By Corneliu Pivariu.
Following the military confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which intensity increased in 2016 and which did not stop during 2017 in spite of the international efforts for finding a solution, both sides suffered important losses, as certain data mention a total of around 350 military death on both sides, in an approximate equal proportion. Even after the meeting in Geneva on 16th of October, 2017, between presidents Serzh Sarksyan and Ilham Aliev, fire exchanges continued with losses on both sides.
During the 6th edition of the Armenian diaspora forum in Erevan, between 18-20th of September, 2017, the Armenian foreign minister Eduard Nalbandian refered to the possibility that some of the occupied territories be retroceded to Azerbaidjan in accordance with the already accepted principles by the sides concerning the negotiations for Karabakh, adding that the respective territories “do not represent a threat to Artsakh’s security (the self entitled Republic Nagorno-Karabakh)”, and that stirred vivid emotions and positionings in the Armenian society.
The head of General Staff, General-lt. Movses Hakobian declared that even a non significant territorial alteration of the “security belt (i.e. the Azeri occupied regions)” around Karabakh, may cause dramatic consequences for Artsakh’s security and concluded that “we need new territories for… ensuring (Nagorno-Karabakh’s)security”. The declaration came too on the background of Azerbaijan’s acquiring new weapons systems such as the152 mm DANA-M1 (Czech made) self-propelled gun and the multiple launching rockets system (MLRS) RM-70 Vampir and carrying out important maneuvers with offensive character.
In this framework, on October 24th, president Serzh Sargsyan delivered an important speech at the Defense Security Research University, and underlined the importance of modernizing Republic of Armenia’s armed forces for facing the challenges it may be confronted with in the future. In this regard, he suggested preparing a modernization program of the army for the next eight years (2018-2025) which, after being discussed and improved, will be adopted on January 28th, 2018 that coincides with the army’s day. The draft of the Defense Law, that is debated in the parliament, will secure the new legal framework imposing drawing up a set of laws for its implementation.
Although an important increase of the 2018 defense budged is contemplated (17% as compared to 2017, around 5.5% of the GDP) president Sargsyan emphasized the importance of quantitatively and qualitatively modernizing the army, by a balanced manner of spending the funds. Mention should be made to the fact that Armenia spent for defense during 1992-2016 on average 246.33 million $/year (the biggest sum was 447.4 million $ in 2015, 4.3% of the GDP, with a small decrease in 2016 – to 422.9 million $).
In comparison, Azerbaijan spent during the same period, 1992-2016, an yearly average 1,071.09 million $ (3,020.80 million $, or 5.6% of the GDP in 2015 with a significant decrease to 1,931.90 million $ in 2016 – 3.7% of the GDP).
As it was expected, the Armenian president’s speech of 24th of October included an important part concerning the strategic situation around Armenia, and appreciated that ”the general situation is stable, yet this stability is fragile and full of numerous impredictible developments” . Certainly the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh occupied an important place of this chapter. The president Sargsyan’s remark “it is impossible to shoot with one hand and to negotiate with the other for finding a solution. We either negotiate or shoot. We are ready for both situations” is worth noticing.
Presumably, Armenia’s new defense strategy will give up the soviet style static defense and will adopt a deterrence system, “active deterrence”, to be applied in the conditions when Azerbaijan will continue the operations of “controlled escalation”.
We noticed in president Sargsyan speech the special attention paid to the quality of military training, to the relations within the military system, the importance of the compulsory military service for having a well trained reserve and the care for an appropriate status for the active and reserve military. Lastly, the attention for developing the national military-industrial complex.
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About the author: Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security.——————-Photographer: Ionus Paraschiv.
By Tanja Fröhlich-Israng.
I had the pleasure to spend three years in the Netherlands together with my family. Our child attended a Dutch kindergarten as well as a Dutch school. It was a great way of meeting a lot of people outside the expat community. Also, our neighbourhood was mainly Dutch.
I would like to share my observations with you – the observations of a German woman who fell in love with the Dutch culture – apart from the fact of many tall attractive Dutch men wearing posh (brown) shoes.
I treasure the Dutch culture especially the….
…characteristics of
being straight forward,
natural self-esteem,
being practical, being helpful,
being open – e.g. having a friendly chat just here and there,
being ungrudging – a great virtue adding its part to a peaceful society,
being patient – e.g. honking in traffic is rare,
living and let live – judgemental thinking is rare,
the existence of hierarchies which are simply not so important.
…culture of discussion
The unagitated and un-capricious mentality in all aspects of life.
The possibility to talk about more sensitive topics without returning sweeping judgements.
…politics
All of the above also reflects in politics which is built on cross-party consensus. It is refreshing to watch pragmatism in politics rather than all-time election campaign folklore. Politicians are accessible. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, for example since 2008 teaches two hours once a week at a school in a problem area of Den Haag.
…family culture
Children are an essential part of life. In the Netherlands this is not just paying lip service but inherent in most all-day-living aspects. The atmosphere breathes child friendliness and consideration. Children are generally well received almost wherever you go. There are some very advanced leisure or thematic parks for children and their parents (e.g. “Avifauna” or “Archeon”), inviting, well thought and organised, clean. Especially during holiday times there are a lot of offers for children such as theatre plays (great ones!!), outdoor activities, festivals, workshops, mostly already starting at the age of two. Visit wonderful museums or parts of it that specifically address children (e.g. the “Wonderkamers” in the Gemeentemuseum in Den Haag).
Also, one of the most fantastic Christmas markets in Europe is the Country & Christmas fair at the extraordinary water castle Kasteel de Haar.
…culture of taking care and engaging
Being a volunteer – first and foremost “digging in your own garden” of your relatives, friends, people you know or other in a specific environment. It is about e.g. getting organized in a neighbourhood and/or helping elderly people, disabled people, disadvantaged children. There is a long grown implicitness in it, simply part of life.
Egalitarian way / respect – and here I am deliberately choosing examples of simplicity, e.g. the natural way in having a talk with the public gardener or the street cleaner. Thus an appreciation of all jobs and professions simply as necessary parts of the puzzle called society. By the way – I love the clean toilets even at most (Dutch) frequented beach restaurants. To me this is also a sign of respect towards the owners and the cleaners.
The love and individual care for children. The caretaking system belongs to the most advanced – e.g. a high density of choices of kindergarten and basic schools within reach of your neighbourhood. This includes the side-effect of no need for cars and parking as you either come by foot or by bike to bring or fetch your child.
Only a few annual days of closure in kindergarten which are open at least till 6 pm. School starts at the age of four years and parents are an integral part of the school system – rather a community than a necessity. Voluntary work is mostly not perceived as a necessary burden but a fun part by parents (there are often more volunteers than tasks). I remember well I almost did not get in the louse seeking parental group… It is rather a social happening to see each other in the morning or the afternoon dropping or fetching the kids.
…efficient health care
Although as a foreigner you might never get used to it… The health care system is based, in general, on three pillars: (1) general practitioners, (2) wait and see plus (3) paracetamol. If there is medical necessity than a very well advanced hospital system kicks in. Fully digitalized but assisted inscription systems, appointments are on schedule, mostly friendly and hygienic looking waiting and caretaking areas, no overcrowded spots, specific children activities and provisions, advanced doctors, the absence of hectic but simultaneously efficiency. A concierge takes also care of the company in case of an emergency.
…organizational culture
If you ever thought Germans are organized – meet the Dutch.
Pragmatism meets efficiency e.g. if there is a road construction site the road users will be informed well in advance also about the duration. In most cases the construction is completed before the final date.
…way of keeping the country tidy and in order
Believe it or not – there are specific dustbins for cyclists. You don’t have to stop – just throw. Roads, houses, bridges are constantly being taken care of if necessary 24/7. This is reflected also by clean and thus inviting environments at most places in the country.
…arts & culture
For a low fixed amount everybody can get an annual museum card providing free access to most of the museums in all of the Netherlands (so no excuses!).
The museums are well thought, well maintained, modern and well curated.
They are sometimes stunningly embedded in nature (such as the Kröller-Müller museum or the Museum Voorlinden).
You will find your Dutch neighbours overproportionally directly or indirectly engaged in art: voluntary help at a museum, being a painter, writer, dancer, musician, sculptor, provider of art spaces. General high regard of art and culture.
…sports culture
The main population of the Netherlands are bicycles. Already the implicitness of being sportive by cycling makes a sportive nation. Plus keeping balance although transporting three kids and a Christmas tree at once. If there is sun you are outside. If not you are outside anyway.
There is a general healthy way of living as the Dutch are “outsiders” obviously born with the resistance to wet or cold air. So they are cool without wanting to be by start wearing flip-flops and shorts as soon as the temperature exceeds around 10 ° C. There is always a lot of water throughout the Netherlands plus nice beaches so swimming is almost natural to everybody. Kite surfing, sailing and all possible other water sports are also regular. Hockey – what a nice sport – is quite popular and classes already run from the age of three. The million-euro dressage horse Totilas originates from the Netherlands as some of the best breeds nowadays. There are many other sports of course. Pick one it will be there.
…architecture and interior design
Quite experimental architecture. One gets a good insight by visiting Rotterdam. The Dutch are not shy mixing different styles.
Dutch architecture is certainly one thing not – boring. There might also wait a surprise entering a rather ugly perceived building which turns out extraordinary from the inside. Being invited into a house or flat of a Dutch citizens always is a great pleasure. There seems to be a natural way of decorating well also if the budget is limited.
…way of being smart, experimental and highly innovative, just examples
Magic control over water: protection against floods, land reclamation, navigability, nature protection, architecture & water, everyday life surrounded by water etc. – being world renowned experts.
The Netherlands is leading in Connectivity in Europe, in particular when it comes to fixed broadband. The practical aspects of the digital world are well advanced (e.g. one chip card for the whole public transport system, free Wifi in all trains).
In Dutch supermarkets you mostly get home grown products such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally the Dutch are market leader in Europe in exporting agricultural products and food. The worldwide list is headed by the USA but the Netherlands are already second. This is also due to the very well advanced high-technology which is an export hit as well.
Having open space offices, flexible working hours and a preference for teleworking in every ministry is not fancied by everybody but a consequent experiment that followed the necessity for economizing structures.
…obsessional foods
Ok. Not every specific Dutch food is everybody’s cup of tea but you will always find alternatives.
Truly there exists an obsession with peanuts (in their true sense). I will not forget a sport session where our instructor asked us to imagine being a peanut.
Hagelslag for breakfast.
Haring, hold it over your head and just put in your mouth.
Having lunch usually means bread or soup or salade.
Young, middle-aged, old aged cheese.
Bitterballen and anything else deep-fried.
Poffertjes – the only non-efficient food: a lot of effort for the smallest but so yummy pancakes.
…particular traditions
The Sinterklaas, the St Nicholas, is actually the real Father Christmas in the Netherlands 🙂 Already in November he arrives by ship from Spain, accompanied by the Zwarte Pieten. It is a happening and celebrated all over the country. The 5th of December is the gift receiving day for all children.
On Vlaggetjesdag the Dutch celebrate the new haring brought into the harbour. It is a big feast, do not miss.
On 1st January the Nieuwjaarsduik takes place. If you are eager to have a real endorphin kick than try it out. Run with thousands of other enthusiasts into the sea and party.
Creative small treats at specific occasions (e.g. birthdays, entering/leaving) already at kindergarten from one child for all children in class/caretakers. Be as creative as you wish.
The song “Hoof, schouders, knie en teen” every Dutch knows and sings in all ages.
Buurman & Buurman (although originally Czech) has been translated into Dutch and is a big success. Anyhow there is not much spoken. It is one of those down-to-earth, non-hectic or flashy but funny short movies (available on youtube) for children and adults of all ages. Buurman means neighbour and the two of them are puppets trying to figure out a lot of things together.
———-If you want to learn more:
– meet the Dutch.
The author: As part of a diplomats family Tanja Fröhlich-Israng lived for three years from 2014 to 2017 in Den Haag. She works for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
Thailand, the premier destination for health and wellness tourism.By Roy Lie A Tjam.The Tourism Authority of Thailand organized the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Showcase conference, which took place on 11 August 2017. The event unveiled Thailand’s latest innovation on Functional and Regenerative Medicines – a globally emerging health trend that focuses on the restoration of the structure and function of damaged tissues and organs.
De facto, Thailand is the first and only country in Asia that has institutions, such as Better Being Hospital and MALI Hospital, which specialize in functional and regenerative medicine. Moreover, it has 58 JCI accredited hospitals, thus ranking highest in Southeast Asia, and has become an anti-aging center with the largest number of American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine-certified medical professionals, tallying a total of 500 doctors, in Asia.
The objective of the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Showcase 2017 conference was to promulgate Thailand as a destination indisputably befitting for Health and Wellness Tourism. This one day conference, at Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre, demonstrated the potentiality and readiness of Thailand’s health-service products. Top level Thai health service providers made good use of the opportunity to present their services to international buyers. The conference and annex fair presented health innovative services for healthy longevity such as:
Regenerative medicine
Anti-aging medicine
Cosmetic dentistry for beauty and anti-dental aging
Cosmetic surgery
Cell therapy
Health check-up innovation
Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Mr. Noppadon Pakprot, Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, delivered the opening speech in which he cordially and warmly welcomed all to the 4th Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Showcase. Mr. Pakprot went on to announce general hospitals, dental clinics, laboratory checks, regenerative functional clinics and regenerative functional medicine hospitals – just to name a few – as the top 44 Health and Wellness providers in Thailand, as selected by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
All are ready, he said, to discuss prospective business deals. Moreover, Mr. Pakprot is convinced that the event will get prospective buyers up to speed on Thailand’s generous offering on health-and-wellness tourism knowledge and products. He then concluded his address by remarking the following, “We hope that this event will further strengthen the awareness of Thailand as the premier destination for health and wellness tourism.”
The event proved to be very successful, providing ample opportunity to rub shoulders with high-level medical doctors and specialists as well as one-on-one conversations between stakeholders. There was also time for presentations, examinations, digital information and so much more. Some of the hospitals and clinics had even arranged to shuttle prospective buyers for visits to their respective institutions.
As a renowned tourist destination, Thailand and its people are well known for their hospitality. It has been recognized among the top level Wellness and Health providers in the world. According to a report by, the independent consultancy, VISA and Oxford Economics, Thailand has once again been confirmed as one of Asia’s top medical tourism destinations.
The Thailand Authority for Tourism is aspiring to widen out on the fusion of tourism wellness and health. It has been proven beyond all doubt, the capacity and motivation Thailand possesses towards taking up that challenge. As a major highlight, the event confirmed people’s conviction of Thailand being a “Paradise for Longevity”.
The organisers during the conference.
The government of the Kingdom of Thailand has implemented new medical tourism policies – extending the visitor-stay period to 90 days for citizens of the integrated CLMV countries and the Republic of China – in order to accommodate medical tourists traveling to its shores. Additionally, the long-stay visa preferentially offers an extension of 10 years to Australia, Canada, Japan, Denmark and other European countries.
The conference got international media coverage with media delegations from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands being present. Under the auspices of TAT France and the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague, an educational tour, to selected health-and-wellness facilities, was organized after the conference, in order to provide first-hand experience.
Royal Thai collaboratively with Tourism Authority of Thailand offices, around the globe, will eagerly assist interested parties in obtaining further information on Thai health and wellness tourism.
By Jhr mr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland.
In the 90’s of the 20th century the first war in Europe since World War II (1939-1945) took place. Europe was in shock. After the death of President Tito of the nation named Yugoslavia, people of that country started from 1991 onwards civil wars and formed several new, smaller countries. Some of them were at war with others as well. In several cases it happened with genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and / or violations of the Geneva Conventions. In those cases those people should be charged and should be brought to trial. But for what court ?
The Security Council of the United Nations in New York decided in February 1993 to establish a special tribunal: the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and The Hague was -again- chosen as the city where this ICTY would have its offices and courtrooms, with 24 permanent judges and twelve judges ‘ad litem’, which means: just for one or more specific cases. Altogether about 300 people worked there in an earlier situation than now (see below).
In the last 24 years no less than 161 accused persons were brought before their judges of ICTY, since 2007 by the Belgian head public prosecutor Serge Brammertz. The three most well known were Slobodan Milosevic (1941-2006), former President of Serbia and also of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Radovan Karadzic (born 1945), President of the so called Republika Srpska and Ratko Mladic (born 1943), former commander-in-chief of the Bosniak-Serbian army. Milosevic passed away in prison on March 11, 2006 during his ICTY-trial, Karadzic was condemned on March 3, 2016 to 40 years imprisonment and finally Mladic recently (November 22, 2017) was sentenced to imprisonment for life.
My old friend, the very experienced Dutch international criminal lawyer Judge Alphons Orie (born 1947) presided that case and pronounced the verdict the day before his 70th birthday, the age at which judges in The Netherlands have to retire (as I will myself also, in September 2018).
ICTY –with now only 90 people working there- will stop on December 31st, 2017. The appeal cases of Karadzic, Mladic and others will be handled over to MICT: the United Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, that also handles appeal cases of the former Rwanda Tribunal. MICT is based in Arusha (Tanzania) and in The Hague, according to the former Secretary General of the United Nations Boutros Boutros Gali no less than ‘The Legal Capital of the World’.
a.beelaerts@planet.nl
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About the author: Jhr mr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland is Justice (Judge) in the (Dutch) Court of Appeal and since 2004 also honorary Special Advisor International Affairs , appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen of The Hague
H.E. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance of the UAE. Picture by Government of the UAE
Tolerance, an intricate Emirati value By HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance (United Arab Emirates)
The Ministry of Tolerance was initiated merely in the year 2016 yet its roots go back generations, in an effort to continue the support and celebration of our diverse country.
In a time of on-going political tensions, regionally and globally, it is imperative that we encourage individuals in the UAE and from across the world to respect one another. To be able to look beyond our differences, in order to emphasise the common traits of humanity that we all share.
We aim at guiding our nation forward through education, knowledge, new technologies, and openness for the world. Already in the times before the federation, the then sheikhdoms were at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia. Nowadays we remain thus and much more, as our population is a melting pot that by far supersedes multiculturalism in any Western capital. We manage to succeed, not simply get along, by our innate make-up for tolerance towards others.
Over the last two decades the UAE has been one of the most socially progressive nations in the Gulf region; we have strived to attract talent from across the globe to collectively work with our citizens to improve the lives of Emiratis and foreigners alike. For our focus is not only on ourselves, as our country has significantly increased its share of humanitarian and development aid to other nations. At home, we endeavour to ensure high-quality lives for expatriates in the UAE, that they feel at home as our guests.
We live in a world made up of many different cultures and opinions, if we are to proactively collaborate and solve problems regionally and globally, we must always aspire to better understand each other’s perspectives. For, if we better understand each other, we can work more effectively as a whole.
Through technology and connectivity, the youth of our nation and the world are now more connected than ever before. Having access to information and knowledge instantly through social networks is a first in the history of humankind. Naturally we understand the advantages; however, we must likewise face the challenges linked to these possibilities. For misinformation is also more easily spread than ever before, our liberalised societies must be able to tackle this challenge in order to maintain social order as well as an atmosphere of tolerance and unity.
As our dear founding father, the late President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, once uttered “To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam”.
The UAE shall remain a dynamic and forward-thinking country. Not least, for we are the first country in setting up a ministry dedicated exclusively to artificial intelligence. It is the customary kind-nature of Emiratis, the fact that we accept and respect people from all over the world, which is indeed one of the fundamental pillars to our success.
Conversation avec S.E. M. Sidiki Kaba, Président de l’Assemblée des Etats Parties
By Diplomat Magazine.Quelles sont les réalisations les plus marquantes de votre mandat ?
Au cours de mon mandat, je me suis attaché à promouvoir le raffermissement de la relation entre la Cour pénale internationale et l’Afrique ainsi que la complémentarité.
Je me suis efforcé d’encourager un dialogue franc et constructif entre les Etats africains ayant des griefs envers la Cour et l’Assemblée des Etats Parties de la CPI. Il était nécessaire de répondre aux sources du malaise qui existe entre la Cour et certains Etats africains qui l’accusent de néocolonialisme. À ce propos, je me réjouis que l’Afrique du Sud et la Gambie aient renoncé à se retirer du Statut de Rome, le traité de la Cour, et aient réaffirmé leur attachement à la CPI. Toutefois, nous devons poursuivre le dialogue pour raffermir davantage les rapports entre la Cour et ses Etats Parties en général.
S’agissant de la complémentarité, je me suis engagé à promouvoir ce principe essentiel auprès de tous les Etats, qu’ils soient Parties ou non au Statut de Rome. En effet, la complémentarité doit être l’épine dorsale de la lutte contre l’impunité car la justice pénale internationale ne prime pas sur le droit national mais complète ses faiblesses lorsque les systèmes judiciaires nationaux ne disposent pas des capacités nécessaires ou n’ont pas la volonté pour juger ces crimes de masse.
La CPI apparaît donc comme un recours contre l’Etat qui faillirait à ses obligations internationales et il est donc souhaitable et avantageux que les Etats remplissent leurs obligations parce que la répression nationale est la règle, la répression internationale l’exception
Quelles sont, selon vous, les principaux défis auxquels est confrontée la Cour ?
Alors que la Cour atteint l’âge de la maturité, 2018 marquera le 20e anniversaire de l’adoption du Statut de Rome. Elle doit maintenant asseoir son statut de juridiction indépendante et notamment répondre à deux grands défis : la coopération et l’accusation de politisation.
La coopération des Etats Parties est primordiale alors que la Cour ne dispose pas de force de police. Sans coopération, la Cour ne peut s’acquitter pleinement de son mandat de rendre justice aux victimes et de mettre fin à l’impunité pour les crimes graves qui choquent la conscience humaine.
Quant à la perception d’une institution politisée, il faut y répondre. Certes, comme toute œuvre humaine, la CPI n’est pas parfaite mais une imperfection juridique reste toutefois préférable à un vide juridique, d’où la nécessité et la pertinence incontestable de cette institution pour répondre à l’exigence de justice et de réparation des torts subis par les millions de victimes d’atrocités.
C’est pour cela que la Cour, lorsqu’elle est saisie, doit aller au bout de sa mission qui est de rendre la justice, à l’abri des influences politiques, avec l’assurance de la coopération de tous les États Membres.
Que peut-on faire pour continuer d’avancer sur la voie de l’universalité alors que le nombre d’accession au Statut de Rome stagne ?
Ma conviction reste que la ratification universelle du Statut de Rome et son incorporation effective dans les systèmes internes, ainsi que la coopération des Etats parties et non parties, sont d’une importance capitale pour la lutte contre l’impunité.
La promotion de l’universalité du Statut de Rome doit s’appuyer aussi bien sur les Etats Parties que sur les Etats non Parties mais aussi sur les organisations intergouvernementales, la société civile.
Il est aussi aujourd’hui nécessaire d’atteindre la ratification universelle du Statut de Rome, de rendre la Cour compétente partout dans le monde afin de lutter efficacement et effectivement contre l’impunité des crimes graves relevant de sa compétence.
Pour cela, la tenue régulière des réunions de coordination avec tous les acteurs et l’élaboration d’un plan et d’une stratégie d’action pour les prochaines années, impliquant tous les Etats, tous les acteurs y compris les ONG et la société civile aux séquences d’exécution de ce plan est une nécessité.
Le dialogue avec les Etats asiatiques, continent le moins représenté au sein de l’Assemblée, doit aussi se poursuivre avec l’appui de la société civile afin de promouvoir les valeurs et principes du Statut de Rome qui sont au service des victimes.
Lors de la négociation du Statut de Rome, en tant que membre de la FIDH, vous avez beaucoup œuvré pour la reconnaissance des droits des victimes. Comment voyez-vous la place des victimes aujourd’hui au sein de la justice pénale internationale ?
La participation des victimes est primordiale dans la justice pénale internationale car il ne peut y avoir de paix sans justice. La question de l’aide et de la protection des victimes nécessite à cet égard une attention toute particulière et appelle un engagement politique, l’implication de tous les acteurs concernés au niveau national, régional et international mais aussi des organisations de la société civile et les organisations de victimes, une formation des acteurs de la justice mais une cohérence dans l’action.
Les communautés fracturées par les conflits ne peuvent pas se reconstruire si les victimes ne sont pas entendues lors des audiences. La Cour pénale internationale est la première juridiction pénale internationale à donner une voix aux victimes en permettant leur représentation lors des audiences et est également la première juridiction pénale internationale à accorder des réparations aux victimes. Ainsi, la Cour constitue une réponse à l’exigence de justice et de réparation pour les victimes des atrocités.
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Sidiki Kaba
S.E. M. Sidiki Kaba est élu Président de l’Assemblée des Etats Parties de la Cour pénale internationale en décembre 2014. Garde des Sceaux et ministre de la Justice du Sénégal depuis 2013, il est nommé Ministre des Affaires Etrangères et des Sénégalais de l’extérieur en 2017.
By H.E. Mr Edgar Elias Azar, Ambassador of Mexico to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
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.
——–
Photography by Rene Gonzalez de la Vega.
With the release of the bestseller Traslados, Silvia Korenblum, psychologist and diplomatic spouse, describe and explore the transitory migration of diplomatic life and its impact on the family. Diplomat Magazine decided to publish this powerful companion book designed for diplomats and their families, in its original language.Por Silvia Korenblum.Las etapas del desarrollo con sus crisis vitales son esperables para todos los individuos. Surgen desde la naturaleza misma de la biología y de la sociedad y atraviesan la estructura familiar.
La familia, entonces, combina el entrecruzamiento de las etapas de crecimiento de cada uno de sus miembros con las etapas y el movimiento propios de ella misma. Las etapas vitales Individuales comunes a todos son Infancia, adolescencia, adultez , vejez. Las Etapas comunes familiares son: Matrimonio sin hijos , Proyecto de procreación , Crianza, Emancipación de los hijos, Nido Vacío.
Estas etapas producen cambios a los que deberá adaptarse la organización formal (o simbólica) de una familia. Son cambios de composición que exigen una reorganización de los roles y las reglas.
El desarrollo familiar demanda una gran disposición simultánea para poder responder, plenamente, a los cambios en uno mismo y en los otros. Desde luego que, a menudo, resulta difícil responder a esta demanda. Así, cada uno de los miembros de la familia se ira deslizando de una etapa a otra atravesando las distintas crisis (cambios) que hacen posible el crecimiento.
Para la mejor comprensión de las familias en tránsito es imprescindible situarse en la multiplicidad de variables que nos permite esta conceptualización.
Uno de los rasgos distintivos en las familias migrantes es que estas crisis perfectamente normales y esperables, aunque no por eso fáciles , son vividas como si fueran causadas por las sucesivas mudanzas y no como crisis que todos deberíamos esperar. Claro que, en el caso de estas familias, también se suman las crisis propias de los traslados.
Me ha tocado escuchar muchas veces a padres de adolescentes muy preocupados por conductas “inquietantes” de sus hijos, que, ellos suponían, se debían a los traslados.
Sin embargo, en realidad no eran más que conductas típicamente adolescentes.
Comprender como son estas crisis y como se entrecruzan con las crisis propias de los arraigos y desarraigos inherentes a las mudanzas ayuda a los padres y a los hijos a atravesarlas.
Claro que los efectos de un traslado serán diferentes para cada grupo familiar y según la etapa que estén atravesando sus miembros: no será igual para los niños, si éstos son bebés o pre-púberes, y no será lo mismo para las parejas, si éstas están recién casadas o tienen veinte años de matrimonio.
También los efectos diferirán si se trata de la primera mudanza o la quinta. De cualquier manera, siempre habrá algún integrante familiar más afectado que otro. Dependiendo de la etapa del ciclo vital en la que se encuentre, la mudanza los afectará de una manera especial.
Infancia
De alguna manera se podría pensar que los niños pequeños tienen más facilidad para las mudanzas ya que su mundo es su familia de origen. Entonces, lo más significativo, lo más referencial, se muda con él.
Lo que habrá que tener en cuenta, sobre todo en los más peque-ños, es el estado de ánimo de los padres, sobre todo el que pase más tiempo con él, de cómo éste experimente la mudanza. Esta vivencia será trasmitida inevitablemente al niño. De esta manera, el pasaje del niño pequeño de un país a otro, estará estrechamente ligado a cómo los padres hagan frente al estrés que el traslado provoca.
En los distintos relatos de adultos que en su infancia fueron niños de familias en tránsito, el recuerdo negativo de algún país siempre coincidía con el hecho de que a los padres nunca le gustó ese destino o tuvieron muchas dificultades para adaptarse a él.
También es fundamental tener en consideración el grado de comunicación que existe hacia los niños. Como las mudanzas “no son cosas de niños” sucede muchas veces que los padres no creen conveniente, no saben o no pueden hablar abiertamente con sus hijos de los traslados. Hay ocasiones en que los padres les tienen mucho miedo a sus niños y sienten que con “esta vida” les están causando un mal terrible.
Entonces, esta preocupación por ellos los lleva a ocultarles cosas, por lo que la incertidumbre de los niños será aún mayor que la que viven los padres.
Estos, preocupados en no preocuparlos, les crean una inquietud más grande.
Mariano de 3 años comenzó a ver que en su casa se vendían y regalaban cosas. Claro que a él nadie le había informado qué pasaba. Cuando regalaron al perro, se acercó muy preocupado a su madre y le preguntó si a él también lo iban a regalar.
El crecimiento en la infancia entraña en todos los niños un júbilo por lo nuevo, por explorar y descubrir, también supone tristeza y ambivalencia por la pérdida de su omnipotencia: descubren que hay cosas que ya no logran hacer, ya sea porque no pueden (se lo impide su estatura o falta de fuerzas) o porque sus padres no los dejan. Supone, a la vez, la ganancia de lo nuevo y la pérdida de lo viejo. Esta dimensión importantísima del proceso evolutivo se halla, en los niños en tránsito, subrayada por las pérdidas y las ganancias geográficas y de contexto (colegio, vecinos, amiguitos).
Los niños pequeños no tienen la misma capacidad de anticipar que los más grandes. Por ejemplo, el niño, en los primeros meses de vida, cuando la madre sale, llora desesperado, porque no sabe que va a volver, no puede anticipar el regreso. La madre se va y es el vacío.
Por ello, la mudanza sin palabras ni explicaciones puede transformarse para el niño pequeño en solo pura pérdida. Una tropa de hombres con uniforme que vienen a embalar toda la casa puede ser una experiencia amenazante y violatoria para un niño, si se mira desde afuera sin ninguna palabra o gesto que medie, explique y contenga.
—–
La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia.
Es Especialista en problemas de desarraigo y adaptación, ha ejercido su práctica clínica en diversas instituciones clínicas y hospitalarias. Ha trabajado dictando seminarios y coordinando talleres de orientación a padres de niños y adolescentes atravesados por la problemática de la migración, en diferentes países.Es Autora de numerosas ponencias y artículos sobre su especialidad y del libro Familias en Transito, Lumen humanitas 2003.Casada desde hace 25 años con un diplomático. Actualmente vive en Bruselas, ejerciendo su practica clinica, terapia y coaching on line.
———–
Fotografia Pablo Grinspun.
By Corneliu Pivariu.
The end of the Cold War marked also the beginning of a campaign in which there were voices, mostly coming from Moscow but also European ones (not very many or very important, yet there were) saying that NATO is an outdated organization and once the Warsaw treaty disappeared it should disappear, too.
I wrote, indeed, ever since the beginning of the 1990s and argued about the necessity of NATO’s existence and of its importance for a peaceful and democratic evolution in Europe and in the world. I wrote as well about the organization’s special capacity to permanently adapt and improve starting even with the 12th NATO Summit in Rome (7-8 November, 1991) when the Alliance’s New Strategic Concept that mirrored the deep changes taking place on the European continent was adopted.
Here’s how almost three decades passed since then and the alliance proved copiously not only its necessity but also its capacity of being permanently present. We consider that NATO’s essential pillars are the transatlantic component and Article 5. That’s why mainly on these two elements it’s being tried to induce publicly certain doubt and incertitude factors for undermining the confidence and creating suspicions about the alliance’s capacities and possibilities.
Even Donald Trump’s election as the new American president, was used as an opportunity to this purpose without obtaining the anticipated result and we may say that, on the contrary, the result was the opposite as NATO and the USA proved again the capacity and the resolution of acting in accordance with NATO Charter.
At the end of the first weeek of November, the yearly meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence took place and, on that occasion, new decisions concerning the continuous adaptation of the organizations to the challenges it is confronted with were made. One of the important components of this adaptation is that of a robust and agile command structure which, according to the statements of NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, “lies at the foundation of strengthening the deterrence and defence as well as the ability of projecting stability beyond NATO’s frontiers”.
It has been decided that two new NATO headquarters be established, one for the Atlantic – having as its main mission to ensure that the maritime communications lines between Europe and North America remain unobstructed and secure. The second new headquarters will have as its mission improving the movement of NATO troops on the European continent and strengthening the logistic within NATO’s command structure function. As NATO’s Secretary General said, it is about not only of mobility but also about the ability of rapidly moving troops and equipment with appropriate means of transportation and using the adequate infrastructure. Conclusions and steps to that purpose will be presented upon February 2018 meeting of ministers of defence. The importance of the cooperation in this field with the European Union was stressed and it has been appreciated that the military mobility may be a pilot element of NATO-EU cooperation.
A NATO’s important member, both by its geopolitical position and by its military capabilities is represented by Turkey. The 2016 summer supposed military coup attempt and Ankara’s rapprochement to Moscow (including initiating the actions of acquiring the Russian missile system S-400), the reactions concerning the German military presence at Incirlik military base and Berlin’s decision of moving its military contingent there to Jordan were presented as a possible Turkey’s intention of quitting NATO and even proposals that Turkey be excluded from NATO were circulated. The fact that Turkey cooperates with the French-Italian consortium Eurosam for producing the surface-to-air missiles system based on SAMP-T missiles that was initiated in July, 2017, was less reported. Turkey’s quitting NATO is out of the question.
Indeed and not the least, the last meeting of NATO defence ministers addressed the development and strengthening of cyber missions and operations considering that cyber will be part and parcel of any potential military conflict.
So, the answer to the question of the title is very clear: really NOBODY, yet there are forces wishing to promote this idea. And that without taking into account that such an idea makes NATO more determined in accomplishing its missions of developing the collective defence of all its members.
————————————————————————————
About the author: Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security.
By H.E. Mr Timo Ranta, Ambassador of Finland to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Almost all countries in the world have a national day. In some countries, like Finland and The United States, that day is called The Independence Day.
Finland became independent in 1917, a hundred years ago. The sixth of December was the date when the Parliament approved the independence declaration issued by the Senate. Finnish independence was recognized by most of our closest countries in January 1918.
The first steps of our independence were not easy. Finland soon slid into a civil war. However, in July 1919 the first Constitution of Finland was adopted and Finland became a republic.
During the Second World War, Finland suddenly found absolute national unity and remained independent. In addition to London and Moscow, Helsinki was the only European capital that was never occupied during the war. Finnish democracy functioned throughout the war.
During the decades after the war, Finland sought to remain neutral. This was a relatively successful policy since Finland could gradually expand its leeway during the cold war and strengthen its economy and international ties. Independence never meant isolation for us.
Finland joined the World Bank and the IMF in 1948, the United Nations and the Nordic Council in 1955, the OECD in 1969, the Council of Europe in 1989, and the European Union in 1995. Finland has always sought to be an active member in all international organizations. We are no longer neutral: we support the guiding principles of the international community: human rights, equality, rule of law, and the desire to solve all conflicts peacefully.
The European Union is clearly our strongest framework. It is even enshrined in our constitution. In these difficult times, Finland wishes to strengthen the Union. We want to be part of the solution.
The first hundred years of Finnish independence have been a tremendous success story. We have transformed our country from a poor agricultural backwater into a modern, democratic, prosperous, civilized and more and more digitalized forerunner.
This would not have been possible without a profound belief that we can make it if we stay true to ourselves. It was true one hundred years ago and it is true today.
…sports culture
The main population of the Netherlands are bicycles. Already the implicitness of being sportive by cycling makes a sportive nation. Plus keeping balance although transporting three kids and a Christmas tree at once. If there is sun you are outside. If not you are outside anyway.
There is a general healthy way of living as the Dutch are “outsiders” obviously born with the resistance to wet or cold air. So they are cool without wanting to be by start wearing flip-flops and shorts as soon as the temperature exceeds around 10 ° C. There is always a lot of water throughout the Netherlands plus nice beaches so swimming is almost natural to everybody. Kite surfing, sailing and all possible other water sports are also regular. Hockey – what a nice sport – is quite popular and classes already run from the age of three. The million-euro dressage horse Totilas originates from the Netherlands as some of the best breeds nowadays. There are many other sports of course. Pick one it will be there.
…architecture and interior design
Quite experimental architecture. One gets a good insight by visiting Rotterdam. The Dutch are not shy mixing different styles.
Dutch architecture is certainly one thing not – boring. There might also wait a surprise entering a rather ugly perceived building which turns out extraordinary from the inside. Being invited into a house or flat of a Dutch citizens always is a great pleasure. There seems to be a natural way of decorating well also if the budget is limited.
…way of being smart, experimental and highly innovative, just examples
Magic control over water: protection against floods, land reclamation, navigability, nature protection, architecture & water, everyday life surrounded by water etc. – being world renowned experts.
The Netherlands is leading in Connectivity in Europe, in particular when it comes to fixed broadband. The practical aspects of the digital world are well advanced (e.g. one chip card for the whole public transport system, free Wifi in all trains).
In Dutch supermarkets you mostly get home grown products such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally the Dutch are market leader in Europe in exporting agricultural products and food. The worldwide list is headed by the USA but the Netherlands are already second. This is also due to the very well advanced high-technology which is an export hit as well.
Having open space offices, flexible working hours and a preference for teleworking in every ministry is not fancied by everybody but a consequent experiment that followed the necessity for economizing structures.
…obsessional foods
Ok. Not every specific Dutch food is everybody’s cup of tea but you will always find alternatives.
Truly there exists an obsession with peanuts (in their true sense). I will not forget a sport session where our instructor asked us to imagine being a peanut.
Hagelslag for breakfast.
Haring, hold it over your head and just put in your mouth.
Having lunch usually means bread or soup or salade.
Young, middle-aged, old aged cheese.
Bitterballen and anything else deep-fried.
Poffertjes – the only non-efficient food: a lot of effort for the smallest but so yummy pancakes.
…particular traditions
The Sinterklaas, the St Nicholas, is actually the real Father Christmas in the Netherlands 🙂 Already in November he arrives by ship from Spain, accompanied by the Zwarte Pieten. It is a happening and celebrated all over the country. The 5th of December is the gift receiving day for all children.
On Vlaggetjesdag the Dutch celebrate the new haring brought into the harbour. It is a big feast, do not miss.
On 1st January the Nieuwjaarsduik takes place. If you are eager to have a real endorphin kick than try it out. Run with thousands of other enthusiasts into the sea and party.
Creative small treats at specific occasions (e.g. birthdays, entering/leaving) already at kindergarten from one child for all children in class/caretakers. Be as creative as you wish.
The song “Hoof, schouders, knie en teen” every Dutch knows and sings in all ages.
Buurman & Buurman (although originally Czech) has been translated into Dutch and is a big success. Anyhow there is not much spoken. It is one of those down-to-earth, non-hectic or flashy but funny short movies (available on youtube) for children and adults of all ages. Buurman means neighbour and the two of them are puppets trying to figure out a lot of things together.
———-
If you want to learn more:
– meet the Dutch.
The author: As part of a diplomats family Tanja Fröhlich-Israng lived for three years from 2014 to 2017 in Den Haag. She works for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 
…sports culture
The main population of the Netherlands are bicycles. Already the implicitness of being sportive by cycling makes a sportive nation. Plus keeping balance although transporting three kids and a Christmas tree at once. If there is sun you are outside. If not you are outside anyway.
There is a general healthy way of living as the Dutch are “outsiders” obviously born with the resistance to wet or cold air. So they are cool without wanting to be by start wearing flip-flops and shorts as soon as the temperature exceeds around 10 ° C. There is always a lot of water throughout the Netherlands plus nice beaches so swimming is almost natural to everybody. Kite surfing, sailing and all possible other water sports are also regular. Hockey – what a nice sport – is quite popular and classes already run from the age of three. The million-euro dressage horse Totilas originates from the Netherlands as some of the best breeds nowadays. There are many other sports of course. Pick one it will be there.
…obsessional foods
Ok. Not every specific Dutch food is everybody’s cup of tea but you will always find alternatives.
Truly there exists an obsession with peanuts (in their true sense). I will not forget a sport session where our instructor asked us to imagine being a peanut.
Hagelslag for breakfast.
Haring, hold it over your head and just put in your mouth.
Having lunch usually means bread or soup or salade.
Young, middle-aged, old aged cheese.
Bitterballen and anything else deep-fried.
Poffertjes – the only non-efficient food: a lot of effort for the smallest but so yummy pancakes.
…particular traditions
The Sinterklaas, the St Nicholas, is actually the real Father Christmas in the Netherlands 🙂 Already in November he arrives by ship from Spain, accompanied by the Zwarte Pieten. It is a happening and celebrated all over the country. The 5th of December is the gift receiving day for all children.
On Vlaggetjesdag the Dutch celebrate the new haring brought into the harbour. It is a big feast, do not miss.
On 1st January the Nieuwjaarsduik takes place. If you are eager to have a real endorphin kick than try it out. Run with thousands of other enthusiasts into the sea and party.
Creative small treats at specific occasions (e.g. birthdays, entering/leaving) already at kindergarten from one child for all children in class/caretakers. Be as creative as you wish.
The song “Hoof, schouders, knie en teen” every Dutch knows and sings in all ages.
Buurman & Buurman (although originally Czech) has been translated into Dutch and is a big success. Anyhow there is not much spoken. It is one of those down-to-earth, non-hectic or flashy but funny short movies (available on youtube) for children and adults of all ages. Buurman means neighbour and the two of them are puppets trying to figure out a lot of things together.
———-
If you want to learn more:
– meet the Dutch.
The author: As part of a diplomats family Tanja Fröhlich-Israng lived for three years from 2014 to 2017 in Den Haag. She works for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. 
The objective of the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Showcase 2017 conference was to promulgate Thailand as a destination indisputably befitting for Health and Wellness Tourism. This one day conference, at Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre, demonstrated the potentiality and readiness of Thailand’s health-service products. Top level Thai health service providers made good use of the opportunity to present their services to international buyers. The conference and annex fair presented health innovative services for healthy longevity such as:
The event proved to be very successful, providing ample opportunity to rub shoulders with high-level medical doctors and specialists as well as one-on-one conversations between stakeholders. There was also time for presentations, examinations, digital information and so much more. Some of the hospitals and clinics had even arranged to shuttle prospective buyers for visits to their respective institutions.
As a renowned tourist destination, Thailand and its people are well known for their hospitality. It has been recognized among the top level Wellness and Health providers in the world. According to a report by, the independent consultancy, VISA and Oxford Economics, Thailand has once again been confirmed as one of Asia’s top medical tourism destinations.
The Thailand Authority for Tourism is aspiring to widen out on the fusion of tourism wellness and health. It has been proven beyond all doubt, the capacity and motivation Thailand possesses towards taking up that challenge. As a major highlight, the event confirmed people’s conviction of Thailand being a “Paradise for Longevity”.
The objective of the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Showcase 2017 conference was to promulgate Thailand as a destination indisputably befitting for Health and Wellness Tourism. This one day conference, at Centara Grand Bangkok Convention Centre, demonstrated the potentiality and readiness of Thailand’s health-service products. Top level Thai health service providers made good use of the opportunity to present their services to international buyers. The conference and annex fair presented health innovative services for healthy longevity such as:
The event proved to be very successful, providing ample opportunity to rub shoulders with high-level medical doctors and specialists as well as one-on-one conversations between stakeholders. There was also time for presentations, examinations, digital information and so much more. Some of the hospitals and clinics had even arranged to shuttle prospective buyers for visits to their respective institutions.
As a renowned tourist destination, Thailand and its people are well known for their hospitality. It has been recognized among the top level Wellness and Health providers in the world. According to a report by, the independent consultancy, VISA and Oxford Economics, Thailand has once again been confirmed as one of Asia’s top medical tourism destinations.
The Thailand Authority for Tourism is aspiring to widen out on the fusion of tourism wellness and health. It has been proven beyond all doubt, the capacity and motivation Thailand possesses towards taking up that challenge. As a major highlight, the event confirmed people’s conviction of Thailand being a “Paradise for Longevity”.
También es fundamental tener en consideración el grado de comunicación que existe hacia los niños. Como las mudanzas “no son cosas de niños” sucede muchas veces que los padres no creen conveniente, no saben o no pueden hablar abiertamente con sus hijos de los traslados. Hay ocasiones en que los padres les tienen mucho miedo a sus niños y sienten que con “esta vida” les están causando un mal terrible.
Entonces, esta preocupación por ellos los lleva a ocultarles cosas, por lo que la incertidumbre de los niños será aún mayor que la que viven los padres.
Estos, preocupados en no preocuparlos, les crean una inquietud más grande.
Mariano de 3 años comenzó a ver que en su casa se vendían y regalaban cosas. Claro que a él nadie le había informado qué pasaba. Cuando regalaron al perro, se acercó muy preocupado a su madre y le preguntó si a él también lo iban a regalar.
El crecimiento en la infancia entraña en todos los niños un júbilo por lo nuevo, por explorar y descubrir, también supone tristeza y ambivalencia por la pérdida de su omnipotencia: descubren que hay cosas que ya no logran hacer, ya sea porque no pueden (se lo impide su estatura o falta de fuerzas) o porque sus padres no los dejan. Supone, a la vez, la ganancia de lo nuevo y la pérdida de lo viejo. Esta dimensión importantísima del proceso evolutivo se halla, en los niños en tránsito, subrayada por las pérdidas y las ganancias geográficas y de contexto (colegio, vecinos, amiguitos).
Los niños pequeños no tienen la misma capacidad de anticipar que los más grandes. Por ejemplo, el niño, en los primeros meses de vida, cuando la madre sale, llora desesperado, porque no sabe que va a volver, no puede anticipar el regreso. La madre se va y es el vacío.
Por ello, la mudanza sin palabras ni explicaciones puede transformarse para el niño pequeño en solo pura pérdida. Una tropa de hombres con uniforme que vienen a embalar toda la casa puede ser una experiencia amenazante y violatoria para un niño, si se mira desde afuera sin ninguna palabra o gesto que medie, explique y contenga.
—–
También es fundamental tener en consideración el grado de comunicación que existe hacia los niños. Como las mudanzas “no son cosas de niños” sucede muchas veces que los padres no creen conveniente, no saben o no pueden hablar abiertamente con sus hijos de los traslados. Hay ocasiones en que los padres les tienen mucho miedo a sus niños y sienten que con “esta vida” les están causando un mal terrible.
Entonces, esta preocupación por ellos los lleva a ocultarles cosas, por lo que la incertidumbre de los niños será aún mayor que la que viven los padres.
Estos, preocupados en no preocuparlos, les crean una inquietud más grande.
Mariano de 3 años comenzó a ver que en su casa se vendían y regalaban cosas. Claro que a él nadie le había informado qué pasaba. Cuando regalaron al perro, se acercó muy preocupado a su madre y le preguntó si a él también lo iban a regalar.
El crecimiento en la infancia entraña en todos los niños un júbilo por lo nuevo, por explorar y descubrir, también supone tristeza y ambivalencia por la pérdida de su omnipotencia: descubren que hay cosas que ya no logran hacer, ya sea porque no pueden (se lo impide su estatura o falta de fuerzas) o porque sus padres no los dejan. Supone, a la vez, la ganancia de lo nuevo y la pérdida de lo viejo. Esta dimensión importantísima del proceso evolutivo se halla, en los niños en tránsito, subrayada por las pérdidas y las ganancias geográficas y de contexto (colegio, vecinos, amiguitos).
Los niños pequeños no tienen la misma capacidad de anticipar que los más grandes. Por ejemplo, el niño, en los primeros meses de vida, cuando la madre sale, llora desesperado, porque no sabe que va a volver, no puede anticipar el regreso. La madre se va y es el vacío.
Por ello, la mudanza sin palabras ni explicaciones puede transformarse para el niño pequeño en solo pura pérdida. Una tropa de hombres con uniforme que vienen a embalar toda la casa puede ser una experiencia amenazante y violatoria para un niño, si se mira desde afuera sin ninguna palabra o gesto que medie, explique y contenga.
—–
La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia. 
