force of the law and the progress of humanity, demand it.” Following a solemn hearing in the ICC’s main Courtroom, an interactive symposium featured lively debates on the achievements of the Rome Statute, its impact, and challenges in the fight against impunity. As part of the commemoration, representatives of the Assembly, the Court, the Trust Fund for Victims, civil society and counsel also planted a tree on the Court’s premises in remembrance of the victims of the most serious crimes and to symbolise a deep-rooted commitment to end impunity for such acts.

On the picture Her Excellency Ms. Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroon with Ms.  Halima Fonda Haga, Counsellor Embassy of Cameroon and guests. In commemoration of Cameroon’s 46th National Day, Cameroon’s Head of Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Her Excellency,  Ambassador Mrs. Odette Melono on May 25th 2018 hosted a Diplomatic Reception at Marriott Hotel in the city of The Hague. Many Ambassadors and Heads of missions in the The Hague; representatives of The Hague based international organisations; Dutch businessmen, as well as Cameroonians resident in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, including representatives of Cameroonian political parties CPDM and MRC. attended the ceremony.

Flanked the 1st and 2nd Counsellors, as well as the 1st Secretary, the Ambassador welcomed all guests and invitees while receiving on behalf of the Head of State congratulatory messages. This was followed by a brief word of welcome. The bulk of the evening was characterised by a meet and greet session, also spiced by a rich Cameroonian inspired cocktail/dinner which granted the opportunity to present Cameroonian unique cuisine to the guests present. They also had the opportunity to watch pictures about Cameroon and listen to Cameroonian music.

The diplomatic reception which lasted from 17:00 – 19:00 pm, marked Cameroon’s 46th edition of her National day which is traditionally celebrated every 20th of May. A key feature of this year’s celebrations was the exhibition of a impressive and delicious cake designed with all the official colours of Cameroon.

 

The Ambassador of Burundi, H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana with burundais and friends of Burundi. By Roy Lie Atjam. The Hague, 14 July 2018, H.E. Ms. Vestine Nahimana, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi in the Netherlands delivered a discourse on the occasion of her country’56th Independence Day. This is what Her Excellency had to say in French: Tugire Amahoro N’intahe Yo Kwikukira. Nous sommes ici rassemblés pour célébrer le 56ème anniversaire de l’Indépendance de notre chère Patrie. Le thème retenu pour cette année est : « Renforçons l’Indépendance acquise du Burundi par l’unité et le travail, source du développement ». Au nom du Gouvernement du Burundi et en mon nom propre, j’ai un réel plaisir de vous accueillir dans cette salle et je vous souhaite une bonne fête d’indépendance. Comme souligné par S.E Pierre Nkurunziza, Président de la République du Burundi, uwukómōreweahimbarwakurushauwugabanye.   Voilà la raison de cette fête que nous célébrons chaque année. La lutte pour l’Indépendance a vu la perte de plusieurs vies de nos vaillants Héros. Le prince Louis Rwagasore, Pierre Ngendandumwe et leur compagnons de lutte ont payé le sacrifice ultime pour que aujourd’hui, moi, vous et tous les Burundais soient libres et indépendants. Restaurant ainsi la dignité bafouée des Burundais et inscrivant notre chère Patrie dans le concert des Nations. Cependant, l’Indépendance n’a pas été appréciée par tout le monde. De la politique coloniale de diviser pour régner, est née une animosité entre burundais. Des conflits ethniques éclateront surtout dans les années 61, 65, 72, 88, 93 et même après, emportant encore des vies innocentes. Il est plus que nécessaire donc que tout Burundais se sente investi de la mission de veiller à garder cet Indépendance chèrement acquise. Depuis 1962, le Burundi a connu des avancées malgré les défis qui se présentaient devant lui. Les Burundais ont élus leurs dirigeants, toutes les Institutions fonctionnent normalement. Cette célébration intervient, alors que nous venons d’adopter notre Constitution grâce aux efforts de la population et sans l’aide de l’Occident parmi lesquels nos anciens colonisateurs. C’est donc tout un symbole car nous sommes petit à petit en train de nous affranchir de la tutelle et cela cadre bien avec le thème de cette année. La politique du Gouvernement du Burundi centrée sur l’Unité et le Travail nous interpelle tous. Nous avons vu que sans l’unité, notre pays est tombé à mainte reprises dans les affres de la division ethnique et dans la guerre. Notre pays a été meurtri mais grâce à Dieu nous nous sommes relevés. Nous avons vu également que sans unité, le travail ne peut aboutir à des résultats tangibles. Nous vous invitons donc à toujours prêcher cette unité qui permet le travail, source de développement durable. La diaspora est un acteur important dans le développement d’un pays, mais force est de constater que certains d’entre nous avons malheureusement oublié d’où nous venons. Nous vous exhortons à avoir l’amour de la patrie qui vous a vu naître. Travaillons dans l’unité pour qu’ensemble nous puissions développer notre chère Patrie. Souvenons-nous de cet adage kirundi qui dit que « Iwabow’umuntunihoheza » et que « Amaherezo y’inzira ni mu nzu ». J’exhorte donc tous les membres de la diaspora ici présents, à travailler d’arrache-pied pour l’unité entre tous les Burundais vivants au royaume des Pays-Bas. Je vous encourage à apporter votre pierre angulaire pour l’édification de cette nation qui vous a vus naitre. Ainsi, nous auront renforcé notre Indépendance par l’Unité et le Travail qui sont source de Développement durable. C’est dans cette perspective que je fais appel aux amis du Burundi qui se sont joints à nous pour célébrer notre Indépendance, de jouer leur rôle de partenaire fidèle afin de nous accompagner dans notre détermination de renforcer notre Indépendance sur tous les plans. Je profite de cette occasion pour saluer leur présence ici et exprimer mes sincères remerciements. Qu’ils se sentent parmi les leurs. Avant de terminer, permettez-moi d’adresser mes vifs remerciements à l’endroit de l’équipe de la diaspora qui a organisé cette belle journée riche en couleurs. Qu’ils trouvent dans la réussite de cette fête, les honneurs d’avoir servi la Patrie et toute la communauté burundaise des Pays-Bas. Je remercie également le Gouvernement du Burundi qui ne cesse de nous interpeler à penser au pays et l’honorer autant que possible. Je vous souhaite à tous une belle fête de l’Indépendance et encore une fois, ensemble, « Renforçons l’Indépendance acquise du Burundi par l’Unité et le Travail, source du Développement »

H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi , Ambassador of Iraq in the Netherlands welcoming the participants. By Roy Lie Atjam. The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in the Netherlands along with the Terrorism Prevention Branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC/TPB) has organized a two days international conference/workshop for Iraqi Judges on the accountability of ISIL/ Dae’sh crimes in Iraq. The venue was the Embassy of Iraq in The Hague on 11-12 July 2018. The workshop brought together a delegation of senior Iraqi judges, the Chief Justice(CJ) dealing with terrorist cases involving ISIL / Dae’sh in Iraq as well as experts from the international criminal tribunals in The Hague. Senior United Nations representatives also made their contributions. The objective of the workshop was for the Iraqi delegation to learn from the International tribunals and experts how to collect evidence, to prosecute, and cooperate internationally. The conference opened with Keynote speakers: The first was Mr. Jan Kubis followed by Mr. Mauro Miedico, he thanked Japan for their support; Ms. Christina Albertin, she stressed the misuse of the internet and changing methods of attack; Mr. Muhammad Rafluddin Shah, mentioned the recent anti-terrorism week and opportunities offered at this conference to exchange information.

  All speakers are high-level UN representatives. The last to deliver his keynote speech was H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi , Ambassador of Iraq in the Netherlands. He invited the audience to join him in observing a one minute silence to commemorate all who have lost their lives and their loved ones. The Ambassador went on to observe, contrary to what a major US newspaper once wrote, the war was not the end of the state of Iraq. Iraqi towns and cities were liberated in a short space of time. The Ambassador further pointed out that terrorism is a global scourge, it affects all. In the Iraqi context reconstruction is an important factor, the same goes for the implementation of a new juridical system. The Embassy of Iraqi is proud to host the two days conference. The world has to be informed. The youth should later not accuse us of sitting idly by and not having done enough. Iraq’ Chief Justice (CJ) Mr. Faeq Zeldan recounts, Mossul was a famous hub for terrorist. He elaborated on the modus operandi in bringing perpetrators to justice. More than 13,000 terrorists have been brought to justice so far. The CJ laments the loss of about 68 judges due to the effects of war. According to Dr Karim A. Khan QC, politics are at the center and edges of the international law. Courts should see to it that victims don’t lose confidence in them. Khan referred to the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone as an example in this regard. Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, Head of the Intern. Impartial and Independent Mechanism for Syria (IIIM) Yes, we have no UN mandate, however, we share our expertise and methodology. Mr. Gregory Townsend, predicts the court might take a generation or so. He argues, the Q&A interrogation format is maybe not an appropriate tool. One only gets answers to the questions posed.

A narrative approach might be preferred. Making use of experts he said is a long process. Townsend cited a recent successful example in Guatemala. Townsend continued making use of computer evidence is a challenge; compatibility of systems is often a problem. Mr. Xavier Laroche, Forensic Investigator, office of the prosecutor ICC gave a dazzling one hour expose on collecting data. He made use of videos and short films. Mr. Nigel Verrill on witness protection. Witness Protection, in Iraq cases, is domestically structured. Witness protection is an American invention, formally established in 1984. Relocation is a challenge. International relocation of protected witnesses is a science in itself. It requires the sending country to supply a psychological report of the individual. Reciprocity is common in international relocation of protected witnesses. Ms. Gabriela Gonzalez Rivas, victim’s expectations should be kept at a realistic level. Mr. Mikel Delagrange. His focus was on reparation, compensation, rehabilitation. What happens in the event of no conviction? Victims’ satisfaction is as important as a conviction. Public funds should be made available for compensation.

Mr. David Kennedy, detainee’s health should not be overlooked. Mr. Paddy Craig, there should be a culture of treating detainees with respect. Be aware of the fact that among the detainees there are former presidents, vice president and other former high ranking officials. Often these are persons with a certain charisma, charm, they clever in manipulating others. Respect the right of detainees irrespective of their race, creed or political background. Justice to all, Justice delayed is Justice denied. There were also other speakers who furnished the Iraqi delegation with valuable information. Mr. ZouhairRacheha gave a summary of the two day conference. The Rt. Hon. Judge Raed Hamid Muslehof Niniveh closed the conference. Judge Raed expressed his gratitude vice a vice the technical and scientific experts. A special word of thanks went to the Ambassador of Iraq, as well as to Japan, the Netherlands and many others. The Iraqi delegation will be leaving the Netherlands with ample information that may come handy in the near future. Ambassadors and Diplomats of Canada, Lebanon, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, UK, graced the conference with their presence.