Ambassador Batoréu at the ICC
Left to right: ICC Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart , ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, Ambassador of Portugal H.E. Rosa Batoréu and ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel in front of the artwork ©ICC-CPI
Portuguese Ambassador and ICC President unveil artwork donation to International Criminal Court
H.E. Rosa Batoréu, Portuguese Ambassador to The Netherlands, together with Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), unveiled on 5 July 2017, an artwork donation from the Government of Portugal to the ICC. The ceremony was held at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands, in the presence of ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel and ICC Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart.
The artwork is a Contemporary tile panel entitled Ilusório (Illusory) created by Portuguese ceramist Querubim Lapa in 2010. The artwork gives a three dimensional illusion that conveys an idea of unfinishedness, in connection with the difficult task of administering justice in a polymorphous world in constant change.
H.E. Rosa Batoréu explained that this panel was chosen because of its connection with the Court’s work, “with the notion that we should always bring to justice those who suffer injustice, even if that process can be very difficult and faced with tremendous obstacles.” “The International Criminal Court has done an extraordinary job in its 15 years of existence,” the Ambassador added.
Expressing the Court’s gratitude to the Government of Portugal for this donation, ICC President Fernández stated: “Ever since Portugal became a State Party to the Rome Statute, as one of its founding members, the country has played a key part in support of the ICC. The donation of this artwork is a further demonstration of Portugal’s unwavering support for the work, values and objectives of the Court.”
Since the move to its new permanent premises in December 2015, the ICC received artwork donations from the Governments of Belgium, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Senegal, Slovenia and Tunisia, representing their cultural heritage as well as reflecting the mandate of the Court.
Danish Ambassador and ICC Registrar Launch “Access To Justice”
ICC Registar Herman von Hebel and H.E. Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, Mr Mogens Pedersen, launching “Access to Justice” project in Kampala, Uganda, on 17 July 2017. ©ICC-CPI
Danish Ambassador and ICC Registrar Launch “Access To Justice” Project in Uganda and mark International Criminal Justice Day.
Today, 17 July 2017, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”), Mr Herman von Hebel, and H.E. Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, Mr Mogens Pedersen, launched an “Access to Justice” project in Kampala, Uganda. This project aims at facilitating the ICC’s continuous efforts to respond to the information demands of the communities affected by the conflict in northern Uganda.
The Project, funded by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) through a grant of 210,000 euros, will enhance the capacity of the local population in Northern Uganda, where the crimes were allegedly committed, to follow the proceedings against Dominic Ongwen in the trial currently ongoing in The Hague. The project will also strengthen capacity of the religious and cultural leaders to further engage the members of their respective communities on issues related to the Court.
At this occasion, the ICC Registrar Mr von Hebel noted that “this Project that we are inaugurating comes as a response to an enormous amount of interests that the victims and affected communities, as well as the other stakeholders, have shown in following the proceedings of the Dominic Ongwen trial . It is our purpose, to transform these local interests into popular participation and ownership of the processes, and to strengthen local confidence in the Court’s work and in justice and accountability in general. It is our profound confidence, that this project will help us to bring the ICC courtrooms to every single member of the affected community”.
H.E. Ambassador Mogens Pedersen stated: “Our support to the ICC project that we are signing today on this day when we also commemorate the International Day of Justice, is in our opinion bringing justice closer to the people who have suffered violence for more than two decades and want to see justice done and those responsible for the atrocities held accountable. We are optimistic that the activities that will be implemented by the ICC under this project will make international justice more accessible and relevant to the communities in northern Uganda who have been affected by the war”.
Under this project, the ICC Field Office in Kampala will provide video screening equipment at 23 locations where Dominic Ongwen is alleged to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity; create and maintain interactive radio programmes and listening clubs through which the affected population could follow and discuss the trial; facilitate travels for cultural and religious leaders as well as journalists to attend trial proceedings at the seat of the Court in the Hague; and facilitate sharing those leaders’ experiences related to the trial proceedings with affected communities.
Showcase of international music city The Hague- 8th edition
On the picture Mr Mark Verheul, Chief of Protocol, City of The Hague.
Last Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16th of July, Musicon and Grote Markt presented the 8th edition of this internationally orientated music festival in Popdistrict, the musical heart of The Hague.
Every year the festival is a success, due to its formula of a laid back vibe combined with new musical discoveries from all corners of the world. Summertime Festival is free of charge and takes place on a vintage merry-go-round stage at the Grote Markt square. One of the perks: all music can be enjoyed from the terrace, but of course people got up and danced.
For wonderful Hester Disjstra’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157684249309444
The line up ranged from free jazz, fado & cumbia to classical music, dreamy indiepop, funk and cross-overs between styles. This year’s programme had some big names like the extra large jazz/funk band The New Cool Collective, multivocal rock songs by Bells of Youth and jazz impro icons Han Bennink and Guus Janssen.
People danced to the music of the red hot cumbia of Mamihlapinatapai and klezmer/balkan party band L’chaim. But the festival also showcased new classical talent from the Prinses Christina Concours and collaborations between popular artists from The Hague’s vibrant international jazz scene.
The Festival aims to reveal a beautiful but often hidden aspect of the city: the blooming community of international musicians.
To show this cultural abundance and to get the audience acquainted with these musicians, who have roots in numerous countries, is the ambition of the festival. 
This results in a line up that is quite different from the usual pop and rock acts and makes Summertime a special treat.
The line up ranged from free jazz, fado & cumbia to classical music, dreamy indiepop, funk and cross-overs between styles. This year’s programme had some big names like the extra large jazz/funk band The New Cool Collective, multivocal rock songs by Bells of Youth and jazz impro icons Han Bennink and Guus Janssen.
People danced to the music of the red hot cumbia of Mamihlapinatapai and klezmer/balkan party band L’chaim. But the festival also showcased new classical talent from the Prinses Christina Concours and collaborations between popular artists from The Hague’s vibrant international jazz scene.
The Festival aims to reveal a beautiful but often hidden aspect of the city: the blooming community of international musicians.
To show this cultural abundance and to get the audience acquainted with these musicians, who have roots in numerous countries, is the ambition of the festival.
This results in a line up that is quite different from the usual pop and rock acts and makes Summertime a special treat. Dutch government renews partnership with IRC
Dutch government renews partnership with IRC in support of the Sustainable Development Goal for water and sanitation.
THE HAGUE, 18 July 2017 – The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its commitment to IRC and will contribute 4.8 million euros (US$ 5.45 million) to further finance IRC’s programmatic aims over the next five years.
DGIS has agreed to continue its support to IRC for another five years. IRC fulfils an instrumental role in achieving the Dutch commitment to provide sustainable access to clean drinking water to 30 million people and sanitation and hygiene to 50 million people during the period 2015-2030. ” We consider IRC a global leader in supporting governments, organisations and community leaders in realising sustainable WASH services.” Karin Roelofs, Head Water Unit at DGIS.
Over the past five years the Ministry supported IRC’s service delivery approach to ensure sustainable WASH services. In that period IRC developed a suite of tools to assess the sustainability of WASH programmes funded by the Ministry.
The Dutch Government has set an ambitious target for 2030, as contained in its WASH Strategy 2016-30. It has committed to delivering (for at least 15 years but ideally indefinitely) sustainable, universal and equitable access to drinking water for 30 million people, and sanitation for 50 million people. IRC is a key partner in helping to achieve this goal.
IRC will use the new funding from the Ministry to support its 14-year Strategic Framework covering the period 2017-30. This framework focuses on the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to WASH. Core to IRC’s new strategy is the developing of national and local systems, made up of infrastructure, people, institutions and finance. The activities supported by the Ministry include knowledge management, advocacy, communication and innovation work in its six focus countries: Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India and Uganda.
The core of IRC’s contribution to the SDGs takes place through country and district programmes coordinated by national networks or partnership “hubs”. The Ministry’s contribution will specifically support this hub function, which is otherwise difficult or nearly impossible to fund from the market.
Another difficult to fund activity that the Ministry supports is strengthening civil society through its innovative ‘Dialogue and Dissent’ programme. Within this programme, IRC leads the strategic partnership ‘Watershed – empowering citizens’, linking WASH and water resources.
In 2018 IRC celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1968, the Dutch government has supported IRC, initially as its main funder but increasingly as a strategic partner.
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Photo: Petra Brussee/IRC
ICC Prosecutor Statement in Doha, Qatar
Statement of the Office of the Prosecutor regarding recent visit of the Prosecutor to Doha, Qatar
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), H.E. Mrs Fatou Bensouda undertook a private visit to Doha, Qatar on the weekend of 8-9 of July 2017. Notwithstanding the fact that the ICC Office of the Prosecutor promptly provided ample clarifications to the media regarding the visit, the matter continues to generate public and media speculation.
In the interests of clarifying the public record, the Office of Prosecutor of the ICC confirms that the Prosecutor was recently in Doha on the weekend of 8th of July on a private visit. During her stay in Doha, the Prosecutor was approached and ultimately held courtesy meetings with Qatari officials at their request on Sunday, the 9th of July.
During the said meetings, the Prosecutor and the authorities discussed cooperation between the State of Qatar and her Office, and raising awareness about international criminal justice and international humanitarian law, generally. At no time did the Prosecutor express a position on the current situation in the sub-region. The Prosecutor does not comment on political matters or any other matter unrelated to her mandate whether in this or any other situation, as per her consistent practice and that of the Office.
As a general remark, the Prosecutor and her Office act independently and impartially in the exercise of the ICC’s prescribed mandate strictly as set by the Rome Statute.
South-Africa Book launching in honor of Prof. John Dugard
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Professor John Dugard, is an International law scholar, teacher, and Judge. Just hours before the annual mega French National Day reception, His Excellency Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South-Africa, hosted the launching of the book The Pursuit of a Brave New World in International Law, Essays in honor of John Dugard at his residence on 14 July 2017.
After his welcome remarks, Ambassador Koloane introduced Professor Dire Tladi, a professor of International law at the University of Pretoria. Professor Dire Tladi is also co-editor of the book. The Honoree professor John Dugard subsequently delivered his remarks.
The Pursuit of a Brave New World in International Law, Essays in honor of John Dugard, the subject of the book is International Law. Defacto, the book is a testament to the enduring contributions John Dugard has made to international law and international human rights law.
Furthermore, the book presents critical perspectives on various inter-related themes in the areas of terrorism and international criminal justice. Contributors to the book are, Maurice Kamto, Tiyanjana Maluwa, Max du Plessis, Dire Tladi, Annemarieke Vermeer- Abdulqawi Yusuf, just to mention a few.
Among the guests present during the launching event were a group of Diplomats, (former) International Judges, Dutch officials Professor Dire Tladi, Tiyanjana Maluwa and others.
A cocktail concluded the event.
ICC signs Memorandum of Understanding with Government of Georgia
On 25 July 2017, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Mr Herman von Hebel, on behalf of the Court, visited Tbilisi and signed an agreement with the Government of Georgia, to facilitate the Court’s activities and ongoing investigations in the country.
“This agreement will facilitate the expeditious fulfilment of the ICC’s mandate within the territory of Georgia, said ICC Registrar von Hebel at the signature Ceremony. “This is a common goal for all of us: to bring justice to the victims of the 2008 conflict,” he added.
This agreement builds on the legal obligations of Georgia as a State party to the ICC Rome Statute since 2003 and the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities. It offers a clear channel of communications between the Government and the ICC for purposes of assistance and notification as well as cooperation, including on measures required for the security of the persons interacting with the ICC.
During his visit, the Registrar also held a meeting with different actors of the civil society focused on raising awareness and making ICC proceedings accessible to the general public and the communities affected by the 2008 conflict.
Kwibohora23 anniversary of liberation of Rwanda
H.E. Jean Pierre Karabaranga, Ambassador of Rwanda.
Kwibohora23: Rwandans in the Netherlands celebrate 23rd anniversary of liberation of Rwanda
The 23rd anniversary of the liberation was held under the theme “Together we prosper”. On Saturday 22 July evening, the Embassy of the Republic Rwanda in the Netherlands hosted the Kwibohora23 celebration in Partycentrum Zichtenburg in The Hague.
H.E. Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga, his family, the Embassy team and the Rwanda diaspora committee welcomed more than 200 guests, including Rwandan nationals living in the Netherlands, Friends of Rwanda and others. The program was graced by artists De Gaulle and Chouchou Mihigo and included furthermore a wide variety of entertainment, like a Rwandan live band, traditional dance performances by Inganzo Dance group and a Rwandan culinary experience.
In his speech H.E. ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said that in the last 23 years freedom, peace, security and unity have been the backbone of Rwanda’s political and social economic transformation. “The liberation of Rwanda was not a gift handed over to us. It was not handed to us on a golden plate: it required enormous sacrifice”, said the ambassador.
“On this date we pay tribute to Rwandan men and women who in different ways contributed to our country’s liberation. The fallen heroes paid the ultimate price during the liberation struggle. Armed with unbreakable determination to build a new Rwanda for all Rwandans, these ordinary men and women were able to do unprecedented and extraordinary acts. Today we pay a special tribute to them.”
Ambassador Karabaranga continued to say that while we celebrate the liberation of our country in 1994, we also acknowledge and remind each other that under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has made tremendous strides in all aspects and Rwanda has been repeatedly broke records and recognized as the safest, peaceful, cleanest and among the most fast growing economy not just in Africa but also in the world.
“Rwanda is no longer a case study for conflict but a model of stability, real progress and good governance. Although, there is a lot to be proud of, we have no luxury for complacency. The journey ahead to where we want to be and where we deserve to be, is still long and demands that we work harder, double the momentum in all we do”, ambassador told the audience, “and as we celebrate the Liberation Day, we challenge ourselves to safeguard the successes recorded while thriving to achieve more. We’ll do so by participating in big number to the upcoming Presidential election next Thursday August 3rd, 2017 in The Hague. With no doubt we’ll confirm the choice we made during the 2015 referendum. We decided to stay united. We made our choice for stability and continuity.”
In his speech H.E. ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga said that in the last 23 years freedom, peace, security and unity have been the backbone of Rwanda’s political and social economic transformation. “The liberation of Rwanda was not a gift handed over to us. It was not handed to us on a golden plate: it required enormous sacrifice”, said the ambassador.
“On this date we pay tribute to Rwandan men and women who in different ways contributed to our country’s liberation. The fallen heroes paid the ultimate price during the liberation struggle. Armed with unbreakable determination to build a new Rwanda for all Rwandans, these ordinary men and women were able to do unprecedented and extraordinary acts. Today we pay a special tribute to them.”
Ambassador Karabaranga continued to say that while we celebrate the liberation of our country in 1994, we also acknowledge and remind each other that under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has made tremendous strides in all aspects and Rwanda has been repeatedly broke records and recognized as the safest, peaceful, cleanest and among the most fast growing economy not just in Africa but also in the world.
“Rwanda is no longer a case study for conflict but a model of stability, real progress and good governance. Although, there is a lot to be proud of, we have no luxury for complacency. The journey ahead to where we want to be and where we deserve to be, is still long and demands that we work harder, double the momentum in all we do”, ambassador told the audience, “and as we celebrate the Liberation Day, we challenge ourselves to safeguard the successes recorded while thriving to achieve more. We’ll do so by participating in big number to the upcoming Presidential election next Thursday August 3rd, 2017 in The Hague. With no doubt we’ll confirm the choice we made during the 2015 referendum. We decided to stay united. We made our choice for stability and continuity.” OPCW Director-General Calls for Ethics in Science During Visit to Australia
The Hague, Netherlands — 26 July 2017 — The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, visited Australia on 24 and 25 July. In Canberra, he briefed senior officials from across a number of agencies on current issues and exchanged views with them at a roundtable at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also participated at two other roundtables at the Australian National University and at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) where he shared the strategic, forward-looking approach to dealing with immediate and future challenges facing the OPCW and Member States.
The Director-General in his keynote address at the 17th Asian Chemical Congress, incorporating the 19th General Assembly of Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS), on 25 July in Melbourne stated: “Every science holds the potential for great progress, and great destruction. One need only reflect on the brutality unleased by chemical weapons to confront this difficult truth.”
The Director-General insisted that the aspiration to apply chemistry for the good of mankind and further sustainable development is “noble and achievable” and reminded audiences that this responsibility rests not only with governments, but also with industry and civil society.
At the Australian Institute of International Affairs in Melbourne on 25 July, he highlighted the strength of the global ban against chemical weapons and cautioned: “Although norms are powerful, they can change. In this case of chemical weapons, we must never allow this to happen”.
Ambassador Üzümcü also paid a visit to the Australian War Memorial and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DST Group) for a discussion about chemical weapons and the chemical Weapons Convention, combined with a tour of the Protective Purposes Facility and Analytical Laboratory respectively.
During his visit, the Director-General met with the Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ms Frances Adamson; Assistant Secretary, Australian Safeguards and Non-proliferation Office (ASNO), Dr John Kalish; and various Australian academics and scientists.
Migration: Record month for relocations
Migration: Record month for relocations from Italy and Greece
Today, the Commission has adopted its 14th progress report on relocation of asylum seekers within the EU and resettlement of refugees from outside the EU.
With relocations reaching record levels in June (with over 2,000 relocated from Greece and almost 1,000 from Italy) and almost all Member States pledging and transferring regularly, relocating all those eligible remains feasible before September. However, more efforts are needed to accelerate transfers from Italy, especially in view of the current situation in the Central Mediterranean. Meanwhile, good progress continues to be made on resettlement and the Commission has launched a new pledging exercise to resettle the most vulnerable people from Libya, Egypt, Niger, Ethiopia and Sudan while continuing resettlements from Turkey.
EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said: “Looking at the results achieved so far, one thing is very clear: relocation works if the political will is there. What we need now is a final push to achieve our common goal of relocating the vast majority of the asylum seekers present and eligible in Greece and Italy by September. Italy in particular is under enormous pressure and I call on all Member States to further step up their relocation efforts from Italy. The EU won’t leave countries with an external border alone and the Commission will continue to ensure that all Member States comply with their legal obligations when it comes to relocation.”
In parallel, the Commission is today taking forward the infringement procedures against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland for failing to meet their legal obligations on relocation.
Relocation
The pace of relocation has continued to increase over recent months, with transfers reaching more than 1,000 every month since November 2016 and June 2017 representing a new record monthly high with over 3,000 transfers. As of 24 July, the total number of relocations stands at 24,676 (16,803 from Greece; 7,873 from Italy).
Continuous efforts are needed with around 4,800 candidates currently awaiting relocation from Greece — with the number likely to increase to 6,800 — and continuous arrivals of eligible candidates to Italy. Italy still needs to urgently enrol eligible arrivals in 2016 and the first half of 2017 in the scheme. This concerns in particular Eritreans of whom around 25,000 have arrived in Italy since the beginning of 2016 but of which only 10,000 have been registered for relocation. As outlined in the Commission’s Action plan to support Italy, the Italian authorities should swiftly register all Eritreans currently present in the country and centralise the relocation procedure in dedicated hubs. The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) is supporting Italy’s efforts with an online outreach campaign to identify all potential applicants.
In this final phase, it is crucial that Member States accelerate relocations and provide enough pledges to relocate all eligible applicants, including those who are likely to arrive until 26 September. In any case, Member States’ legal obligation to relocate will not cease after September: the Council Decisions on relocation apply to all persons arriving in Greece or Italy until 26 September 2017 and eligible applicants must be relocated within a reasonable timeframe thereafter.
A number of Member States are close to fully fulfilling their relocation obligations: Malta, Latvia and also Norway — a Schengen Associated State participating voluntarily in the scheme — have all relocated their full allocations for Greece and Sweden who only started relocation in June will have relocated almost 60% of its allocation. The Commission also welcomes the recently-announced increase in the monthly pledges by Spain and the announced acceleration in the pace of transfers by Germany.
Resettlement
Overall progress on resettlement continues to be positive with around three quarters (17,179) of the 22,504 resettlements agreed in July 2015 already carried out. As several States with large allocations have fulfilled their resettlement commitment under the Conclusions of July 2015 or are very close to doing so, most efforts are now being directed towards resettlements under the EU-Turkey Statement. However, resettlement efforts under this scheme remain uneven with a number of Member States not having resettled a single person yet.
Resettlements from Turkey continue to increase steadily. Since 14 June another 1,552 Syrian refugees have been resettled from Turkey to EU Member States. The total number of resettlements under the Statement now stands at 7,806. In parallel, the negotiations on the Standard Operating Procedures for the Voluntary Humanitarian Admission Scheme between participating states and Turkey are progressing, and the objective is to have them agreed as soon as possible.
On 4 July, the Commission invited Member States to submit new resettlement pledges for 2018 which will be financially supported by the Commission. This pledging exercise aims to bridge the gap between the ongoing resettlement schemes and the adoption of the Commission’s proposal on a new resettlement framework on which legislative discussions are ongoing. In line with the Action Plan to support Italy and with a view to reducing migratory pressure on Libya, saving lives and providing alternatives to dangerous irregular migration paths, Member States were specifically invited to focus on resettlement from Libya, Egypt, Niger, Ethiopia and Sudan while continuing resettlements from Turkey. The Commission has earmarked €377.5 million for resettlement in 2018, which can support the resettlement of at least 37,750 people in need of international protection (€10,000 per person).