Justice Mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland and the Mayor of The Hague, Ms. Pauline Krikke,
Mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice in the Court of Appeal and International advisor (by virtue) to the Mayor of The Hague, bows out after holding the position for 14 years.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157693865560671The couple Elisabeth and Alexander Beelaerts van Blokland.
JusticeBeelaerts van Bloklandhas been one of the very few persons selected to represent the Municipality of The Hague at functions of the International and diplomatic community.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh, Mayor Pauline Krikke and Carnegie Foundation Chairman, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Bernard Bot.
A valedictory function took place on Tuesday March 13th 2018 in the famous Mauritshuis Museum . The Mayor of The Hague, Ms. Pauline Krikke, thanked Mr Alexander Beelearts van Blokland for services rendered to the city of The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice.
Mayor Krikke subsequently presented the instruments of the Haagsepluim award to Mr. Beelearts van Blokland; the ‘Haagse Pluim 2018’, is a very special and prestigious prize the Mayor & Aldermen of The Hague can only give once a year to an organisation or person. Almost all ambassadors credited to the Netherlands and many international judges and representatives from international organisations, as well as the Presidents of the Senate and the House of Representatives, five former Cabinet Ministers and many others were present.
Elisabeth and Alexander ogether with H.E. Peter Hoekstra, U.S.A Ambassador and his wife Diane.“For Elisabeth and me it was a very special moment that we will never forget anymore.” said Alexander Beelearts van Blokland. “The end of fourteen years of activities for my city, now in five months more then I will retire from my daily work as Justice in the Court of Appeal as well.”
No less than four Dutch newspapers local and national paper wrote articles about judge Alexander impressive farewell or published interviews.
” I will retired from my duties on Prinsjesdag the day I will turn 70′ which means that I will have to retire by law from Monday October 1st, 2018, which will be the day of my first cello lesson !.
Justice Beelaerts van Blokland was one of the founders and Diplomat Magazine’s columnist; he wrote around 50 articles on issues related to The Hague as the international city of peace and justice.
A Walk to Remember, on the picture H.E Jean Pierre Karabaranga leading the walk The Hague.By Sofie Victoria T. Hagen
Saturday April 7th marked the 24th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi. In correlation with this, the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda and its ambassador H.E Jean Pierre Karabaranga, in collaboration with the Rwandan Diaspora organization, hosted a reception at the Hilton Hotel The Hague to commemorate these atrocities.
The reception, themed “Remember – Unite – Renew” urged the participants of this important event to take a moment to remember the atrocities that took place 24 years ago, wherein more than a million innocent lives were lost. The event commenced with a walk of remembrance wherein the more than 200 participants and guests marched through the streets of The Hague, providing a fine backdrop to the following minute of silence and moving testimony by survivor Dieudonné Gakire delivered in Kinyarwanda, leaving few dry eyes amongst the attending.
The guests then participated in a ceremony wherein candles were lit, representing the ever-shining lights of the victims that perished in the tragedy, followed by a speech given by Mrs. Christine Safari, the President of Ibuka, advocating for justice for the Rwandan survivors in the Netherlands.
The closing speech was given by H.E. Jean Pierre Kabaranga himself, in which he stressed the importance of remembering the events that took place, and to not let the courage of those who had spokenbe lost on oneself, as the events still traumatize many and can still be recalled as if they occurred yesterday.
Furthermore, the Ambassador stated “We are here to be reminded that justice for the victims is one of the most important tools to fight forever genocide, for a real NEVER AGAIN, and a powerful tool in the healing process of the survivors. This is a moment to share our history. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what made the genocide happen, a time to try to understand how the unthinkable happened by confronting our past”. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of learning from these events also on an international level, ensuring no nation will have to endure the same trauma they did.
Additionally, the Ambassador voiced his appreciation for host country The Netherlands, as the country has been at the forefront of confronting the perpetrators of the genocide, ensuring the face justice. In the future, he hopes the Netherlands will also ensure the deniers of the genocide face repercussions, as this too will further the healing process of the country and its victims.
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague invites everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. As a new generation emerges we will ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through the actions of today.
OPCW Fact-Finding Mission Continues Deployment to Syria
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 14 April 2018 — The Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will continue its deployment to the Syrian Arab Republic to establish facts around the allegations of chemical weapons use in Douma.
The OPCW has been working in close collaboration with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the team.
On the picture Steven van Hoostraten’s The Hague Institute for Global Justice last CEO.The Hague Institute for Global Justice will cease to exist. During the past seven years, the institute contributed to the positioning of The Hague as the City of Peace and Justice. For the years to come, however, the financial basis to continue independently is insufficient. Ongoing projects are now transferred to other institutes. “The institute has met its public task – research, reports and conferences – in recent years. The goal, however, was to be more than a research group only. Unfortunately, there is no solid financial foundation to achieve this in the future “, says Dick Benschop, chairman of the Supervisory Board. “The Supervisory Board is proud of the significant work that has been carried out over the past seven years and its significance for the international position of The Hague. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this,in cooperation with the institute”.
TheTHIGJ was founded in 2010 by the municipality of The Hague and knowledge institutions united in the ‘Hague Academic Coalition’. Since the foundation, many projects have been carried out in collaboration with many national and international partners. For example, THIGJ developed the so-called ‘The Hague Approach’, a handbook outlining six unique principles aimed at guiding the international community to perform more effectively in sustainable peacebuilding.
Dr. Abiodun Williams, was appointed the first President of The Hague Institute for Global Justice on January 1, 2013.
In addition, the knowledge platform for Security and International Law was transferred to THIGJ. The institute also organized conferences on decision-making in the era of genocide (Rwanda and Screbrenica). THIGJ received international recognition, expressed in high-level participation in the Distinguished Speaker Series and other events. Its high standing was also accentuated in donations the institute used for financing international projects.
Ongoing projects, including in Qatar and Ethiopia, will be transferred to partners with whom THIGJ already cooperated. The foundation itself will be dissolved. Anton Nijssen, who has been closely involved with the institute for many years, will oversee the final (financial) settlements. When dissolving a foundation, it is customary that this task falls on a (former) director or board member.
Bangladesh’s Embassy in the Netherlands on Monday 26 March 2018 celebrated the country’s 47th Independence Day with the participation of high-level government officials, diplomats from many countries, friends of Bangladesh, the diaspora as well as a delegation from Chittagong on a mission in the Netherlands.
Speaking at the event, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the Netherlands H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal proudly announced that Bangladesh is doing well despite facing numerous challenges. A resume of Ambassador Belal’s remarks follows hereby.
“I welcome you all to the celebration of the 47thAnniversary of our Independence and National Day. On this day, we gained, indeed earned, our Independence, 47 years before, through a 9 months long bloody war of liberation under the leadership of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.The war-torn country that begun its journey 47 years ago, is now seen as a “development surprise” internationally, in the comparable milieu of developing countries. Bangladesh stands for many innovations, solutions and accomplishments that have been replicated across the globe. Be it our microfinance or oral saline that saved millions of lives.But in the wild west of media, the general impression of Bangladesh is of a resource-constrained, densely-populated, disaster-affected, less-governed land of 170 million people. Yet, defying all possible odds, Bangladesh, with a population, which is more than that of Russian Federation or a size which is less than the state of New York of USA, is set to graduate as a Middle Income Country by 2021. The World Bank has already elevated (in 2015) Bangladesh as a Lower Middle Income Country.Bangladesh has made it to the global scene as the second largest Ready-Made-Garments manufacturing base in the world following China. Bangladesh is among the top five global agricultural producers (in rice-jute-vegetables-fruits-inland fisheries), a global leader in breeding new crop varieties. We have made great leaps in primary health care, sanitation and gender equality: our life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, open defecation are better than peers who have much higher per capita income. We are on track to see our first satellite “Bangabandhu-1” in the orbit next month. We have highly innovative and responsible civil society institutions, including the largest NGO in the world BRAC. All these are the hallmarks of the “Bangladesh Surprise”.Our per capita income has almost tripled over the last ten years and our foreign currency reserve has also for the first time crossed US$ 33 billion- the 2nd highest in South Asia. Bangladesh is among the ”next eleven’’ countries likely to emerge as economic successes and is listed in the ‘Emerging Five’ by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan respectively.While we are transiting from MDGs to SDGs, it is worth recalling the fact that Bangladesh achieved the MDG 1, i.e. halving poverty five years ahead of time, with 20.5 million people rising out of poverty during the 1991-2010 period. This is more than the entire population of the Netherlands, by the way. In parallel, life expectancy, literacy rate and per capita food production have increased significantly. Progress was underpinned by strong economic growth, with 6 percent plus growth over the decade and reaching to 7.28 percent in 2016/2017. As a result, the world looks at Bangladesh as an example of best practices in mainstreaming SDGs into national plan with an effective SDGs Implementation Plan.The World Economic Forum recently ranked Bangladesh first in gender equality among South Asia nations for the second consecutive year. While no country has eliminated the gender gap completely, Bangladesh has had a steady climb in the rankings, rising 23 places over the preceding year to No. 49 in the world. The only female Muslim leader among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, serves as a role model for women in the subcontinent. A recipient of the Mother Teresa Award and the UNESCO Peace Tree Award in recognition of her contributions to women’s education, Sheikh Hasina has long recognized that the future of her nation depends in large measure on the empowerment of women.Therefore, it is no wonder how Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demonstrated unique courage and resolve to open our doors to the Rohingyas. President of United States of America Hon’ble Donald Trump wrote to our Prime Minister on the occasion of this year’s Bangladesh’s Independence Day.I quote: “Your personal leadership has been critical to addressing the plight of the Rohingya who fled to safety in your country. I thank you for all you have done to assist these men, women and children in need,”Therefore, it is no wonder why the world came to know our Prime Minister as “Mother of Humanity”. But we are not going to remain complacent till a durable solution of the problems of Rohingya population is worked out for the sake of humanity. We feel that perpetrators of crimes against humanity in the Rakhine State must be held accountable and be brought to justice in compliance with international laws to stop recurrence of such atrocities in the future. We know, there are people in this room, who can help the world to make a difference showingBangladesh enjoys excellent bilateral relations with the Netherlands. The Netherlands recognized Bangladesh right after our independence and since then it has been a strong development partner of Bangladesh. The official visit of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in the first week of November 2015 and the visit of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her capacity as UNSG Envoy for Inclusive Finance, to Bangladesh in the third week of the same month will remain as milestones in our bilateral relations.I now take the opportunity to congratulate the Bangladeshi diaspora living in the Netherlands for their contribution in promoting economic and business relations between our two friendly countries and also transfer of Dutch innovation and creativity to our motherland. I am confident that they would continue their efforts to strengthen the excellent ties of friendship and amity between our countries.Finally, on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and all the Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings and very best wishes for the long life and good health of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and for His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I would also like to express our best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Netherlands.Long live Bangladesh-Netherlands friendship!”
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal Ambassador of Bangladesh.By Roy Lie Atjam
Ms. Anika a young Bangladeshi artist based in the Netherlands invited H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal Ambassador of Bangladesh to deliver his opening remarks. The venue of the event was at the atrium of the City Hall Den Haag on Friday 30 March 2017.
Noteworthy was the presence of Mr. Rafiqun Nabi, Nestor of Bangladesh art along with his delegation who were flown in from Dhaka for the inauguration ceremony of the first Art Exhibition of Bangladesh in the Netherlands – ‘Shades of Passion’. The Ambassadors of Tunisia, South Corea, Vietnam and other Diplomats, grace the exhibition with their presence.
As Ambassador Belal related, “this Art Exhibition is going to exhibit paintings of forty prominent artists of Bangladesh and also few paintings of Ms. Anika, a Bangladesh origin young artist presently based in the Netherlands, who is the anchor of today’s programme as well.”
The Ambassador continued, “I believe this exhibition will portray the resonance and serenity of our beloved country. We are indeed honoured to have this exhibition organized in the Netherlands, a country of world renowned artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh – who are the inspiration of the artists of all ages.Bangladesh is a land of scenic beauty, the distinctive beauty of nature adorns our country with six different styles with the onset of six seasons. The idyllic landscape of Bangladesh has given birth to many artists, singers and poets. An artist’s creation deeply resonate with the images shaped by childhood memories in their mind’s eye. Rafiqun Nabi is such an artist who brilliantly depicts the unparalleled beauty of Bengal.Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Ali, Mr. Pradyut Kumar Das. Mr. Rafiqun Nabi, Mr. Rabin Baldewsingh Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Ambassador Belal and his spouse, Dr. Dilruba Nasrin.Yes indeed, here with us, we have Hon. Rafiqun Nabi, a household name in Bangladesh. Here I must pause to thank my good friend Ms. Leoni Cluneare, Dutch Ambassador in Bangladesh for her personal attention in expediting their visas.Of all the artists, I personally preserve a higher plane for Honble Rafiqun Nabi for his epic creation of Tokai. To us, in Bangladesh Tokai is a character symbolizing the poor street boys who lives on picking things from your leftovers or begging and having a knack of telling simple yet painful truths about current political and socio-economic situation of the country. This award winning artist Mr. Rafiqun Nabi is also accompanied by some young talents of our contemporary art and culture. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Ali and Mr. Pradyut Kumar Das.If you talk about art in Bangladesh, you ought to pay tribute to Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin, who first attracted attention with his sketches of the Bengal famine of 1943. After the partition of India and Pakistan from British India in 1947, he was able to gather a group of artists, like our Honble Rafiqun Nabi, around him who experimented with various forms of art. Patua Quamrul Hassan is another name who immensely contributed in establishing this form of art in Bangladesh. Quamrul Hassan in collaboration with Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin established the Government Institute of Fine Arts in Bangladesh in 1948. Institute of Fine Arts or ‘Charukala’ as it’s widely known, should be considered the cradle of contemporary Bangladeshi art, as majority of the noted Bangladeshi artists have studied at or graduated from this institute. Followed by the those pioneers, our contemporary generations maintained the legacy very well.”Opening Bangladesh Art Exhibition. ‘Shades of Passion’. The Hague’s City Hall.
Ambassador Belal went on, “no doubt artists are integral part of our society and they have a different language to express their feelings and emotions through pencils and brushes and colours. They have immense contribution in connecting people within our society across the borders. In this spirit, forty painters of four different generations of Bangladesh have joined hands to exhibit their talents in The Hague. We are happy to inform you that this exhibition will run until 13 April. I hope art lovers would visit this exhibition to have a glimpse of our contemporary arts.We would also hope that this exhibition will, in some way, also help us to radiate message of peace which this world so badly needed. It is no denying the fact that with all impressive scientific innovaitons, we are living in an era of unprecedented decline. We don’t need to tell us that things are falling apart. We hear about terrorists murdering innocents, and fear for our own families. Most of us feel the trouble in our guts when we tear open our stubbornly flat paychecks. Five years before, we were told 362 persons has as much assets as the remaining humanity put together. Now we are told, 62 persons has as much of the rest of us. This is therefore, it is no incidence that we brought to you our Father of “Tokai” a street urchin seeking your understanding of this absurdity of the system we are in. Let us be human first and foremost before you become artist, mayor or diplomat.The irony is that not so long ago, the world seemed to be improving at a blistering pace, and experts and politicians were assuring us that the good times here to stay. So, what happened. Why Afghanistan? Why Iraq? Why Syria?We don’t have an answer. Hope artists will do their part to help us finding a clue to stem this race to the bottom.Excellencies Ladies and Gentlemen, let me now share with you our joy of being recognized for the first time towards graduating to a developing country recently. The United Nations Committee for Development Policy, on completion of its review of the LDC category, announced on 15 March 2018 that Bangladesh has met all the three graduation criteria – Per Capita Gross National Income, Human Asset index and Economic Vulnerability Index. Bangladesh has been sailing through prosperity under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina towards realizing the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – a “Sonar Bangla- Golden Bengal”, hunger-free, poverty-free and deprivation-free Bangladesh.Bangladesh has achieved almost all the MDGs. We have topped the South Asian countries in gender equality for the third consecutive year, ranking 47th among 144 nations. Bangladesh has also been ranked 34th in the World Economic Forum’s Inclusive Development Index’s list of emerging economies in 2018 – being way ahead of her peers. Our government has chalked out different plans and programmes to achieve SDGs as well. We are now on development-highway.Back to this Art Exhibition, I hope that the people of the Netherlands would enjoy the arts of Bangladesh and contribute in further cementing our bonds of friendship. To us in Bangladesh, we owe a lot to our “delta cousin” the Netherlands. It is with Dutch help, we are working, as we speak, for a hundred year long plan, our flagship program called “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100”. And our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina already extended an invitation to her Dutch counterpart Honble Mark Rutte to join her as we are going to launch implementation phase of this Delta Plan.I would like to express our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh as well as the Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs, Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, MP and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for their support to organize this exhibition.Before I conclude, I will try my last bit to take you where we begun. To our fable childhood. In 1911, legendary artist Picasso was accused of being an accomplice to the theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, after declaring, “Good artists copy, great artists steal!” When Picasso was asked about his exceptional talent, he answered, “When I was a child, I would draw like Raphael, but it’s taken me an entire lifetime to learn to draw like a child.””
Ambassador Belal along with the chief guest and the guest of honour officially inaugurated the exhibition through ribbon cutting. The exhibition will continue till 13 April 2018. A large number of visitors are expected to visit the two week exhibition.
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Photography by the Embassy of Bangladesh in The Hague.
UAE ambassadors briefed on Expo 2020 – Picture by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE.
18-22 February 2018, Emirate of Dubai, UAE: Emirati ambassadors and heads of the federation’s missions attended a general tours and briefings concerning the upcoming Expo 2020 to be held in Dubai.
The visits were held on the sidelines of “XII UAE Ambassadors and Mission Heads Forum” held in Abu Dhabi under the leadership of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The ambassadors were received by the Minister of State for International Cooperation, HE Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, who expressed her appreciation to the ambassadors for their role in promoting the participation of various countries in Expo 2020.
During the visit to the site, they were briefed on the latest developments via a presentation from the Department of Real Estate and Delivery at Expo 2020 Dubai. They were also informed of the UAE’s participation in previous international exhibitions.
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For further information:https://www.expo2020dubai.com
HSH The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Ambassador Jamie McCourt to his right and Foreign Minister Gilles Tonelli to the ambassador’s right.
Friday, 16 March 2018, Principality of Monaco, Monaco City: HE Ambassador Jamie McCourt, non-resident head of mission of the United States of America to the Principality of Monaco (with seat in Paris) presented her credentials to His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince Albert II in the presence of the latter’s Chief of Diplomacy, HE M Gilles Tonelli – former Monégasque head of mission to the EU and the Benelux countries.
Ambassador Jamie McCourt hails from California yet was born in Maryland as Jamie Luskin. She is the founder and former CEO of Jamie Enterprises, an investment firm focusing in high-value real estate, biotechnologies and tech start ups.
Investments include ZipCar, Kite Pharma and Heal amongst others. As a philanthropist her core issues have been promoting business education, contemporary art as well as Jewish charities worldwide.
Originally she had been nominated by President Donald Trump to head the US Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium in June 2017, however, her nomination was formally withdrawn on 2 August 2, 2017 and au lieu the President nominated her as US Ambassador to the French Republic, the Principality of Monaco and Permanent Observer to the Council of Europe.
McCourt was confirmed as the US Ambassador to France and Monaco on 2 November 2017. She was sworn in on 11 December 2017, and subsequently presented credentials as Ambassador McCourt to President Emanuelle Macron on 18 December 2017.
For further information:
US Mission to the French Republic, Monaco and the Council of Europe: https://fr.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/our-ambassador/http://www.jamieenterprises.net/bio.htmlhttp://hauteliving.com/2016/05/jamie-mccourt-talks-new-beginnings-and-self-sufficiency/611557/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_McCourt
6-7 March 2018, Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium: His Highness The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani held a meeting with the His Majesty King Philippus of the Belgians, and the Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel during his official visit to Belgium, and signed an air services agreement, aiming to facilitate the operation of commercial flights between the two countries.
Furthermore Qatar and Belgium have signed two agreements concerning air service and academic cooperation in Brussels between Qatar University and the University of Hasselt in Limburg Province.
Belgium was one of the first European countries to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar back in 2007. Doha is hosting about 30 Belgian companies working on the infrastructure projects, particularly FIFA 2022 World Cup projects. His Highness accompanied by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani paid courtesy visits to the Belgian Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
On a multilateral side, The Emir and His Foreign Minister were received by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini at the European External Action Service.
To end up their visit additional agreements were signed vis-à-vis NATO after Emir Tamim was received by Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller. For further information:
Qatari Mission to the EU, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg (HE Ambassador http://brussels.embassy.qa/enhttp://www.diplomatmagazine.nl/2016/06/07/qatar-accredited-to-nato/
Tuesday, 20 March 2018, Ljubljana, Slovenia: Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Karl Erjavec received the Canadian Special Envoy to the European Union, HE Ambassador Stéphane Dion (Head of Mission to Germany).
Both parties agreed that Slovenia and Canada are like-minded countries, and discussed a successful participation in multilateral fora by means of mutual cooperation. They welcomed enhanced economic cooperation, and agreed that the opportunities provided by the provisional implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada ought to be advantageous for both parties.
Moreover the interlocutors touched on other current international and regional issues, with Minister Erjavec in more detail presenting Slovenia’s views on developments within the EU and the situation in the Western Balkans.
The reception, themed “Remember – Unite – Renew” urged the participants of this important event to take a moment to remember the atrocities that took place 24 years ago, wherein more than a million innocent lives were lost. The event commenced with a walk of remembrance wherein the more than 200 participants and guests marched through the streets of The Hague, providing a fine backdrop to the following minute of silence and moving testimony by survivor Dieudonné Gakire delivered in Kinyarwanda, leaving few dry eyes amongst the attending.
The guests then participated in a ceremony wherein candles were lit, representing the ever-shining lights of the victims that perished in the tragedy, followed by a speech given by Mrs. Christine Safari, the President of Ibuka, advocating for justice for the Rwandan survivors in the Netherlands.
The closing speech was given by H.E. Jean Pierre Kabaranga himself, in which he stressed the importance of remembering the events that took place, and to not let the courage of those who had spokenbe lost on oneself, as the events still traumatize many and can still be recalled as if they occurred yesterday.
Furthermore, the Ambassador stated “We are here to be reminded that justice for the victims is one of the most important tools to fight forever genocide, for a real NEVER AGAIN, and a powerful tool in the healing process of the survivors. This is a moment to share our history. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what made the genocide happen, a time to try to understand how the unthinkable happened by confronting our past”. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of learning from these events also on an international level, ensuring no nation will have to endure the same trauma they did.
Additionally, the Ambassador voiced his appreciation for host country The Netherlands, as the country has been at the forefront of confronting the perpetrators of the genocide, ensuring the face justice. In the future, he hopes the Netherlands will also ensure the deniers of the genocide face repercussions, as this too will further the healing process of the country and its victims.
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague invites everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. As a new generation emerges we will ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through the actions of today. 
The reception, themed “Remember – Unite – Renew” urged the participants of this important event to take a moment to remember the atrocities that took place 24 years ago, wherein more than a million innocent lives were lost. The event commenced with a walk of remembrance wherein the more than 200 participants and guests marched through the streets of The Hague, providing a fine backdrop to the following minute of silence and moving testimony by survivor Dieudonné Gakire delivered in Kinyarwanda, leaving few dry eyes amongst the attending.
The guests then participated in a ceremony wherein candles were lit, representing the ever-shining lights of the victims that perished in the tragedy, followed by a speech given by Mrs. Christine Safari, the President of Ibuka, advocating for justice for the Rwandan survivors in the Netherlands.
The closing speech was given by H.E. Jean Pierre Kabaranga himself, in which he stressed the importance of remembering the events that took place, and to not let the courage of those who had spokenbe lost on oneself, as the events still traumatize many and can still be recalled as if they occurred yesterday.
Furthermore, the Ambassador stated “We are here to be reminded that justice for the victims is one of the most important tools to fight forever genocide, for a real NEVER AGAIN, and a powerful tool in the healing process of the survivors. This is a moment to share our history. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what made the genocide happen, a time to try to understand how the unthinkable happened by confronting our past”. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of learning from these events also on an international level, ensuring no nation will have to endure the same trauma they did.
Additionally, the Ambassador voiced his appreciation for host country The Netherlands, as the country has been at the forefront of confronting the perpetrators of the genocide, ensuring the face justice. In the future, he hopes the Netherlands will also ensure the deniers of the genocide face repercussions, as this too will further the healing process of the country and its victims.
The Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in The Hague invites everyone to be part of a global community, to share the story of the genocide and create a powerful voice for the world to hear. As a new generation emerges we will ensure the lives of those lost are remembered through the actions of today. 
But in the wild west of media, the general impression of Bangladesh is of a resource-constrained, densely-populated, disaster-affected, less-governed land of 170 million people. Yet, defying all possible odds, Bangladesh, with a population, which is more than that of Russian Federation or a size which is less than the state of New York of USA, is set to graduate as a Middle Income Country by 2021. The World Bank has already elevated (in 2015) Bangladesh as a Lower Middle Income Country.
Bangladesh has made it to the global scene as the second largest Ready-Made-Garments manufacturing base in the world following China. Bangladesh is among the top five global agricultural producers (in rice-jute-vegetables-fruits-inland fisheries), a global leader in breeding new crop varieties.
We have made great leaps in primary health care, sanitation and gender equality: our life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, open defecation are better than peers who have much higher per capita income. We are on track to see our first satellite “Bangabandhu-1” in the orbit next month. We have highly innovative and responsible civil society institutions, including the largest NGO in the world BRAC. All these are the hallmarks of the “Bangladesh Surprise”.
Our per capita income has almost tripled over the last ten years and our foreign currency reserve has also for the first time crossed US$ 33 billion- the 2nd highest in South Asia. Bangladesh is among the ”next eleven’’ countries likely to emerge as economic successes and is listed in the ‘Emerging Five’ by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan respectively.
While we are transiting from MDGs to SDGs, it is worth recalling the fact that Bangladesh achieved the MDG 1, i.e. halving poverty five years ahead of time, with 20.5 million people rising out of poverty during the 1991-2010 period.
This is more than the entire population of the Netherlands, by the way. In parallel, life expectancy, literacy rate and per capita food production have increased significantly. Progress was underpinned by strong economic growth, with 6 percent plus growth over the decade and reaching to 7.28 percent in 2016/2017. As a result, the world looks at Bangladesh as an example of best practices in mainstreaming SDGs into national plan with an effective SDGs Implementation Plan.
The World Economic Forum recently ranked Bangladesh first in gender equality among South Asia nations for the second consecutive year. While no country has eliminated the gender gap completely, Bangladesh has had a steady climb in the rankings, rising 23 places over the preceding year to No. 49 in the world.
The only female Muslim leader among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, serves as a role model for women in the subcontinent. A recipient of the Mother Teresa Award and the UNESCO Peace Tree Award in recognition of her contributions to women’s education, Sheikh Hasina has long recognized that the future of her nation depends in large measure on the empowerment of women.
Therefore, it is no wonder how Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demonstrated unique courage and resolve to open our doors to the Rohingyas. President of United States of America Hon’ble Donald Trump wrote to our Prime Minister on the occasion of this year’s Bangladesh’s Independence Day.
I quote: “Your personal leadership has been critical to addressing the plight of the Rohingya who fled to safety in your country. I thank you for all you have done to assist these men, women and children in need,”
Therefore, it is no wonder why the world came to know our Prime Minister as “Mother of Humanity”. But we are not going to remain complacent till a durable solution of the problems of Rohingya population is worked out for the sake of humanity. We feel that perpetrators of crimes against humanity in the Rakhine State must be held accountable and be brought to justice in compliance with international laws to stop recurrence of such atrocities in the future. We know, there are people in this room, who can help the world to make a difference showing
Bangladesh enjoys excellent bilateral relations with the Netherlands. The Netherlands recognized Bangladesh right after our independence and since then it has been a strong development partner of Bangladesh. The official visit of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in the first week of November 2015 and the visit of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her capacity as UNSG Envoy for Inclusive Finance, to Bangladesh in the third week of the same month will remain as milestones in our bilateral relations.
I now take the opportunity to congratulate the Bangladeshi diaspora living in the Netherlands for their contribution in promoting economic and business relations between our two friendly countries and also transfer of Dutch innovation and creativity to our motherland. I am confident that they would continue their efforts to strengthen the excellent ties of friendship and amity between our countries.
Finally, on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and all the Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings and very best wishes for the long life and good health of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and for His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I would also like to express our best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Netherlands.
Long live Bangladesh-Netherlands friendship!”
But in the wild west of media, the general impression of Bangladesh is of a resource-constrained, densely-populated, disaster-affected, less-governed land of 170 million people. Yet, defying all possible odds, Bangladesh, with a population, which is more than that of Russian Federation or a size which is less than the state of New York of USA, is set to graduate as a Middle Income Country by 2021. The World Bank has already elevated (in 2015) Bangladesh as a Lower Middle Income Country.
Bangladesh has made it to the global scene as the second largest Ready-Made-Garments manufacturing base in the world following China. Bangladesh is among the top five global agricultural producers (in rice-jute-vegetables-fruits-inland fisheries), a global leader in breeding new crop varieties.
We have made great leaps in primary health care, sanitation and gender equality: our life expectancy, maternal and infant mortality, open defecation are better than peers who have much higher per capita income. We are on track to see our first satellite “Bangabandhu-1” in the orbit next month. We have highly innovative and responsible civil society institutions, including the largest NGO in the world BRAC. All these are the hallmarks of the “Bangladesh Surprise”.
Our per capita income has almost tripled over the last ten years and our foreign currency reserve has also for the first time crossed US$ 33 billion- the 2nd highest in South Asia. Bangladesh is among the ”next eleven’’ countries likely to emerge as economic successes and is listed in the ‘Emerging Five’ by Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan respectively.
While we are transiting from MDGs to SDGs, it is worth recalling the fact that Bangladesh achieved the MDG 1, i.e. halving poverty five years ahead of time, with 20.5 million people rising out of poverty during the 1991-2010 period.
This is more than the entire population of the Netherlands, by the way. In parallel, life expectancy, literacy rate and per capita food production have increased significantly. Progress was underpinned by strong economic growth, with 6 percent plus growth over the decade and reaching to 7.28 percent in 2016/2017. As a result, the world looks at Bangladesh as an example of best practices in mainstreaming SDGs into national plan with an effective SDGs Implementation Plan.
The World Economic Forum recently ranked Bangladesh first in gender equality among South Asia nations for the second consecutive year. While no country has eliminated the gender gap completely, Bangladesh has had a steady climb in the rankings, rising 23 places over the preceding year to No. 49 in the world.
The only female Muslim leader among the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member countries, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, serves as a role model for women in the subcontinent. A recipient of the Mother Teresa Award and the UNESCO Peace Tree Award in recognition of her contributions to women’s education, Sheikh Hasina has long recognized that the future of her nation depends in large measure on the empowerment of women.
Therefore, it is no wonder how Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina demonstrated unique courage and resolve to open our doors to the Rohingyas. President of United States of America Hon’ble Donald Trump wrote to our Prime Minister on the occasion of this year’s Bangladesh’s Independence Day.
I quote: “Your personal leadership has been critical to addressing the plight of the Rohingya who fled to safety in your country. I thank you for all you have done to assist these men, women and children in need,”
Therefore, it is no wonder why the world came to know our Prime Minister as “Mother of Humanity”. But we are not going to remain complacent till a durable solution of the problems of Rohingya population is worked out for the sake of humanity. We feel that perpetrators of crimes against humanity in the Rakhine State must be held accountable and be brought to justice in compliance with international laws to stop recurrence of such atrocities in the future. We know, there are people in this room, who can help the world to make a difference showing
Bangladesh enjoys excellent bilateral relations with the Netherlands. The Netherlands recognized Bangladesh right after our independence and since then it has been a strong development partner of Bangladesh. The official visit of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in the first week of November 2015 and the visit of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in her capacity as UNSG Envoy for Inclusive Finance, to Bangladesh in the third week of the same month will remain as milestones in our bilateral relations.
I now take the opportunity to congratulate the Bangladeshi diaspora living in the Netherlands for their contribution in promoting economic and business relations between our two friendly countries and also transfer of Dutch innovation and creativity to our motherland. I am confident that they would continue their efforts to strengthen the excellent ties of friendship and amity between our countries.
Finally, on behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and all the Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings and very best wishes for the long life and good health of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima and for His Excellency Prime Minister Mark Rutte. I would also like to express our best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of the Netherlands.
Long live Bangladesh-Netherlands friendship!”
