Pictured a group of Judges, Kosovo Chambers.
On 27 March 2017- The President of the Specialist Chambers referred the Rules of Procedure and Evidence to the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court. This referral follows the adoption of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence by the first Plenary meeting of Judges of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
As the Law on the Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office provides that the Kosovo Code of Criminal Procedure is not applicable before the Specialist Chambers, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence had to be adopted in order to regulate the conduct of judicial proceedings before all levels of the Specialist Chambers: the Basic Court Chamber, the Court of Appeal Chamber, the Supreme Court Chamber as well as the functions of the Pre-Trial Judge. The Judges of the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court adopted their own set of procedural rules, which will be incorporated into the Rules of Procedure and Evidence.
The Rules of Procedure and Evidence emphasise the protection of witnesses, victims and other persons at risk for their testimony or cooperation with the Specialist Chambers. Overall, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence aim at enhancing the fairness, expeditiousness, efficiency, integrity and security of the proceedings before the Specialist Chambers, while complying with the Constitution and the highest human rights standards.
Dr Ekaterina Trendafilova, President of the Specialist Chambers.
President Ekaterina Trendafilova stated: “By adopting the Rules of Procedure and Evidence in less than two months after their appointment, the Judges have demonstrated their outstanding knowledge, professionalism and a categorical commitment towards a robust, efficient and fair procedure before the Specialist Chambers. I thank all Judges for their coordinated effort and for their thorough contributions.”
The Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court will have thirty days to review the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, in order to determine whether they comply with Chapter II of the Kosovo Constitution. Once the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court determines their constitutionality, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence will come into force after seven days. With the entry into force of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence the Specialist Chambers become fully judicially operational.
In the course of the Plenary the Judges adopted two other documents of significant relevance to the functioning of the Specialist Chambers – the Code of Judicial Ethics and the Rules on the Assignment of Specialist Chambers Judges. The Code of Judicial Ethics regulates the professional standard applicable to Judges. It also provides for disciplinary measures in cases of misconduct. The Rules on the Assignment of Specialist Chambers Judges regulate the assignment of Judges to specific panels of the Specialist Chambers. The Code of Judicial Ethics and the Rules on the Assignment of Specialist Chambers Judges came into force immediately after their adoption and are available on the website of the Specialist Chambers.
The Rules of Procedure and Evidence will be available to the public after the Specialist Chamber of the Constitutional Court determines their constitutionality.
On the picture Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, Apostolic Nuncio, Ambassador Aida Luz Santos de Escobar and the Mayor of Almere, Mr Franc Weerwind.Unveil Bust of Monsignor Oscar Romero by the Embassy of El Salvador and the Salvadoran Community in the Netherlands.
A bust of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez was unveiled on March 24 2017, as part of the commemoration of the XXXVII anniversary of the martyrdom of the most universal of Salvadorans as well as the thirty-third anniversary of the gesture of friendship that the Government of the Kingdom of The Netherlands had with a group of Salvadoran in 1984, when a new opportunity of life was given through political asylum.
The unveiling ceremony was presided over by the Mayor of Almere, Franc Weerwind and the Ambassador of El Salvador, Her Excellency Mrs Aida Luz Santos de Escobar.Mr Agustín Vásquez Gómez, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of El Salvador in the Netherlands during his speech.
The group of Salvadorans settled since 1984 in the city of Almere, where from that time, they made their new place to live next to their children and more recently their grandchildren. In this city, they not only became Dutch citizens, with their different customs and traditions, but also saw their generations grow, adopting the principles and values that this country offered them. From those circumstances come the special feeling of gratitude towards the city of Almere and its people.
The unveiling of the bust of Monsignor Romero also served as a stage to pay special tribute to the memory of a group of Dutch journalists who, in the context of the armed conflict, died in El Salvador in 1982.
In her intervention, Ambassador Santos de Escobar expressed “Today is a day of joy not just for El Salvador but also for many nations that permanently look for justice. The memory of Monsignor Romero led the United Nations to declare every March 24 the International day of truth, to keep alive the memory of the victims that have suffered human rights violations and to pay tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to promote and protect human rights”
Within the framework of the strengthening of bilateral relations, the unveiling of the bust made possible to renew the ties of friendship between the peoples and governments of El Salvador and the Netherlands, a gesture made by the Ambassador of El Salvador, Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, to the Director of the Latin American Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Matthis Wolters.
The bust of Monsignor Romero was installed in the surroundings of financial center of Almere and was supported by different organizations who promote art, culture and social work, such as Cultuurfonds of Almere, Vastenactie, Lions Club Almere Veritas, Boogaart-Almere, among others. It is hoped that the image of Monsignor Romero will give new generations the knowledge of the work of Monsignor Romero in favor of justice and peace for El Salvador.
The bust is an Artwork made in bronze by the Dutch sculptress Paulina Martin de Kreij, who in the artistic process of elaboration, facilitated and included young entrepreneurs and art students from the city of Almere, with the intention of promoting creativity , dedication and talent for art and culture.
Mr. Jan Melle of Cultuurfonds Almere, the Honorary Consul of El Salvador, Ms Sonia Meijer, Mr. D. Boer of Boogaart, Almere Infra Groep bv, Mrs. Margo de Zeeus from Vastenactie and Mrs Ellen Bouwmeester, former President of the Lions Club Almere Veritas.
March 24, Almere – An unveiling ceremony honouring Monseigneur Oscar A Romero y Galdámez was organised by Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador, the Honorary Consulate of El Salvador in the Netherlands and the Municipality of Almere.
The bust was offered by the Salvadoran Community in gratitude and commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the arrival to the Netherlands of a group of Salvadoran people, who received a new opportunity of life in Almere. Monseigneur Oscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdamez was Archbishop of San Salvador and fought, until his death, for the justice and the peace of El Salvador and its people.
The Honorary Consul of El Salvador, Ms Sonia Meijer, approached the sponsors who financed the project; ”As Honorary Consul of El Salvador I am satisfied and proud of all my work accomplished which ended in a significant day and as how we say. Mission accomplished, thanks to all my sponsors”, she declared.
The I Polyphonic Day of International Justice will take place on 7 June 2017 (starting at 11h00) at the Auditorium of the Hague University for Applied Sciences (Johanna Westerdijkplein 75.
Speakers coming from Africa, Arab countries, China, Iran, Ibero-America and Russia will address the following isuses: (i) Pros and Cons of Resorting to the Permanent Court of Arbitration to Settle Investor-State Disputes; (ii) The Relationship between the Notions of Sovereignty and Responsibility to Protect; and (iii) The Relationship between National and International Criminal Jurisdictions in light of the Notions of Sovereignty and Responsibility to Protect.
The event is part of the VII Ibero-American Week of International Justice (The Hague, 29 May- 9 June 2017).
Research team.
It is organized by the Ibero-American Institute of The Hague for Peace, Human Right and International Justice (IIH), in cooperation with Hague University for Applied Sciences, the Hague Peace and Justice Programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, the United Nations Peace, University, the Chinese Initiative for International Law, the African Foundation for International Law, the Center for International and Comparative Law of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Iranian Center for International Criminal Law, the ICC Coalition, the Hague Academic Coalition, Martinus Nijhoff and Tirant lo Blanch Publishers. Participation in the I Polyphonic Day of International Justice is for free.
You only need to register by writing to the following email address: inscripcionesiih@gmail.com. For further information, you can also write to this email address.
H.E. Luis Raúl Estévez López during his speech, also in the picture Mrs Angela Lahuerta, Secretary of the Ambassador and Ms Lucia Rodriguez Fetzer, Consul General of Guatemala. By Kim Vermaat.
The Embassy of Guatemala had the pleasure of organizing an informal lunch for the Guatemalan community in the Netherlands and guests at the Church of the Saviour in The Hague.
The Ambassador of Guatemala, the Ambassador of Mexico and the Nuncio Apostolic during the lunch.
The Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Luis Raúl Estévez López and guests among others the Ambassador of Mexico H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola and H. E. Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Nuncio enjoyed typical Guatemalan cuisine as enchiladas, chiles rellenos, etc.
The award-winning film “El ciudadano ilustre” will festively kick-off the countdown to the third edition of the Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival on April 25th | 8.30pm at the prestigious Pathé Tuschinski theatre.
¡Spring is coming and with that of course the annual return of the most original Spanish focused film festival in Holland! ASFF not only treats its amazingly dedicated audience to the best in contemporary, experimental and classic Spanish cinema, but also offers them the culinary highlights and spirits that Spain is known for. Mark your calendars for our famous launch event at Pathé Tuschinski on April 25th during which we will premiere “El ciudadano ilustre” and toast to the approaching edition of ASFF starting on May 30th 2017.
Argentinean directorial duo Duprat and Cohn’s film combines comedy, drama and suspense. “El ciudadano ilustre” stars Oscar Martinez as an author leaving Barcelona to return to Salas to accept an illustrious prize. The film is a comedic, artistic and heartfelt trip into Argentina that explores fame, family and fatality. It won the Goya Award for Best Iberoamerican Film, Best Film and Best Actor at Venice Film Festival 2016 and is nominated 8 times at the Argentina Academy Awards.
The launch event will set the tone for the upcoming third edition of the Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival that will run from May 30th till June 4th in Pathé Tuschinski, Pathé de Munt, Eye, het Ketelhuis and Bimhuis.
In 2017 we will be bigger, better and even bolder with our film selection, stars, filmmakers, live music events, bites, wines, Q&A’s, workshops and exhibitions. Providing you with the unique experience that we pride ourselves with organizing since 2015 has been a pleasure, now it’s time to present you the results. See you soon. Tot snel. Hasta pronto.
#asff2017 #sinfincinema
H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao and Mr.Karomiddin Gadoev, Charge d’Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.By A. Rangarajan.
A colourful Navruz reception was hosted at the OPCW premises on Thursday, 23rd March 2017. Navruz, signifies the “Festival of Spring, Renewal and Peace in Uzbekistan”. It also marks the beginning of the new year.
The reception was jointly hosted by The Charge d’Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Karomiddin Gadoev and the Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao. Speaking first and welcoming the audience, Mr. Rao drew attention of the audience to the fact that India, his country, was home to several traditions and all festivals were celebrated with much gaiety and Navruz was one of them.
Mr. Hamid Ali Rao described the work of OPCW as something more than disarmament- it was a commitment to peace. He asked all countries, on the occasion of Navruz renewal, to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He further added, “As Navruz transcends borders, interests, and religious divides,our common commitment to peace must prevail, and unite us in our common humanity”. Mr Rao recalled his younger days when he looked forward to the Navruz feast.
For additional Robert Huiberts’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157679818624131The Charge d’Affaires a.i of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr.Karomiddin Gadoev and the Deputy Director-General of OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Mr. Hamid Ali Rao hosted a reception to celebrate «Navruz – holiday of spring, renewal and peace in Uzbekistan».
Greeting the audience peace next, Mr. Gadoev found it befitting that the reception was held in the OPCW as on the occasion of Navruz, he was happy to point to the importance of peace and the work of OPCW in removing chemical weapons from the face of the earth.
He also pointed out that in a short span of time Uzbekistan was set on the road to prosperity and development. Mr. Gadoev pointed to the fact that in 2009 Navruz was included into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the World. The UN acknowledges that this feast promotes the values of peace and solidarity, reconciliation and good-neighbourhood. In February 2010 the 64th session of the UN General Assembly declared 21 March as “International Day of Navruz”, he added.
While sharing the essence of Navruz is compassion, Mr. Gadoev said, “During the Navruz days any offence and quarrels are forgotten, and all the residents of our country – the old and the young –assemble around a plentiful table and with open souls strive to share the bliss of the holiday with their close ones and friends, wish everybody a good health, happiness and prosperity.The deep significance and essence of the holiday of Navruz is to underline the importance of living in harmony and friendship, show respect to each other and to elder people, render assistance to sick, lonely persons and orphans, without exception to all who is in need of care.”Uzbek cuisine at the OPCW.
The brief speeches were followed by music and dance from Uzbekistan. Artistes performed their dances with much grace and rhythm and the audience seemed enthralled. The Uzbek musical instruments like the Doiera (drum), Tor (the stringed lute) and the Qayroq (castanets) made distinct folk music that were pleasing to the ears.
Guests present were then treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet, drawing from Uzbek cuisine. The Pulav and the stuffed breads were part of an authentic spread which transported people, at least gastronomically to the Uzbek countryside.
Uzbek artists celebrating «Navruz – holiday of spring, renewal and peace in Uzbekistan».
More music and merry dancing by artistes and guests in traditional clothing brought a pleasant evening to a close.
Arusha, The Hague, 23 March 2017 – The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism or MICT) today launched a new version of its Case Law Database (CLD) to further promote and facilitate access to the jurisprudence of the International Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), and the MICT. The CLD is a search tool that provides access to precedent-setting case law of the Appeals Chambers of the ICTR, the ICTY, and the MICT. The CLD contains extracts of key appeal judgements and decisions, which have been curated to facilitate legal research. It also provides access to the full-text versions of the corresponding appeal judgements and decisions. The new CLD has expanded its collection to include more than 2,300 entries and covers all relevant case law from the establishment of each tribunal up until 31 December 2016. In addition, following an overhaul of its interface, the new CLD includes innovative search and access features developed to best meet the needs of researchers and legal practitioners. New search criteria allow users to tailor their findings to their own preferences according to key words, case names, time periods, relevant rules and more. Conceived of as a living tool, the CLD’s collection of key case law extracts continues to be updated on a regular basis. Users are invited to provide feedback by filling out the form available on the welcome page of the CLD.
Minister-President Oliver Paasch – Picture by oliver-paasch.eu.
The German-speaking community must henceforth be known by the appellation “Ostbelgien” or “East Belgium” in its internal or external communications as per a marketing plan presented by the region’s Minister-President Oliver Paasch in St. Vith.
This branding aims at providing East Belgium with a more attractive, effective and sustainable image than previously held. Premier Paasch thinks that a targeted marketing strategy will have a positive effect upon the region if we believe the results of scientific studies, and similar experiments carried out elsewhere, the South Tyrol in Northern Italy as a prime example.
For further information:
Government of East Belgium:
http://www.dgregierung.be/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2968/5595_read-35411/
Representation of East Belgium in Brussels (Director Alexander Homann):
http://www.ostbelgienlive.be/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1989/3283_read-30045/
Pictured, H.E. Mr. Adam M.J. Sadiq, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal , Ambassador of Bangladesh, Ms Abir Ali, Chargé d’affair of Lebanon, H.E. Andrea Gustovic Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia , H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo, , H.E. Mr. Ahmad Nazri Yusof, Ambassador of Malaysia, H.E. J.S. Mukul, Ambassador of India, H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia and Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine. By Joe Ray.
Senior diplomats from more than a dozen countries gathered at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague on 9 March for a special Meet and Greet organised by Diplomat Magazine.
For additional Robert Huibert’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157681730054915H.E. Ms Vjosa Dobruna, Ambassador of Kosovo and H.E. Mrs. Iffat Imran Gardezi, Ambassador of Pakistan.
Among the attendees were the heads of mission of Bangladesh, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka and Venezuela, along with representatives from the Russian and US embassies and selected international organisations including the OPCW and ICMP.
H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan and H.E. Konstantine Surguladze, Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia.
Diplomat Magazine’s famed Meet and Greets are usually arranged in conjunction with a Hague- or Brussels-based embassy, giving the country’s representatives an opportunity to promote their food, culture, and trade and tourist links with the Netherlands.
On this occasion, however, it was decided that the time was right for a special diplomats-only edition without the formal participation of any one embassy.
H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Ambassador of Indonesia and Roy Lie A Tjam, Diplomat Magazine.
Diplomat Magazine’s mission has always been to offer an inclusive platform for the diplomatic corps in The Hague.
At a time of political uncertainty in the Netherlands and beyond, the magazine is delighted to be able to continue offering this unique service to the diverse and vibrant diplomatic community in the International City of Peace and Justice.
Mirza Kamram, Zahid Ali Abbasi, Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan and Kevin Eric, Commercial Department of the Embassy of Pakistan in The Hague.
As one ambassador remarked after the event: “There was a very friendly vibe, the music was fantastic and I had the opportunity to get together with a few friends. Everyone had a good time. Let me know when the next one is!”
