ICC launches #JusticeMatters social media campaign to mark 17 July
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is launching a new #JusticeMatters social media campaign from 1 to 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice, including a Facebook photo contest. Participants are invited to submit photos, to ask their networks to like and share them, and to challenge their friends to add a little justice to their world view.Photos of the scales of justice will be submitted on the ICC 17 July Facebook page transforming a monument, city skyline or a natural landscape into a symbol of justice. The three photos to receive the most “likes” and “shares” will win a Justice Matters photo book. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the ICC, its goals, and the importance of international criminal justice on a global scale. The Day of International Criminal Justice marks the anniversary of the adoption on 17 July 1998 of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to deter people from genocide, crimes against humanity and war crime. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims’ rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace and security of the world.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
During the month of June 2016, the Office of Commercial Affairs of the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague held culinary events around the Netherlands in conjunction with Amazing Oriental supermarket.
Events were held in the Oriental supermarkets of Almere, Beverwijk, Rotterdam and The Hague. There were cooking demonstrations, free tasting of Thai food products and free recipe booklets with detailed information on the delights that Thai cuisine has to offer.
The events were well attended, and Mr. Nissana Thaveepanit, Minister Counselor in charge of commercial affairs and his staff could look back with pride on a successful promotional campaign.
H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama.Roy Lie A Tjam.
A large audience gathered to attend the opening of “Panama opens its doors to the World”, a photography exhibition organized by the Embassy of Panama in The Hague, at the Atrium of the City Hall. The exhibitions run from 28 June to 2 July 2016.The images on display take you on a voyage through the construction of the Panama Canal Expansion.
For additional Hester Dijstra photos, please pen the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667693521673Ambassador Delvalle together with Mr. Dimitris Iliopoulos, EU Representative to the OPCW.
The Ambassador of Panama H.E. Willys Delvalle organized a reception on 28 June 2016, to celebrate both the opening of the photo exhibition and the Panama Canal expansion inauguration.
Members of the Diplomatic community, the Dutch Foreign Ministry, the business community, the Panamanian diaspora as well as members of the social and cultural community in the Netherlands attended the reception.
Carel Reisch, from Gallerie Patrice van Doorst and H.E. Bruce Koloane, Ambassador of South Africa.
The Panama Canal Expansion is the largest project since its original construction 102 years ago. The project will create a new lane of traffic along the 80 Km. Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity. The existing locks allow the passage of vessels that can carry up to 5,000 TEUs. After the expansion, the Neo-Panama vessels will be able to transit through the Canal, with up to 13,000/14,000 TEUs. The Expansion will double the Canal’s capacity, having a direct impact on economies of scale and international maritime trade.
The Panama Canal expansion is based on six years of research, which included more than 100 studies on the economic feasibility, market demand, environmental impact and other technical engineering aspects. Works on the Panama Canal Expansion began in September 2007 at a total cost of US$5.2 billion.
The Ambassador of Panama H.E. Willys Delvalle, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Panama cordially welcomed the many guests to the special Panamanian reception-exhibition,
Ambassador Delvalle held an interesting and detailed expose pertaining to the outstanding developments of his country.
H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama and the Ambassador of Peru, H. E. Carlos Herrera.
Here are some extracts of his expose:
‘The history of the Republic of Panama has been constructed by several key events that have allowed us to create our identity.Almost 102 years ago and after 10 years of hard and dangerous work the Panama Canal first opened its locks to the world. The historic maiden transit of the Canal was done by the USS ANCON on August 15, 1914. Since then over ONE million ships have transited the canal and just last year alone more than 340 million tons of cargo were transported thru the canal. Since the Panama Canal opened in 1914, great progress has been achieved. As of December 31st, 1999, the Panama Canal became fully operated and managed by 10,000 qualified, dedicated and motivated Panamanian, men and women who work 24 hours a day 365 days a year to guarantee the safe, efficient, and productive passage thru our waterway for more than 14,000 ships every year from all over the world.Furthermore, I’m pleased to say that our Government has strengthened our competitive advantages with solid economic development and political stability which have boosted foreign direct investment, and the establishment of over 120 Regional Headquarters for Multinationals companies based in Panamá. We have also developed our culture and sports. Panama’s national dress “La Pollera” is an art piece made totally by hand and recognized internationally. We can also highlight our national gastronomy, maybe not well known here in the Netherlands, but I can asure you it is very delicious, Panamanian music, with multiple Grammy award winner Ruben Blades, Los Ravanes and others, poetry and also renowned painters like our good friend and colleague Cultural Ambassador Olguita Sinclair. H. E. José De Bouza Serrano, Ambassador of Portugal, the Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez and H.E. Alvaro Moerzinger, Ambassador of Uruguay.It has taken us 9 years and many hurdles to be able to achieve this enormous task. Many might think that this project or construction is like any other one. But there was much more to it.First was the environmental study, this was of huge importance to our country as we did not want to damage our Eco system. A rescue and relocate operation of wildlife started and concluded with the safe relocation of hundred’s of marine, amphibian and other wild life. A huge reforestation project, an estimated 2,800 hectars were planted in many areas of Panama, to replace the flora that had to be removed for the project.As all of this was not enough, we had the construction of the locks. More than 4.4 Million cubic meters of cement were poured to build these enormous locks and 16 rolling gates of 3,200 tons each had to be built in Italy and brought on special vessels to Panama.Our country is an important link in the global supply chain that has shortened distances. The new Panama Canal locks will allow the passage of between 12 and 16 Neopanamax vessels per day. Vessels that can transport of over 13,000 containers or meassure 366 meters long. The expansion of the Panama Canal provides the world with greater shipping options, better maritime service, enhanced logistics and supply-chain reliability. It doubles the capacity of the waterway in terms of cargo capacity and quantity of vessels. Since the new larger vessels can now take advantage of the Canal’s vast benefits, economies of scales will make products more affordable, new business opportunities in the logistic sector will grow, new routes and markets will be developed, liner services and other maritime ventures are expected to emerge.This new scenario will also benefit the establishment of new business’ around the waterway; such as transport and storage of LNG, a roll on / roll off Terminal, the establishment of a Logistic park, a new mega Container Terminal in the Corozal area, bunkering services, pipelines, shipyard, energy generation and others. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Panama Canal has a distance of 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the deep waters of the Atlantic to the deep waters of the Pacific. We are the only country in the world where you can enjoy a swim in the Atlantic and after barely one hour car drive you can then swim in the warm waters of the Pacific ocean while enjoying a spectacular sunset, and a piña colada.Last but not least a very special thanks to the Municipality of The Hague, for all their help and support, and to our Panama Embassy collegues for all their hard work and dedication to put this event in such a short time.’
EU Ambassadors lunch hosted by HE Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel.Dutch Residence in Brussels: Bilateral Netherlands ambassador to Belgium hosted on June 21, an EU lunch for her 27 colleagues from EU member states in the presence of the Belgian Federal Minister for Security and Interior, Jan Jambon, as guest of honour. This function was the very last one hosted by HE Ambassador Maryem van den Heuvel in the framework of the Dutch Presidency of the EU Council. On 1 July 2016, The Netherlands hands over the council’s presidency to Slovakia. Belgian Federal Minister of Security and Interior, Jan Jambon and Ambassador van den Heuvel.For more information:Royal Dutch Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium: http://belgie.nlambassade.orgPictures by the Royal Dutch Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium
By Viviana Knorr.On 30 June at 15:30h the International Criminal Court of the former Yugoslavia in The Hague added a new judgment to the Appeals Chamber Judgement list in the case of Mićo Stanišić and Stojan Župljanin, two former high ranking Bosnian Serb officials were rendered.The verdictThe Appeals Chamber today confirmed the convictions of Mićo Stanišić, former Minister of the Interior of Republika Srpska, and Stojan Župljanin, former Chief of the Regional Security Services Centre of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Appeals Chamber affirmed that Stanišić and Župljanin are criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in BiH in 1992, in 20 and eight municipalities respectively. The Judges affirmed both of the accused’s sentences of 22 years’ imprisonment.The judgement was broadcasted live on the Tribunal’s website. More info about the judgement can be found on ICTY website via this link. http://www.icty.org/en/press/appeals-chamber-affirms-stanisic-and-zupljanin-sentencesMićo Stanišić is the former Minister of the Interior of Republika Srpska. Stojan Župljanin is the former Chief of the Regional Security Services Centre of Banja Luka and were indicted as participants in a joint criminal enterprise (JCE) aimed at permanently removing Bosnian Muslims, Bosnian Croats, and other non-Serbs from the territory of a planned Serbian state in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).At the time, the Trial Chamber found that Stanišić and Župljanin participated in this joint criminal enterprise and where many of the crimes committed in a number of municipalities in BiH were foreseeable to the accused. Both Stanišić and Župljanin were sentenced by The Trial Chamber to 22 years imprisonment for crimes against humanity and war committed between April and December 1992 in BiH.Since its establishment, the Tribunal has indicted 161 persons for serious violations of humanitarian law committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia since 1991. Proceedings against 151 accused individuals have been concluded. Proceedings are currently ongoing for 10 accused.
Security Council – Picture by Getty Images.In a symbolic gesture for European unity, Italy and The Netherlands have proposed to split a two-year term on the UN Security Council, after the two countries tied in a contested race for a non-permanent seat on the council.This settlement entails that in 2017 Italy shall be member in the body working towards international peace and security, whereas the Kingdom of the Netherlands will hold the seat in 2018. Italy was lobbying arduously for a council seat, portraying itself as a crossroads country Mediterranean as well as touting its experience dealing with the refugee crisis. Italy was also seen as a player in efforts to pull Libya out of chaos.The Netherlands, home to the International Criminal Court and other world tribunals, played up its commitment to international justice and law. Both countries must still come up with a formula permitting one to attain the official two-thirds majority in the General Assembly vote, with the understanding that it will hand the post to the other country after a year.For more information:http://www.the-netherlands.org/news/2016/06/unsc.html
The Appeals Chamber today confirmed the convictions of Mićo Stanišić, former Minister of the Interior of Republika Srpska, and Stojan Župljanin, former Chief of the Regional Security Services Centre of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Appeals Chamber affirmed that Stanišić and Župljanin are criminally responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in BiH in 1992, in 20 and eight municipalities respectively. The Judges affirmed both of the accused’s sentences of 22 years’ imprisonment.
The Appeals Chamber dismissed all of Stanišić’s and Župljanin’s grounds of appeal. It confirmed their convictions for committing, through participation in a joint criminal enterprise (JCE), persecutions as a crime against humanity and murder and torture as violations of the laws or customs of war. Župljanin’s convictions for committing extermination, through participation in a JCE, and ordering persecutions through plunder as crimes against humanity were also affirmed.
Both of the accused alleged in their appeals that their right to a fair trial was violated as a result of the participation of Judge Frederik Harhoff in the trial proceedings. The Appeals Chamber rejected their arguments and found that Judge Harhoff’s disqualification in the Šešelj case does not automatically disqualify him from other cases. The Judges also concluded that the Appellants “have failed to demonstrate that a reasonable observer, properly informedof all the relevant circumstances, would reasonably apprehend bias on the part of Judge Harhoff in this case”.
Stanišić further argued in his appeal that the Trial Chamber failed to provide a reasoned opinion as to how his acts and conduct furthered the JCE, and whether his contribution to the JCE was significant. The Appeals Chamber agreed that the Trial Chamber failed to provide a reasoned opinion in this respect and subsequently conducted its own assessment. It concluded that the Trial Chamber’s underlying factual findings ― with the exception of certain findings the Appeals Chamber found to be erroneous ― and relevant evidence support the conclusion beyond reasonable doubt that Stanišić significantly contributed to the JCE.
The Appeals Chamber also affirmed the Trial Chamber’s conclusion that Župljanin significantly contributed to the JCE.
In relation to whether Stanišić and Župljanin possessed the requisite intent to be held liable under the JCE, the Appeals Chamber established that the Trial Chamber committed certain factual errors regarding both Appellants. However, on the basis of the remaining factors, the Appeals Chamber found that these errors do not impact the Trial Chamber’s conclusion that both Stanišić and Župljanin possessed the requisite intent.
Župljanin also challenged his conviction for extermination as a crime against humanity. With respect to an incident in which 20 detainees died during their transport to Manjača detention camp, the Appeals Chamber found that the Trial Chamber failed to provide a reasoned opinion by failing to make the necessary finding on the mens rea of the principal perpetrators. However, following an assessment of the Trial Chamber’s underlying findings and relevant evidence, the Appeals Chamber concluded that the Trial Chamber’s error does not invalidate the Trial Judgement.
The Appeals Chamber granted the Prosecution’s second ground of appeal, which argued that the Trial Chamber erred in law by failing to enter convictions for the crimes of murder, torture, deportation, and other inhumane acts (forcible transfer) as crimes against humanity in addition to the convictions for the crime of persecutions as a crime against humanity. In doing so, the Appeals Chamber referred to the well-established jurisprudence that convictions for the crime of persecutions and other crimes against humanity based on the same conduct are permissibly cumulative. The Appeals Chamber, however, declined to enter new convictions on appeal.
Mićo Stanišić and Stojan Župljanin were initially indicted by the Tribunal in 2005 and 1999, respectively. In September 2008, a motion to join the two cases was granted by the Pre-Trial Chamber. The trial commenced on 14 September 2009 and concluded on 1 June 2012. The Trial Judgement was rendered on 27 March 2013 and the Prosecution and the Defence filed their notices of appeal on 13 May 2013. The Appeal Hearing took place on 16 December 2015.
The Appeals Chamber was composed of Judge Carmel Agius, Presiding, Judge Liu Daqun, Judge Christoph Flügge,Judge Fausto Pocar, and Judge Koffi Kumelio A. Afanđe. Judge Liu and Judge Afanđe appended a separate opinion.
Since its establishment, the Tribunal has indicted 161 persons for serious violations of humanitarian law committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia since 1991. Proceedings against 153 accused individuals have been concluded. Proceedings are currently ongoing for 8 accused.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On 22 June 2016, the Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr. Pierre-Louis Lorenz organized a fabulous reception-concert on the occasion of the National Day of Luxembourg. The concert was by the Luxembourg jazz duo ‘Dock in Absolute’ Jean-Philippe Koch (piano) and David Kintziger (guitar bass)
The venue chosen for the reception concert was the Glazenzaal in The Hague. A similar event was earlier held in Maastricht. After the welcome words by H.E. Pierre-Louis Lorenz in Dutch/ Luxembourgeoise, the group Dock in Absolute interpreted the national anthem and the Wilhelmus the anthem of Luxembourg’s Royal House, distinct from the Dutch National Anthem, both sharing the same origin.
Spouses of Ambassador of Mexico, Spain, Tunisia, Cuba, Luxembourg, Uruguay, Peru, Panama, Philippines and Pakistan during the event.
Ambassador Pierre-Louis Lorenz further added: ‘Excellencies, friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, leiw Letzebuerger I am happy to welcome you here in the Glazenzaal to celebrate with you our National Day. I shall be brief, not because there is little to say, but rather that there might be too much to say. The last year was a good one for Luxembourg, we are out of the crisis mode and back to pre-crisis growth figures, even if there is reason to keep prudent and alert. On the European stage Luxembourg faced a difficult semestrial EU presidency, difficult because so many unexpected crisis moments opened up, but we succeeded to hand over the presidency gavel to The Netherlands in an orderly fashion and in good shape. In a regional perspective, 2016 is for us the year of the Benelux presidency, a yearlong occasion where we try together with Belgium and The Netherlands to be as ambitious as possible, especially in a period where Europe doubts its own strength and future. Yesterday I celebrated with the citizens of Maastricht our National Day, a city which is inspired by the European spirit as much as my own country. Luxembourgers like to say that they have two fatherlands, a small one and a larger one, Europe, the Europe of the Union. As much as we need our motherland that is the anchor which we call home, as much we need Europe to contribute to stability and security in the competition on the global stage. We cherish both and we want for both an inspiring future. Tomorrow, the 23rd , is the actual day we celebrate in Luxembourg, and if Luxembourgers can formulate a wish for that occasion, it would be to stay together united on our continent. I promised to be brief, and I would now like to let our two musicians continue.’
Laten wij nu naar Luxemburgse traditie proosten: / Let me now pronounce the traditional toast: VIVE LETZEBUERG / VIVE DE GRAND-DUC
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
On 24 June H.E. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta, Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala was honored for his outstanding contribution, in enhancing the bilateral ties between the Guatemala and The Kingdom of the Netherlands. He was also honored his support to the Diplomatic Community and Diplomat Magazine.
After the playing of the national anthem of the Netherlands and Guatemala, H. E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez, Ambassador of Costa Rica addressed Ambassador Mr. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta.
In his valediction discourse, Ambassador Sergio Ugalde Godinez started by thanking Diplomat Magazine for hosting the Ceremony, and for taking up the notable initiative to bid a private farewell recognition ceremony to diplomats who have carried out exceptional work in the Netherlands. Sergio Ugalde Godinez continued, “I cannot think of someone more deserving than the distinguished Ambassador of Guatemala, H. E. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157669674016561H.E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of Costa Rica and honour speaker of the ceremony; H.E. Enrique Rodriguez Veltze, Ambassador of Bolivia and H.E. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru.
I am also honored to have been asked to give some words to celebrate the remarkable work that Ambassador Aguilera has carried out on behalf of Guatemala in the Netherlands. Although Gabriel has been in the Netherlands for only about to two years, his contributions to the strengthening of the ties of both countries are quite tangible.
Not only was he the subject of a very warm welcome by His Majesty, King Willem-Alexander, but he quickly managed to have Guatemala in the sights of the Foreign Ministry, at the highest levels. This led to a visit by Foreign Minister Bert Koenders to Guatemala early last year. The visit not only was very successful, something the Foreign Minister commented about, but it truly served to raise awareness at the Dutch Foreign Ministry of the importance to re-open an Embassy in Guatemala, which I believe is under consideration.
H.E. Carlos Herrera, Ambassador of Peru, the Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Hector Horacio Salvador, H.E. Fermin Quinones Sanchez, Ambassador of Cuba, H.E. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta Ambassador of Guatemala, H.E. Willys Delvalle, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Aida Luz Santos de Escobar, Ambassador of El Salvador, H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of Costa Rica and H.E. Enrique Rodriguez Veltze, Ambassador of Bolivia.
Ambassador Aguilera also made significant efforts to have a firm Guatemalan cultural and commercial presence in the Netherlands. One of the very first activities that I, as Costa Rican Ambassador had the honor to participate in, was a Meet and Greet organized together with the Diplomat Magazine, at this very venue. This activity took place precisely during the time that Ambassador Aguilera was the chair of the Group of Central American countries, and his was the initiative to make the activity the success it was.
But the Guatemalan visible presence did not stop there, I recall a number of other activities, particularly related to culture and society, which enriched us with knowledge about the extraordinary qualities of the Guatemalan people. This insight, no doubt, bridges a better understanding by the Dutch and expats alike, of Guatemala.
H.E. Sergio Ugalde Godinez Ambassador of Costa Rica to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
But Gabriel´s most significant characteristic is his remarkable personae. He is of a soft touch but of a distinguishable charisma, knowledge and wisdom. His gentle approach is exemplary, as is his joyful character. His most recognizable legacy is to have built numerous new relations with peoples of all spheres of the Dutch society.
I myself am grateful for having been able to meet Ambassador Aguilera, and to have been able to share insights with him of a number of issues, from International Law to Peace and Security in Central America. Being the extraordinary academic he is, I think most of his colleagues would have to agree that we have learned much from him.
It is of course with great admiration and joy that we all gather today to witness the presentation of a Certificate of Merit for his contributions to strengthening the bilateral ties between Guatemala and the Netherlands. Very well deserved!”In his response, H. E. Gabriel Aguilera Peralta thanked all for attending the ceremony. He indicated how much he appreciated his posting in the Netherlands. However, his government has decided to assign him to another post. Furthermore, he observed, an Ambassador has more than one live, each new assignment is the commandment of a new life.
The ceremony concluded with a reception.
Events were held in the Oriental supermarkets of Almere, Beverwijk, Rotterdam and The Hague. There were cooking demonstrations, free tasting of Thai food products and free recipe booklets with detailed information on the delights that Thai cuisine has to offer.
The events were well attended, and Mr. Nissana Thaveepanit, Minister Counselor in charge of commercial affairs and his staff could look back with pride on a successful promotional campaign.
