By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 14 September 2018. On the occasion of the first official visit of the Yemeni “National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights,” the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in the Netherlands organized an informative morning on:
The Situation of Human Rights in Yemen “The National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights”:Achievements and Challenges. The Chancellery of Yemen in The Hague was chosen as the venue. Keynote speaker was Judge Ahmed al-Muflihi. He is the Head of the National Committee on Investigation of Allegations of Human Rights Violations in Yemen.
Other speakers were: the welcome speech and briefing background on the Yemeni National Committee was delivered by Judge GehadAbdulrasol Al-Dengi and Judge Ahmed Omar Arman – the NationalCommittee’s General Executive.
Participants to the conference during the visit of Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations Human Rights to The Hague.
A speech on the latest developments on the situation of human rights in Yemen from the perspective of the National Committee was delivered by Judge Ahmed Saeed Al Maflehy, head of the National Committee. The Providing of an overview of the fifth annual report was done by Judge Nasser Qasem AL-Awdhali and Judge Taher Hussein Al-Faieq. Delivering the latest figures of Human Rights violations, justifications of results, and investigations mechanism was done by Lawyer Hezam Mohammed Ali.
One may wonder what the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human rights is all about.
Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations Human Rights.
It is an independent national mechanism to investigate all claims of human rights violations in Yemen.
The Commission was created by virtue of Republican Decree No. 140 of 2012, as amended, to conduct investigation functions in all alleged human rights violations by all conflict parties in all provinces of the Republic of Yemen starting from January 2011 until the state extends its control to the entire territory of Yemen.
This was based on the recommendations of the Human Rights Council in 2011 and 2012 and the Universal Periodic Review in January 2014.
The Commission was supported by the Human Rights Council in resolutions relevant to Yemen in sessions 30, 33 and 36 in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Its vision: the protection and enhancement of human rights to ensure the stability and security of the Republic of Yemen.
Its mission: to investigate all alleged violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law in the Republic of Yemen.
The objective is to ensure justice and relief to victims, provide compensations to those entitled, individual and collective redress.
The commission is respected due to the backing of the Security Council and the Human Rights Council mandate.
Furthermore, the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Humans has the authority to freely meet with victims of abuses and their family members; government representatives; local authorities; army and security officials; community leaders; political parties; non-governmental organizations; and any other relevant witnesses.
The Yemen dossier is a complex one, transparency and impartiality are therefore imperative.
According to lawyer Hezam Mohammed Ali, transitional judiciary is expected to bring about justice. The commission has interviewed over 3,000 witnesses. It issues a report every 6 months. The last one covers the period from February to July 2018. Noteworthy is the efficiency and how well documented the commission is.
The commission has established 30 types of violation of human right. Then there are over 900 murder cases, dealing with landmines, attacks on ambulances and unmanned drones.
Accomplishments of the commission. In three years of its existence, the Commission issued five periodic reports on the investigation works it carried out in addition to one specific report on prisons and detention centres.
Monitoring, documentation and investigation work: The actual activities of the commission in monitoring, documenting and investigating human rights abuses started in March 2016 following the appointment of commissioners and securing the budget. The commission monitored, documented and investigated more than 20,000 allegations of human rights abuses and stored them in its database.
Information was collected through: direct daily monitoring activities through reporters; listening to victims and eye witnesses; documenting their testimonies in legal terms using certified forms and minutes signed by victims, witnesses and reporters; and hospital records and reports. Direct investigation activities by the assistant investigators working for the commission. direct visits by commissioners to locations of violations. Engagement of military, medical and technical experts to provide descriptions and opinions.
JudgeAhmed Saeed Al Maflehy related an experience which took place about ten days ago at a market in the northern city of Sadah. Terrorists were targeting a group of experts and carry out a missile attack killing innocent people.
The latest updates show that the legitime government of Yemen controls approximately 80%of the country, which means that Houthi plotters are in control of 20% of the country. Yet some information shows that Houthi plotters control 20-30 % of the country, and most of the areas they control are in the northern part of the country.
When asked about the solution to the Yemen situation Ahmed Saeed Al Maflehy responded, the ceasing of fighting and the start of dialogue. The dialogues should be left to the Yemeni. Recent history shows that foreign intervention has failed, Libya, Lebanon and Syria are tangible proof thereof.
The official visit of the Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights to the Netherlands could be classified as successful.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public AffairsNaval Support Activity Naples, Italy – The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has commenced operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to continue support to NATO allies, European and African partner nations, coalition partners, and U.S. national security interest in Europe and Africa.Harry S. Truman CSG initially deployed to the European theater April 11, 2018, and returned to its homeport Naval Station Norfolk July 21, 2018, for an extended working port visit.“We are thrilled to have the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group back in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and look forward to continuing to work with Rear Adm. Gene Black and his team as we conduct the full spectrum of maritime operations,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy. “The strike group’s return also gives us the opportunity to operate and train with our NATO allies and regional partners, which will enhance our interoperability and readiness as we work together to secure a safe and prosperous region for all.”The strike group got underway Aug. 28, completing training exercises and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic, to include participating in dual-carrier operations with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and bi-lateral operations with the Royal Canadian Navy. The strike group which departed Norfolk, includes the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). Other Harry S. Truman CSG assets operating in the region include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).CVW-1 squadrons, embarked on Harry S. Truman include the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11; the “Checkmates” of VFA-21; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; the “Seahawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126; the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; the Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11; and a detachment from the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. For more information on Naval Forces in Europe and Africa: http://www.c6f.navy.mil .
Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, on opening a Preliminary Examination concerning the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
Since the end of 2017, my Office has received a number of communications and reports concerning crimes allegedly committed against the Rohingya population in Myanmar and their deportation to Bangladesh.
The review of these communications, which constitutes the first phase of my Office’s preliminary examination activities, shed light on a preliminary legal issue concerning the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”), which I deemed appropriate to bring to the attention of the Court’s judges. Having received confirmation from the Judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I that the Court may indeed exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh, as well as potentially other crimes under article 7 of the Rome Statute, I have decided to proceed to the next phase of the preliminary examination process and to carry out a full-fledged preliminary examination of the situation at hand.
While Myanmar is not a State Party to the ICC, Bangladesh is. The Court may therefore exercise jurisdiction over conduct to the extent it partly occurred on the territory of Bangladesh. In this context, the preliminary examination may take into account a number of alleged coercive acts having resulted in the forced displacement of the Rohingya people, including deprivation of fundamental rights, killing, sexual violence, enforced disappearance, destruction and looting. My Office will further consider whether other crimes under article 7 of the Rome Statute may be applicable to the situation at hand, such as the crimes of persecution and other inhumane acts.
A preliminary examination is not an investigation but a process of examining the information available in order to reach a fully informed determination on whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation pursuant to the criteria established by the Rome Statute. Specifically, under article 53(1) of the Rome Statute, I, as Prosecutor, must consider issues of jurisdiction, admissibility and the interests of justice in making this determination. Every preliminary examination requires rigorous evaluation of the information available, thorough factual and legal analysis, and irreproachable assessment of the Rome Statute criteria. This is the least we owe to the victims.
In the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate, my Office also gives consideration to all submissions and views conveyed to it during the course of each preliminary examination, strictly guided by the requirements of the Rome Statute. Further, under the Rome Statute, national jurisdictions have the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for international crimes. In conformity with the complementarity principle, my Office will be engaging with the national authorities concerned with a view to discussing and assessing any relevant investigation and prosecution at the national level.
OPCW-Director-General-Visits-Algeria- Fernando Arias with Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Abdelkader Messahel.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 19 September 2018 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), H.E. Ambassador Fernando Arias, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, H.E. Mr. Abdelkader Messahel, and senior Algerian officials during a visit to Algiers on 18 September 2018.
In his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director-General recognised the important role played by Algeria since the inception of the OPCW and its important contribution to peace and stability in the North Africa and Sahel region. He stated: “I am impressed by the continued and strong commitment of Algeria to the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Algeria’s support will be of high importance for the OPCW to fulfil its current and new roles and responsibilities.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Algeria’s support for the activities of the OPCW, including in the forthcoming implementation of the decision taken by the Special Session of the Conference of States Parties on 27 June 2018 addressing the threat posed by the use of chemical weapons. The two sides recognised Algeria’s remarkable achievements in developing its National Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie. The National Institute will try to obtain soon the status of OPCW Designated Laboratory.
After the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director-General made a joint press appearance during which both sides pledged to continue to work together to address the threat posed by the use of chemical weapons while acknowledging the need to further enhance capacity-building, cooperation, and exchange in the field of the peaceful uses of chemicals.
During his visit, the Director-General held separate meetings with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Noureddine Ayadi, and the Head of the Algerian National Authority, Major-General Djamel Gueroui. The Director-General also visited the National Institute for Forensic Science and Criminology and the Museum of Armed Forces.
With the support of Eurojust and Europol, the French Gendarmerie and Polish Criminal Police dismantled an organised crime group (OCG) suspected of having committed at least 36 cargo thefts, with damages estimated at EUR 1.5 million. Last week, 15 properties were searched simultaneously in Gorzow, Poland, and Nancy, France, three suspects were arrested in each country, and evidence was seized.In Europe, the number of incidents of cargo theft is increasing. OCGs, originating mainly from eastern Europe, frequently target high-value products. This OCG targeted trucks at unsecured parking sites in eastern France, although the OCG’s activities are suspected to span across several other Member States.Investigations began in March 2017. International police and judicial cooperation helped in the apprehension of the six suspects. A number of parallel investigations have been opened. Europol provided analytical support before and during the action day. Eurojust ensured a coordinating role on a judiciary level. At the request of the Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction of Nancy, Eurojust organised two coordination meetings with judicial and law enforcement authorities from France, Poland, Germany and Denmark that highlighted the cross-border activities of the targeted OCG.Eurojust ensured a coordinating role on a judiciary level. At the request of the Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction of Nancy, Eurojust organised two coordination meetings with judicial and law enforcement authorities from France, Poland, Germany and Denmark that highlighted the cross-border activities of the targeted OCG.
Australian Ambassador Lynette Wood & Premier Armin Laschet – Picture by Land NRW, G. Ortmann, 29 August 2018.
Wednesday, 29 August 2018, Düsseldorf, NRW: At Government House Australian Ambassador Lynette Wood paid her maiden courtesy visit to Premier Armin Laschet, albeit it had not been her first visit to the chancery, having visited in March 2017.
Discussions were focus on the support of NRW for a EU-wide trade agreement with Australia as well as intensifying relations in the domain of education.
Ambassador Wood is accredited to Germany since 28 September 2016, and represents her country also as non-resident head of mission to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
On the picture, the Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher and the Turkish ambassador to Germany, Ali Kemal Aydin.
Friday, 7 September 2018, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg: First Mayor of Hamburg, Dr. Peter Tschentscher received the courtesy visit of the Turkish ambassador to Germany, Ali Kemal Aydin, who paid thus his official visit to Hamburg’s governing mayor since being accredited to Germany on 13 December 2016.
François Sénémaud – Picture by French Embassy to Laos.
Monday, 27 August 2018: President Macron’s “Personal Representative of the French Presidency for Syria” commenced his duties in this role directly promoted from the Élysée Palace.
Minister-Plenipotentiary François Sénémaud entered to France from his service as French Ambassador to Iran. Previously he was head for the French Intelligence Service (DGSE, 2012-16).
Diplomatic observers noted that Sénémaud is well-acquainted to the Arab region, having served as a top diplomat in Jordan during the Gulf War whilst he is likewise well-versed on Iran, its system and strategies; the latter being a pivotal country in order to solve successfully the Syrian crises.
Since 2012 the French Embassy in Damascus has been shut down just as all other EU embassies with the exception of the Czech Embasssy.
Pasar Raya Indonesia 2018. On the picture H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, Thailand Deputy Head of Mission, Ms. Tanyarat Mungkalarungsi , H.E. Ms. Ngo Thi Hoa, Ambassador of Viet Nam, H.E. Dr. Hisham Al-Alawi, Ambassador of Iraq, H.E. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia, Ms. Marloes Borsboomand, Deputy Mayor of Rijswijk and H.E. I Gusti Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia.By Roy Lie Atjam.Pasar Raya Indonesia has moved from Wassenaar and landed at the Broodfabriek in Rijswijk in 2017.
This time around Pasar Raya Indonesia or PRI is part of the 73rd celebrations of Indonesia’ Independence.
The PRI aims at strengthening the bounds of friendship between nations.
Thousands of individuals visited Pasar Raya Indonesia 2018, held from 14 – 16 September 2018. They came from all quarters of Europe.
PRI 2018 was officially opened by H.E. Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja along with the Deputy Mayor of Rijswijk Ms. Marloes Borsboom. According to the deputy mayor, Rijswijk is very pleased to see the second Pasar Raya taking place in the city.
Several members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Iraq, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand Deputy Head of Mission attended the official opening of the Pasar on Saturday 15 September.
The Pasar Raya promoted and showcased Indonesian economy, fashion, cosmetics, culture; cuisine and various Indonesian products such as textiles, handicrafts as well as the people to people contact.
Pasar Raya edition 2018 has by all means been a successful Indonesian promotional event in the Netherlands.
