El Salvador’s Unveiling Ceremony

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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.  

I Polyphonic day of International Justice

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.  

Almuezo Chapín / Typical Guatemalan lunch

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 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.

“El ciudadano ilustre”

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Amsterdam Spanish Film Festival

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

Uzbekistan celebrated Navruz at OPCW

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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/72157679818624131
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 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.

The Mechanism launches new version of Case Law Database

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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.      

Ostbelgien, official brand for Belgium’s German-speaking community

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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/

Special Diplomats’ Meet and Greet

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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/72157681730054915
H.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!”

Bemba et al. case: Trial Chamber VII issues sentences for five convicted persons

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Judges of Trial Chamber VII delivering their decision on the sentencing in the Bemba et al. case during a public hearing held in ICC Courtroom 1 on 22 March 2017 ©ICC-CPI.  On 22 March 2017, Trial Chamber VII of the International Criminal Court (ICC) delivered its decision on sentencing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba, Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, Fidèle Babala Wandu and Narcisse Arido at a public hearing held at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands, in the presence of the convicted persons. The Prosecution and the Defence may appeal the decision on sentence within 30 days. On 19 October 2016, Trial Chamber VII found Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Aimé Kilolo Musamba, Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo, Fidèle Babala Wandu and Narcisse Arido guilty of various offences against the administration of justice. These offences related to the false testimonies of defence witnesses in another case against Mr Bemba before the ICC. Trial Chamber VII is composed of Judge Bertram Schmitt, Presiding Judge, Judge Marc Perrin de Brichambaut and Judge Raul Pangalangan. Imposed penalties: Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo was sentenced in total to one additional year imprisonment. No deduction of time previously spent in detention was ordered, mainly, since the time to be considered had already been deducted by Trial Chamber III in the case of The Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo (‘Main Case’). The Chamber ordered that the sentence be served consecutively to Mr Bemba’s existing sentence in the Main Case. In addition, the Chamber fined Mr Bemba EUR 300,000, to be paid to the Court within 3 months of its decision and thereafter transferred to the Trust Fund for Victims. In an opinion, Judge Pangalangan concurred in the result of one additional year of imprisonment but wrote separately on: (i) giving Mr Bemba full sentencing credit for his detention in this case and (ii) the proportionality of Mr Bemba’s sentence. Aimé Kilolo Musamba was sentenced in total to 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. The time Mr Kilolo previously spent in detention was deducted, namely since his arrest on 23 November 2013, pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by Pre-Trial Chamber II on 20 November 2013, until 22 October 2014, the day Mr Kilolo was released provisionally. The Chamber ordered the suspension of the operation of the remaining term of imprisonment for a period of 3 years so that the sentence shall not take effect (i) if Mr Kilolo pays the fine, as imposed by the Chamber; and (ii) unless during that period Mr Kilolo commits another offence anywhere that is punishable with imprisonment, including offences against the administration of justice. In addition, the Chamber fined Mr Kilolo EUR 30,000 which must be paid to the Court within 3 months of its decision and thereafter transferred to the Trust Fund for Victims. Jean-Jacques Mangenda Kabongo was sentenced in total to 2 years’ imprisonment. The time Mr Mangenda spent previously in detention was deducted, namely since his arrest on 23 November 2013, pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by Pre-Trial Chamber II on 20 November 2013, until 31 October 2014, the day Mr Mangenda was released provisionally. The Chamber ordered the suspension of the operation of the remaining term of imprisonment for a period of 3 years so that the sentence shall not take effect unless during that period Mr Mangenda commits another offence anywhere that is punishable with imprisonment, including offences against the administration of justice. Narcisse Arido was sentenced in total to 11 months’ imprisonment. The time Mr Arido spent previously in detention was deducted, namely since his arrest on 23 November 2013, pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by Pre-Trial Chamber II on 20 November 2013, until 22 October 2014, the day Mr Arido was released provisionally. Since the imposed sentence is equivalent to the credit to be applied for the period of time Mr Arido has been in custody, the Chamber considered the sentence of imprisonment as served. Fidèle Babala Wandu was sentenced in total to 6 months’ imprisonment. The time Mr Babala spent previously in detention was deducted, namely since his arrest on 24 November 2013, pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by Pre-Trial Chamber II on 20 November 2013, until 23 October 2014, the day Mr Babala was released provisionally. Since the imposed sentence is less than the credit to be applied for the period of time Mr Babala has been in custody, the Chamber considered the sentence of imprisonment as served. Relevant factors and determination of the sentence: The Chamber identified all relevant factors for each convicted person, namely the gravity of the offences and his individual circumstances. It also considered mitigating and aggravating circumstances, as the case may be. In addition, the convicted persons’ individual circumstances, such as their good behaviour throughout the trial, co-operation with the Court, family circumstances, absence of prior convictions and other personal circumstances were taken into account. Upon identification of the relevant factors, the Chamber then weighed and balanced all factors in order to determine the appropriate sentence. Thus, in its decision, the Chamber considered (1) the gravity of the offences that were the basis for conviction of the person concerned; (2) the culpable conduct of the convicted person concerned; and (3) the individual circumstances of the convicted person concerned. The Chamber enjoys considerable discretion in determining an appropriate sentence. However, in so doing, it is guided by two considerations: (1) the sentence must reflect the culpability of the convicted person; and (2) the sentence must be proportionate to the offences. Both these considerations make clear that the sentence must be individualised for each convicted person.  Decision on Sentence pursuant to Article 76 of the Statute Questions and Answers about the sentence: English; Français    

Mechanism welcomes Judges’ Assistants from the Tanzanian Judiciary

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Arusha, 21 March 2017 -The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (“MICT” or “Mechanism”) received a delegation of Judges’ Assistants from the Judiciary of the United Republic of Tanzania at the Mechanism’s Arusha Branch premises on Friday, 17 March 2017. The visit was part of a 3-day training programme on the drafting of legal documents and legal research facilitated by JEYAX Development and Training, a non-governmental institution.  Representatives of the Mechanism’s President, Prosecutor and Registrar welcomed the Judges’ Assistants and briefed the delegation on the mandates and functions of the Mechanism and the roles and responsibilities of their respective organs, in order to give the participants a full understanding of the work of the Mechanism mandated by the UN Security Council. The visit also gave the attendees the opportunity to pose diverse questions and discuss an array of issues, including the modalities of transfer of cases to national jurisdictions, the protection of witnesses and challenges faced in this context, management and preservation of archives over the long term, and enforcement of sentences. Ms. Jemima Njeri Kariri of JEYAX Development and Training expressed gratitude for the delegation’s opportunity to engage with the Mechanism and applauded the work carried out by the MICT. She also encouraged further knowledge-sharing programmes between the MICT and other judiciaries to enhance and promote the understanding and application of International Criminal Law in the region. The Judges’ Assistants concluded their visit with a tour of the Mechanism’s premises in Arusha.