ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi and Argentinian President H.E. Mauricio Macri.
On 28 March 2017, H.E. Mauricio Macri, President of the Argentine Republic, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) to meet with the President of the Court, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, and the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.
President Fernández expressed the Court’s gratitude to President Macri for his visit, stating: “As a permanent court of last resort, the ICC plays a key role in global efforts to fight impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and ensure justice for victims, including through reparations for the harm suffered. At a time when the Court is achieving important results in its judicial work but also facing many challenges, the support of Argentina and all other States Parties is extremely important for the continued efforts to strengthen global justice and the rule of law.”
President Macri reaffirmed “Argentina’s strong commitment to the ICC aiming to protect the victims of the most serious crimes of international concern”. He added that “Argentina advocates for strengthening the mandate of the Court and the universality and integrity of the Rome Statute”. President Macri also confirmed that “Argentina is committed to promote international law and justice in order to achieve a most peaceful world in the 21st Century”.
The visit of President Macri to the ICC highlights Argentina’s support to the Court and the joint efforts deployed in the fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes that affect the international community as a whole.
6 April 2017, De Nieuwe Regentes, The HagueBorn in Valencia in 1962 Sambeat has become one of Spain’s great jazz musicians and has been recognized internationally. He has received for example the North Sea Jazz’s Bird Award in 2003. Sambeat has collaborated with renowned artists such as Brad Mehldau, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Lee Konitz and Joe Chambers. Throughout his career he has tried to link jazz and flamenco as can be seen, for example, in the Flamenco Big Band album he made together with Miguel Poveda and Javier Colina.
The Dutch Rembrandt Frerichs Trio consists of pianist Rembrandt Frerichs, bassist Tony Overdewater and percussionist Vinsent Planjer. They have been performing on concert stages in the Netherlands, Europe and the Middle East for over 12. Rembrandt’s seventh album A Long Story Short was presented in the Royal Concert Hall in Amsterdam in 2014.
The concert will take place at 08.15 pm in De Nieuwe Regentes, an old swimming pool located in The Hague that has been reconverted into a theatre in 1996.
More information can be found at the website of De Nieuwe Regentes and Perico Sambeat.
On 3 April 2017, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) has launched an interactive free SMS platform designed to give victims, the communities affected by the crimes alleged in the case of Mr Dominic Ongwen, and the general population of Uganda, the opportunity to follow the proceedings before the Court. “The mobile technology and SMS platform enhances and complements the work of the multidisciplinary Registry’s team in the country having the potential to reach a wide population with adequate and timely information. An open dialogue and deep understanding of the judicial developments before the ICC are key to ensure effectiveness of the victims’ rights and of the ICC proceedings,” said Mr Herman Von Hebel, the Registrar of the Court. The introduction in Uganda of this platform developed in cooperation with the Canadian NGO “Peace Geeks’’ deepens the dialogue between Ugandan population and the representatives of the ICC who started the outreach initiatives since 2006. The platform will enable subscribers to receive and respond in three languages, Acholi, Ateso and English to regular public information at no cost. As an international rather than national or local court, the ICC is not on the doorstep of those most affected by the cases it hears. The Court therefore strives to bridge the distance between the Court and these communities and to make its proceedings accessible to them. In addition to communities affected by alleged crimes, the Court engages with local media as well as legal and academic communities. The Court also works with local intermediaries, particularly civil society groups such as NGOs, who support its activities in the field and strengthen the Court’s capacity to engage with communities affected by crimes.
Juan Patricio Navarro, Director of ProEcuador in the Netherlands announced the 6th edition of Macrorrueda from 6 to 7 June 2017 in the city of Guayaquil. Macrorrueda 2017 it will gather more than +500 local exporters interacting with 170 buyers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, supermarkets, hypermarkets and retailers from 31 countries.
‘Join us and have the opportunity to meet exporters/producers of exotic fruits, Andean superfoods, banana, textile, apparel, metalworking, tourism, coffee, pharmaceutical, crafts, fishery, aquaculture, flowers, processed foods, automotive, services, cocoa and cacao-processed products, plastics, and more.’ He said.
To see the event´s brochure, click the link below or visit our website www.proecuadorb2b.com.echttps://issuu.com/pro-ecuador/docs/brochure_macrorrueda_ecuador_2017
Tuesday 4 – Wednesday 5 April: Brussels Conference “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”
The European Union will host, in Brussels, on 4-5 April, the “Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”, co-chaired with the United Nations and with the governments of Germany, Kuwait, Norway, Qatar and the United Kingdom.
The conference, which will be held at ministerial level, will bring together over 70 countries, international organisations and civil society.
The conference will seek to: assess where the international community stands collectively in fulfilling commitments made at the London conference in February 2016, reconfirm existing pledges and identify additional support to Syrian inside Syria and in the neighbouring countries, as well as to the respective host communities; boost support for a lasting political resolution to the Syrian conflict through an inclusive and Syrian-led political transition process under the UN auspice, and consider the prospects for post-agreement assistance once a genuinely inclusive political transition is firmly underway.
The Brussels Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the region builds on the London Conference on Supporting Syria and the region of 4 February 2016. One year ago, the international community convened in London under the leadership of the United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, Norway and the United Nations, reaffirming its solidarity with millions of vulnerable people living in Syria and Syrian refugees and affected host communities in the region, and building on the commitments made at the three previous pledging conferences in Kuwait from 2013-15.
At the London Conference, the donor community pledged significant financial support for humanitarian assistance and protection in Syria, as well as civilian stabilisation measures to strengthen resilience in host communities. It also reiterated that there can only be a political solution to the crisis, within the existing agreed UN framework and based on the Geneva Communiqué and UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
The London Conference concluded with commitments from both the international community and Syria’s neighbours to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of those affected by the crisis, including further support for education and livelihood opportunities for Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt.
The event:
Thematic sessions will be held at the Residence Palace building on the 4th, from 8:30 until 19h. Proceedings on the 5th will take place at the Europa building, from 7:30 to 18h30.
The full programme is available on the Conference website.
—–
Syria, photography by EC.
On 3 April 2017, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, concluded an official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government. During her visit, President Fernández met with Prime Minister Shinzō Abe and thanked him for Japan’s commitment to the rule of law and its strong support of the International Criminal Court.
President Fernández also met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi, Vice Minister of Justice Hiromu Kurokawa and Prosecutor General Katsuyuki Nishikawa, and gave a lecture at the University of Tokyo, where she engaged in dialogue with experts on international law.
During her meetings with government officials, the ICC President reiterated the Court’s gratitude for Japan’s political and financial support as well as its contribution to the judicial and institutional development of the ICC. The President noted the high number of non-States Parties remaining in the Asia-Pacific region, and thanked Japan for its commitment to enhance awareness in the region of the ICC’s work, and to encourage ratification of the Rome Statute.
After this visit, the President will travel to the Republic of Korea to participate in the ICC’s eighth high-level regional Seminar on cooperation on the theme “The ICC and Asia: the joint quest for justice, accountability and prevention”, aimed at enhancing dialogue and cooperation as well as encouraging greater participation of Asian States in the ICC.
Japan deposited its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute on 17 July 2007. Out of the 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute, 19 are Asia-Pacific States.
Getting to know the Dutch perspective on international relations in an exciting environmentA lot is happening in our globalising world: Trump has been elected, as we speak Brexit is being negotiated, refugees are fleeing towards Europe and the climate is changing. The Clingendael Institute researches these current events, analyses trends and trains international professionals. Clingendael Academy, the training facility of the institute, empowers professionals from all over the world with skills and knowledge on current international affairs.
Currently the Academy is preparing a course on international politics enabling participants to better understand current international events. This course offers a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with the background and causes of our daily news in a brief time frame.
It will take place on Monday afternoons (and one Tuesday because of Pentecost) between 24 April and 12 June. The course coordinators are taking into account the preferences of the group: they aim to tailor the courses to the needs of the participants in order for them to grasp current developments. The courses, open for registration, are focussed on obtaining skills such as effective influencing and lobbying, negotiation and intercultural communication.
Mr. Willem Post. Photography by Frank Jansen
The course international politics will cater skills in combination with knowledge such as discussions on Trump’s foreign policy with Willem Post (Clingendael Senior Visiting Fellow and US expert) and other experts on international security, the EU and energy issues. The mixed group of participants consists of Dutch and international professionals who range from recent graduates to retirees, coming from both public and private sector.
Moreover, the Clingendael Institute is located in the beautiful Clingendael park, in a historical building. This unique combination leads to an exciting learning environment for understanding the Dutch view on international relations. This makes the courses popular among expats in The Hague. Responsible for training approximately 650 diplomats and an additional 2,500 professionals every year, the Clingendael Institute is a world-renowned independent think tank and diplomatic academy.
Clingendael empowers professionals to take effective action in international and politically sensitive environments. Participants develop the professional skills they need to grow and thrive – both now and in the future. The team is enthusiastic to share its knowledge and insights in current developments in international relations. Clingendael Academy offers open registration courses, varying from generic introductory courses to more specialised seminars or master classes, and a wide spectrum of international skills training. Clingendael Academy also offers tailor-made courses.
For more information and registration look at the website: www.clingendael.nl/academy, send an e-mail to academy@clingendael.nl or call 070-324 53 84.
In 1969, being recently appointed as a judge, one morning climbing the staircase of the Mexico City Court where he served, Edgar Elias Azar promised to himself that one day he would become its President. Since that moment, he prepared academically and professionally in order to achieve his goal, which was to change the Court of one of the largest cities of the world so to assure a better administration of justice for its nearly half a million users.
He was born in Acapulco, Guerrero, on 1946, and an obtained his Law degree at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1970. Those were difficult times; times of social struggle all around the world, including Mexico. During those years, Elias Azar became very aware that Mexico needed a change; a change that had to be sufficiently big as to modify the bases of government and politics and to become closer to the people; it had to become more democratic, open and efficient.
During the years in between his first judicial appointment and his presidency, Elias Azar served his country in many different offices: as a judge, as a politician and as a public administrator. In 1987, he was appointed Minister of Finance at his own home State where he served for 5 years and then went back to the judiciary.
Nearly 35 years had passed between his first appointment as a judge and the achievement of his dream. In November 2007, he was elected, by a great majority of his peers, President of Mexico´s City Supreme Court of Justice.
In 2013, he also became the President of the Local Supreme Courts National Assembly, where he actively promoted political and legal reforms, which helped to modernize the judicial procedures in the country, broadening the protection of women rights, as well as the fundamental rights of all individuals.
Since the very beginning of his career he has been a convinced liberal. The defense of rights, democracy and freedom constructed an ideological and political tendency that has lasted all his life. This same ideological framework was the one that later would become the flag of justice; the one that served as a base in Mexico redesign the judicial system and assure its transparency through the development of a robust system of indicators approved by the designed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office.
During his presidency at the Court, Elias Azar improved all judicial procedures, proposed more than 50 substantial legislative amendments to secondary law and to the Constitution concerne with making justice closer to people as well as more efficient and effective.
His administration was guided by three main principles: a robust defense of judicial autonomy, the preservation of the judicial independence and the democratization of justice.
To protect and secure the autonomy of all judges was a hard task. Protecting them from any external influence – political, media or economical – so they can really decide according to the law and to their conscience.
Under this perspective, Elias Azar changed the whole procedural system, making it more democratic, respectful of human rights and transparent. He implemented oral procedures in all the judicial areas.
The independence of the judicial power was assured in two ways: by achieving to maintain other Powers away from the judicial decisions and by assuring that the judicial budget was not subject of political decisions.
Regarding the democratization of the judiciary, Elias Azar focused on tackling three issues: Assuring that judges view people take them as humans and not as files; promoting legal culture among citizens and combatting “procedural violence”: difficult procedures, legal procedures which are hard to understand, and the lack of resources to pay for a legal representation, are some of the difficulties that people face when they want access to justice.
The Mexican judicial situation started changing in the 2008, when the Constitution received several amendments. Most of them were directed to change the essence, the structure and the perspective of justice in Mexico. For instance, the Constitution explicitly binds the judiciary with the protection of human rights. Definitely, this does not mean that before judges were not obliged to protect and respect them, but this obligation is now strongly stressed in our Constitution and judges are not only obliged to protect all the rights stipulated in our constitutional text, but they are also obliged to protect all the human rights contained in the various international treaties and conventions.
These amendments, no doubt, change the role of the judges as those who are in charge of taking care of the validity of legal norms and the protection of democracy. The adjudication of the law was improved drastically, and the Country keeps on seeing the benefits of these legal modifications.
In 2017, the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, named Elias Azar as Ambassador of Mexico to the Netherlands and as permanent representative to the OPCW. With this new assignment, Elias Azar has the opportunity to spread out his vision about the law, about human rights and democracy in an international level.
By H.E. Mrs. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This is an exciting time to be a Canadian Ambassador in Europe! In February, the European Parliament voted to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the European Union and Canada – an important milestone in efforts to move forward on the next chapter in our relationship, particularly our trading relationship. Canada’s ratification is imminent, and will result in an immediate entry into force of almost 90% of CETA’s provisions.
Some might argue that CETA runs against certain currents in international relations and traditionally open societies, at a time when retrenchment seems to be on the rise; I am, after all, writing this on the day the United Kingdom triggered its exit from the European Union. But we Canadians are optimistic that we are on the right path, and we know that our Dutch and European partners agree.
CETA will usher in a new standard for doing trade, and could serve as a model for reinvigorated and renewed trading relationship the world over. At the heart of its progressive approach is the acknowledgement that trading relationships and rules that not only stimulate economic growth, but put people first, protect the environment and strengthen labour standards, are more sustainable and better for everyone – for business, consumers and workers.
We listened closely to concerns – and acted on them. As a result, CETA expressly protects states’ legitimate policy objectives and ability to regulate in the areas of public health, safety, environment, public morals and the promotion and protection of cultural diversity. The Agreement also recognizes a basic truth, namely that it is inappropriate to encourage trade or investment by weakening or reducing the levels of protection afforded in labour laws and standards.
This modern, forward-looking agreement reflects a truly progressive trade agenda, one that protects the ability of societies to promote the public good. That said, it also helps business – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises – grow and create jobs, on both sides of the Atlantic.
Immediately upon entry into force, CETA will guarantee duty-free access for almost all originating goods traded between Canada and the EU. The elimination of tariffs will benefit exporters, importers, and ultimately consumers, who will enjoy more choices and lower costs for a variety of products and services – including such delicacies as Canadian beef (absolutely hormone-free), salmon and lobster. Canadians, in turn, will get to enjoy, among other things, greater availability of Dutch cheeses (Gouda and Edam have their geographical indication protected!) and flowers.
Canadians and the Dutch are natural partners in the areas of green technology, clean energy and innovation; our young entrepreneurs will find the doors open to joint endeavours and the development of new ideas.
But as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau noted during his remarks to the European Parliament, Canada’s partnership with the EU isn’t just about trade, imports and exports, dollars in and Euros out. It’s about making people’s lives better, in concert with like-minded partners. Canada and the Netherlands, in particular, have a long history of working together to advance a shared vision of a more equal, just and open society. Our partnership is founded on a common history and common values, mutual trust and commitment to fundamental democratic principles – all of which form the context for our desire to expand the trading relationship.
For those reasons, CETA goes hand in hand with a new Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), which reaffirms a shared commitment to the principles and values of open economies and societies. The SPA lays out the strategic direction for stronger future collaboration in important areas such as energy; environment and climate change; migration and peaceful pluralism; counter-terrorism; international peace and security; and effective multilateralism.
We cannot pretend that we can reverse the tide of globalisation, as some would have it; history moves forward, not backwards. But together, we can shape globalisation in the interest of our people into a positive, progressive force for the benefit of all.
Commission recalls Europe’s achievements and leads discussion on the future at 27
EU leaders will come together in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which were signed on 25 March in 1957.
Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, will participate in the Rome Summit, where a number of events are being organised to mark the occasion and to reflect on Europe’s common future.
The Treaties of Rome – signed by the six founding Member States – paved the way for the European Union that we know today: a reunited continent of peace, founded on the values of solidarity, democracy and the rule of law. Its Single Market ensures freedom of choice and movement, economic growth and prosperity for 500 million citizens. It is the largest trading bloc in the world and the biggest donor of development and humanitarian aid. This anniversary is a moment to look back on our collective achievements and to discuss the future of the EU at 27. Following the presentation of the Commission’s White Paper on the Future of Europe, EU leaders are expected to adopt the Rome Declaration, which will feature the Union’s past achievements, present challenges and pledge to work for unity at 27 and strengthen common action in key policy areas, to the benefit of citizens.
Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “Our parents and grandparents founded this Union with one common vision: never again war. It was their strong conviction that breaking down barriers, working together – and not against each other – makes us all stronger. History has proven them right. For 60 years, the values on which this Union is built have not changed: peace, freedom, tolerance, solidarity and the rule of law bind and unite us. They must not be taken for granted and we must fight for them every day. Our democracy, our diversity and our independent and free press are the pillars of Europe’s strength – no individual or institution is above the law. The European Union has changed our lives for the better. We must ensure it continues to do so for those that will follow us. For now, all roads lead to Rome. After Rome and however it is paved, there is only one way forward: European unity.”
On 1 March, ahead of the Rome Summit, the Commission launched a pan-European debate with the White Paper on the Future of Europe, which will enable citizens and leaders to shape the vision of the EU at 27. The White Paper sets out possible scenarios for the future of Europe. Following the informal meeting of the 27 Heads of State or Government on 10 March in Brussels, the Rome Summit is the next opportunity for EU leaders to take this discussion forward. In Rome, leaders will sign the Rome declaration, prepared jointly by Presidents Donald Tusk and Juncker and Prime Ministers Muscat and Gentiloni.
The Rome declaration marks the beginning of a process. After the Rome Summit, the Commission will present a series of reflection papers on key issues for Europe: (1) developing the social dimension of Europe; (2) deepening the Economic and Monetary Union; (3) harnessing globalisation; (4) the future of Europe’s defence and (5) the future of EU finances. President Juncker’s State of the Union speech in September 2017 will take these ideas forward before first conclusions can be drawn at the December 2017 European Council. This will help to decide on a course of action to be rolled out in time for the European Parliament elections in June 2019.
The Commission will also be organising in the months ahead public debates with the European Parliament and Member States, as well as online consultations, so that Europe’s citizens have their say and are able to share their views on the future of Europe via the Commission Representations and a dedicated website, which will be launched on 25 March. These are some of the milestones in the White Paper process.
Commission events in Rome
In cooperation with the Italian authorities, the Commission is organising several high-level events in Rome to mark the anniversary and discuss Europe’s past, present and future.
Digital Day (23/03), Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: Vice-President Andrus Ansip and Commissioner Günther Oettinger bring together EU ministers and industry leaders to foster cooperation and better prepare our societies and the economy to reap the full potential of Europe’s digital transformation. Member States are expected to make commitments on High-Performance Computing, connected mobility, digitising industry and digital jobs.
Jean Monnet Seminar “The future of Europe: a commitment for You(th)” (23/03-24/03), Hotel Quirinale: More than 100 Jean Monnet professors, policy makers, journalists, civil society, youth association representatives and students will debate the future of the EU and the need to further involve young generations in the construction of the European project.
Citizens’ Dialogue (24/03), Acquario di Roma: High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Joseph Muscat, Prime Minister of Malta, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council, will hold a Citizens’ Dialogue with several hundred young Europeans, including Erasmus students currently studying in Rome.
Meeting with the Social Partners (24/03), Palazzo Chigi: President Juncker, Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Thyssen, alongside the Presidents of the European Council and European Parliament will meet with trade unions and business associations at an event hosted by the Italian Prime Minister.
Forum and concert (24/03), University La Sapienza: “Happy birthday Europe – Changing course to Europe”.
Concert of the EU Youth Orchestra (25/03), Villa Medici:”The Sound of a Dream”.
—-
Photography by EU
