The President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, has concluded an official visit to Nigeria, where he met with the senior leadership of the country to discuss ways to strengthen the international criminal justice system aimed at suppressing impunity for the gravest crimes.

During his stay in Abuja from 10 to 13 April, President Eboe-Osuji met with H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Vice-President and acting President of Nigeria as well as H.E. Senator Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate, H.E. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives and H.E. Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President of the Senate, together with some of their colleagues in the senior leadership in the National Assembly. He also held meetings with H.E. Geoffrey Onyema, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and Mr. Dayo Apata, Solicitor-General of the Federation.

 The ICC President expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s strong commitment to the Court, which was reaffirmed by the senior authorities during the meetings held.

President Eboe-Osuji underlined that the active support of States is crucial in re-energising the mission of the ICC, of which Nigeria is a founding and important member. He recalled that victims are at the heart of the Court’s mandate, which aims to provide justice to those who have suffered the worst atrocities, as well as protect populations from future crimes.

 President Eboe-Osuji further emphasised that the Court is keen to work together with states in Africa to bolster the fight against impunity for the gravest international crimes, and he hoped to count on Nigeria’s support in taking that process forward.

Mr. Peter Lewis during his solemn undertaking ceremony as ICC Registrar © ICC-CPI On 17 April 2018, Mr. Peter Lewis was sworn in as Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a public ceremony held at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji presided over the session and the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Mr O-Gon Kwon, served as witness to the solemn undertaking. During the ceremony, ICC President Eboe-Osuji welcomed the new Registrar, saying: “Mr Lewis joins the Court to complete a change in leadership in the Presidency and the Registry. This change marks a shift of focus for the Court, a focus on the need to revitalise reflection on the ICC’s value to humanity. I call upon all to join this reflection.” President Eboe-Osuji added: “I must also take this opportunity to pay tribute, and express our gratitude, to all the Staff of the Court. Often, their work is largely unseen and unsung in the roles they play. But, much like the bones beneath the skin and the muscle, the structure cannot stand, let alone move well or move at all, without them.” ASP President Kwon stated: “[Running the Registry] is an arduous and demanding undertaking that requires a capable, qualified mind, able to handle complexity with objectivity and sensitivity. Mr Peter Lewis has a proven track record of fulfilling the main responsibilities and requirements expected of the principal administrative officer of the Registry – the largest organ of this Court, with over 600 staff members.” Mr Lewis then signed his oath before ASP President Kwon, and made his first speech as ICC Registrar. “I take the duties and responsibilities of the Registrar of the Court very seriously, and it is my deep sense of commitment to this institution that will guide my work during my term. I do not underestimate the challenges ahead, but I am sure that with the support of all of you, and the hard work of the staff of the Registry we will continue to ensure the full realisation of the Court’s mandate”, he declared. ICC Registrar Peter Lewis (United Kingdom) was elected for a period of five years by the judges of the Court, on 28 March 2018. As Registrar, he will exercise his functions as the principal administrative officer of the Court under the authority of the President, and head one of the four organs of the Court, the Registry. The Registry is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration of the Court, and as such supports the Court so it can conduct fair and effective public proceedings. The Registry is responsible for general court management, security, public information, court records, translation and interpretation, counsel support, support for victims to participate in proceedings and apply for reparations.

The ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, H.E. Ms Margot Wallström and other High-Level participants at the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality.   ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, attends international : “Gender crimes are prominent in our prosecutions because they are prominent in situations investigated”   On Tuesday, 17 April 2018, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), Fatou Bensouda, concluded her participation in the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality. Organised jointly by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Institute, this international conference convened over 500 participants from governments, international organisations, civil society, private enterprise and academia, to intensify international efforts to achieve gender equality, covering topics such as approaches to justice and participation in the promotion of peace and security. On 17 April 2018, the Prosecutor took part in a high-level ministerial roundtable hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, H.E. Ms Margot Wallström, on how to promote human security for women and girls around the world. This roundtable discussion also included the participation of H.E. Mr Sven Mikser, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia; H.E. Ms Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund; Ms Sopo Japaridze, Human Rights and Gender Adviser to the Prime Minister of Georgia; Ms Lise Bourgon, Brigadier General of Canada, and Mr Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross. “In all the situations under investigation before the ICC,” said the Prosecutor, “serious crimes are perpetrated against women and girls. My Office devotes special attention to the situation of women and children in conflict, by ensuring that atrocity crimes against them – genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity – are effectively investigated and prosecuted.” Prosecutor Bensouda recalled that the first policy document she issued following her appointment as Prosecutor was the Office’s a Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes. This landmark Policy is guiding her Office’s methodological work in investigating and prosecuting sexual and gender-based crimes. “Gender crimes are prominent in our prosecutions because they are regrettably prominent in conflict and situations where we have investigated. These are serious crimes that must be addressed – and we hope, deterred – through the force of the law “stated the Prosecutor. She also noted that in November 2016, she launched a Policy on Children, to enable her Office to more robustly address international crimes against and affecting children, and to turn a spotlight on the plight of over 230 million children around the world today who suffer the horrors of war and conflict. While in Sweden, Prosecutor Bensouda also held productive bilateral meetings with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden H.E. Ms Margot Wallström and other senior officials and heads of agencies.  The Prosecutor expressed her appreciation to Minister Wallström for Sweden’s steadfast support and commitment to the ICC, and the work of her Office

H.E. Ms. Dziunik Aghajanian Ambassador of Armenia.   By Roy Lie Atjam. H.E. Ms. Dziunik Aghajanian Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands took leave of fellow Ambassadors at a Ceremony of Merits, hosted by Diplomat Magazine and Diplomatic Card at the Crowne Plaza Hotel The Hague on 19th March 2018. For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157692653801812

Dziunik Aghajanian is a career diplomat who served her beloved Armenia in various national and international capacities. She represented Armenia as Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the international institutions in The Hague. Kudos to Dziunik Aghajanianis, a savvy on how the International institutions operate. H.E. Vusi Bruce Koloane Ambassador of South Africa hailed DziunikAghajanian, for her stellar contributions. He further thanked her for the excellent cooperation over the past years notably at the OPCW.

In her acceptance speech, Ambassador Aghajanian expressed her gratitude for the support she received from the Netherlands and the international community. Ambassador Dziunik Aghajanian was presented with a Certificate of Merit in recognition for her contribution in strengthening the bilateral and multilateral relations between Armenia the Netherlands and international institutions.

We wish Ambassador Aghajanian all the best in her new assignment as Head of Mission in Jakarta Indonesia. The Ceremony of Merit is sponsored by Diplomatic Card.

By Roy Lie Atjam.   The Hague, 14th April 2018 Bangladesh missions in the Netherlands has celebrated the Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali solar calendar, with much enthusiasm and cultural activities. Pohela Boishakh symbolizes universality and cultural unity. The day has deep rooted sentiments for well being of the hard working people like farmers and traders. Pohela Boishakh, new year is celebrated in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand and Orissa. Bangladesh House served as the venue. The Embassy has been hosting back-to-back activities in February, March and April 2018, these were Mother Language Day, National Day, Shades of Passion, Art Exhibition and now Pahela Boishakh. Bangladesh House was a kaleidoscope of dazzling colors, flowers, banners and festoons. Pohela Boishakh is quintessential of carnival on a Caribbean island. It has been a pleasure observing the Bengali ladies outfitted in their colorful sari. PohelaBoishakh celebrations bring a sense of freshness, vibrancy and excitement mixed with culture. and food, favored item on the menu is Hilsha fish. Unfortunately, hilsha is threatened with extinction. On Poila Boishakh, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says she won’t have hilsa. Sheikh Hasina is on a mission to save the famous hilsa “I will eat pantabhat and shutkibhorta instead, not ilish, on Poila Boishakh” The day-long cultural activity on the lawns of Bangladesh House started with a cordial welcome speech by H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh in the Netherlands, followed by music, dance and (Boishakhi) songs. Bangladeshi children and Embassy officials also performed dances, solo and chorus folk songs.As has been the case in previous years Dr. Dilruba Nasrin, spouse of ambassador Belal,   graced the occasion with her songs. The program further included stalls operated bymembers of the diaspora presenting their authentic Bangladeshi wares. The Poila Boishakh celebration 2018 attracted some 450 guests including the Ambassadors of South-Africa, India, Yemen to mention a few. Also present were representatives of the Dutch government, the municipality of The Hague, friends of Bangladesh, the diaspora and the media.              

By Roy Lie Atjam. The Crowne Plaza Promenade Hotel The Hague was full to its capacity on Thursday 12th April 2018 for a Ceremony of Merits featuring H.E. Mr. Igor Popov, Ambassador of Macedonia. A very pleasant atmosphere reigned at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. His Excellency Ambassador Joseph Cole (Malta) and Her Excellency Ambassador AdiaSakiqi (Albania) eluded Ambassador Popov. For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667854089028

Both thanked and praised the man Igor Popov, for his professionalism, intelligence and sense of humor. Further, Ambassador Cole likened the career of an Ambassador to that of a train. “You hub on it and move from station to station.” Ambassador Cole remarked that Ambassador Popov and himself presented Credentials to the King of the Netherlands on the same day and from there their friendship started.

Ambassador Sakiqi, signaled : “I am grateful that Igor chose me to give this speech at the ceremony of Merit organized by Diplomat Magazine. I call it a speech and not a farewell speech, as I do not like farewells. The world is too small to take farewells seriously. Igor Popov, arrived in The Hague a little before I did, yet I always thought he was senior in the Netherlands. Perhaps it was because of his extrovert personality, if I had been told that you were our Dean, I would have believed it.” Subsequently, Ambassador Popov was presented a Certificate of Merit and his wife Maja Popova a bouquet of flowers in Macedonia’s national colors. In his acceptance speech, Popov thanked those who contributed in making his four years stint in The Hague successful.

Popov mentioned His Majesty the King and the Queen of the Netherland, the Erste and Tweede Kamer, the Prime Minister cabinet, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and “the wonderful colleagues”, the agencies specially the RVO, the municipalities of The Hague and Wassenaar,“ were we spend unforgettable four years, the diaspora for their enormous support and for being great and successful citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. They are the true Ambassadors” the international organizations specially the OPCW, the staff at the embassy and his wife Maja, who gave up her career which enabled him to become Macedonia’s envoy to the USA and Europe. Popov further relates, “I’m leaving today with a wealth of knowledge I will always treasure. Working in The Hague has been a fantastic learning experience. I’ve learned how to take directions, criticism, and compliments. These are three things I wasn’t so great at taking before.” Ambassador Popov in his discourse made references to the position Diplomat Magazine takes within the diplomatic community. He relates: “I would like to thank Diplomat Magazine on this great honor and my dear friend Dr. Mayelinne De Lara for her tireless enthusiasm in creating a magazine that is also a home to us, that provides confirmation and great lasting memories, documenting in the best way our work and interaction in the City of Justice.”

“I would like to thanks also the General Manager of the hotel Cowne Plaza for on his enthusiasm, boldness and great skills in transforming this hotel into a diplomatic hub.” Ambassadors from all around the word attended the ceremony among them the ambassadors of Croatia, Japan, Belgium, Ecuador, Tunisia, Italy, Belarus, Panama, Kosovo, Georgia, Estonia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Panama, Kazakhstan, diplomats from USA, Serbia, also Popov’s mother, sister and his diplomatic staff. Notable in Popov’s speech was the quotation of the poem “Don’t get gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas, a poem cherished by his deceased father Mr. Grozdan Popov.

A reception including a monumental cake decorated with Macedonia’s national symbols, created by Marta Orban, from Patisserie Sweet and Spice, concluded the farewell ceremony. Diplomat Magazine, the very first diplomatic magazine of its kind in the Netherlands, presented a Certificate of Merit to the H.E. Igor Popov, Ambassador of Macedonia for his outstanding contribution in strengthening bilateral ties with The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Macedonia. Furthermore his significant contribution to the international organisations and support to the Dutch media. The Ceremony of Merit is sponsored by Diplomatic Card.

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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/72157693865560671

Justice Beelaerts van Blokland has been one of the very few  persons selected to represent the Municipality of The Hague at functions of the International and diplomatic community.

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.

“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.