By Roy Lie A Tjam.  / Photography by Kim Vermaat. The Expert’s Guide to International Protocol is an outstanding handbook that presents a meticulous overview of the intricacies of international protocol. The launch took place at the Nieuwspoort International Press Centre in The Hague on 18 April 2016. A few days previously, a sister launch had taken place at the residence of the Dutch Consul General in Chicago. The authors are leaders in their field:  Gilbert Monod de Froideville is former Master of Ceremonies to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands and Director of the consulting company Protocol International, while  Mark Verheul he is Head of Protocol at the City of The Hague.

A good number of ambassadors, diplomats, dignitaries, former Dutch diplomats, and family and friends of the authors made their way to the Nieuwspoort to witness the launching of this unique and eagerly anticipated guidebook. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157665190482904

  Mr Monod de Froideville recounted how he and Mr Verheul worked together at the Dutch Royal Household and later at The Royal Hashemite Court in Jordan. The idea of collaborating on a book occurred to them during their time together in Jordan, both felt motivated to respond to the high level of demand for expertise in their field. Although modern life grows increasingly casual, in many sectors protocol still reigns supreme. An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol offers an overview of its associated practices, including those found within the context of diplomatic relations and the business world.

Featuring a wide range of countries and cultures, the book covers topics like seating arrangements, the history and use of flags, ceremonies, invitations and dress codes, and gifts and decorations. Throughout, influential diplomatic, business and cultural figures share their own experiences with protocol around the world. After some words of welcome from Master of Ceremonies Mr Cees Wijburg and Dr Saskia Gieling of the book’s publishers, Amsterdam University Press, Messrs Monod de Froideville and Verheul introduced the essence of their work. They also expressed gratitude to all those who had made contributions to the content of the book.  

Prof Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, former Secretary-General of NATO, had the honour of being presented with the first copy of An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol. In his acceptance address, Prof de Hoop Scheffer congratulated the authors and shared with guests some memories from his extensive diplomatic career. He singled out various ladies’ programmes at official visits along with seating arrangements at conferences as examples of international protocol in action. An Expert’s Guide to International Protocol looks set to become the guidebook of choice for anyone seeking to navigate this complex and delicate domain. A reception concluded the launching ceremony.

TFV Executive Director received Ms. Jolie Pitt in front of the International Criminal Court building. Photography Mr. Pieter de Baan. Angelina Jolie Pitt returned yesterday to the International Criminal Court to visit the Trust Fund for Victims, which helps victim survivors of international war crimes and crimes against humanity. The meeting, Ms. Jolie Pitt’s fifth to the International Criminal Court, took place at the newly inaugurated ICC building in The Hague, which was officially opened by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on 19 April 2016. During her visit, Ms. Jolie Pitt talked with the Trust Fund staff about the difficulties faced by survivors.  Ms. Jolie Pitt also discussed the impact that the Trust Fund’s assistance makes in allowing survivors to regain their dignity and rebuild their lives within their communities. Following her meeting with the Trust Fund Ms. Jolie Pitt said, “There can be no complete justice without consideration for the victims of the war crimes themselves, and the practical assistance they need to move on with their lives and overcome the harm they have suffered. That is why the work of the Trust Fund is important and must be supported and strengthened over time.” Currently, over 180,000 victim survivors have benefited from the Trust Fund’s assistance mandate – including access to reproductive health services, vocational training, trauma-based counseling, reconciliation workshops, reconstructive surgery and more.   The Trust Fund for Victim is at the forefront of the global movement to end impunity for sexual violence and gender-based crimes by addressing the needs of those who have suffered and survived these crimes.  Ms. Jolie Pitt discussed with the Board the importance of practical assistance to victim survivors of SGBV, and the special vulnerability of girls and women as key steps toward ending impunity for perpetrators and establishing durable peace and reconciliation in conflict settings. Mr. Motoo Noguchi, previous international judge of the Supreme Court Chamber at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC, 2006-2012) and the current Chair of the TFV Board, said, “The TFV works to ensure that victims survivors and the affected communities within the jurisdiction of the Court are recognized and will be supported in their efforts to overcome their harm and regain their full and dignified lives. On behalf of the Trust Fund Board of Directors, I greatly appreciate the interest and support of Ms. Jolie Pitt to highlight the importance of justice to be meaningful for victim survivors.” Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) In 2002, the Rome Statute came into effect and the Assembly of States Parties established the The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) to benefit victims of crimes and their families within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC). These crimes are genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes – and in the future, crimes of aggression. With the unique roles of implementing both Court-ordered and general assistance to victims of crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction, TFV offers key advantages for promoting lasting peace, reconciliation, and wellbeing in war-torn societies. The TFV fulfils two mandates:

1. Reparations: implementing Court-ordered reparations awards against a convicted person when directed by the Court to do so.
2. General Assistance: using voluntary contributions from donors to provide victims survivors and their families in situations where the Court is active with physical rehabilitation, material support, and/or psychological rehabilitation.

The assistance mandate of the TFV is distinct from reparations before the ICC or the payment of compensation to victims. The TFV assistance programme provides a broad range of medical and psychological rehabilitation services for injured and traumatized victims. Since 2008 the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) has been delivering assistance and rehabilitation to victims under the assistance mandate across 18 districts in Northern Uganda, and 3 provinces in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, by providing the physical, psychological, or material needs of the often forgotten survivors. The TFV works closely with NGOs, community groups, women’s grassroots organizations, governments, and UN agencies at local, national, and international levels. Assistance Mandate Under the assistance mandate, the TFV may provide three forms of support: Physical rehabilitation: include reconstructive and general surgery, bullet and bomb fragment removal, prosthetic and orthopedic devices, and referrals to medical services for victims of sexual violence. Psychological rehabilitation: addresses the individual psychological consequences and trauma arising from war, conflict, sexual violence, and other crimes. TFV is also promoting healing at affected communities to reduce stigmatization of victim survivors and promote a greater sense of trust, shared responsibility, and peaceful coexistence among community members. Material support is provided to improve the economic status of victim survivors through education, economic development, rebuilding of community infrastructure, support for village savings and loans, and creation of employment opportunities. There are currently 9 situations before the ICC, in Northern Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Darfur, Central African Republic (CAR), Kenya, Libya and Cote d’Ivoire, Palestine Territories and Georgia. For additional information: http://www.trustfundforvictims.org/  

The Hague, 20 April 2016

  Dear entrepreneurs, colleagues and friends, On Saturday, 16 April 2016 Ecuador suffered a terrible earthquake of 7.8 in the scale of Richter which has caused 480 casualties and on the rise; 4,605 wounded who have received assistance; and 21,835 displaced people in temporary homes, as well as negative consequences for the infrastructure mainly in the coastal areas. The Provinces of Manabí, Esmeraldas, Santa Elena, Los Rios, Guayas and Santo Domingo remain on high alert as until now there have been 420 replicas of the earthquake which could imply further consequences for Ecuador. President Rafael Correa has estimated that the costs of reconstruction will amount to approximately 3 billion dollars (3% of the Gross Domestic Product-GDP- of Ecuador). The Government of Ecuador requests the solidarity with the victims of the earthquake and invites you to contribute financially to support families who have lost their loved ones and to reconstruct the devastated areas. The Consulate of Ecuador in The Hague has created the bank account to receive voluntary donations in the Netherlands: Bank: Rabobank IBAN: NL55RABO 0309 2798 79 Name: Ambassade van Ecuador Concept: Emergency Ecuador The Consulate will transfer periodically the donations to the official Government accounts for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes. Donors will receive a report by the Consulate for their own records.  Nevertheless, there are other fundraising initiatives by the civil society which are also being organized for this objective. Unfortunately, as Ecuador finds itself in a difficult situation, donations in kind can only be made if the donors cover the shipping costs. The list of necessary items are: water, canned food, dry food, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, tents, flashlights led or rechargeable, batteries, kitchen utensils.

Please forward this invitation to your network including colleagues, friends, and family in the Netherlands, either through e-mail or social media.  For more information please contact info@embassyecuador.eu.

We thank you in advance for your support and solidarity with Ecuador and its people 

Ambassador Mireya Muñoz

CONSUL OF ECUADOR IN THE HAGUE

Juan Patricio Navarro

DIRECTOR OF THE COMERCIAL OFFICE OF ECUADOR IN ROTTERDAM

The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), H.E. Ban Ki-moon  and OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü. Continuing Partnership between the OPCW and UN Highlighted during UN Secretary-General’s Visit to the OPCW   OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü updated the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), H.E. Ban Ki-moon on progress achieved regarding the destruction of chemical weapons and other ongoing activities related to the implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention during his visit  to the OPCW in The Hague, yesterday April 20. Expressing how honoured the OPCW Secretariat was to receive the Secretary-General at its Headquarters for a second time, Ambassador Üzümcü said, “The UN and the OPCW share the common goal of achieving global peace and security by eliminating chemical weapons. The OPCW partnership with the United Nations is vital as this global mission requires constant vigilance to prevent the re-emergence of chemical weapons.” The Director-General and the Secretary-General discussed the progress and challenges of the OPCW’s mandated activities in the Syrian Arab Republic. The Director-General’s briefing also included updates on the OPCW’s recent Technical Assistance Visits to Iraq and recent efforts related to the destruction of remaining Category-2 chemical weapons in Libya. The Secretary-General welcomed the briefing, stating “The OPCW is a good friend and partner of the United Nations. As chemical weapons continue to pose a grave risk, cooperation between our two organizations has deepened enormously in recent years. I fully expect this will continue, to the great benefit of humanity.” The UN and the OPCW have demonstrated a historic and unprecedented partnership to remove Syria’s declared chemical weapons stockpiles. This joint endeavour has required agility, expertise, coordination in addition to cooperation with States Parties to undertake such a complex operation. For a photo album on H. E. Ban Ki-moon visit to the OPCW, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/opcw/sets/72157667213917532      

By Roy Lie A Tjam. This month’s meeting of the International Women’s Contact The Hague (IWC) took place on a pleasant April spring morning, where many guests were warmly welcomed, including H.E. Mr. Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Ambassador of Bangladesh and his wife Doctor Dilruba Nasrin as well as Mrs. Van Aartsen, spouse of Mayor Jozias van Aartsen, Ms. Adzo Denyo Brese, Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Ghana  and others Presentations were given by The Hague’s Deputy Mayor Mr Rabin Baldewsingh and also Ms Zainab Osman. The 11th of April 2016, will go down in the history of the IWC as an eventful day, full of happiness and commemoration. Mr Baldewsingh, in his speech applauded The Hague for all that it has achieved over the past forty years. The Hague according to Baldewsingh is not only a city of peace and justice but he also highlighted how it is one of diversity, indicated through the city’s varied ethnic composition. Throughout his talk, Baldewsingh stressed the necessity to connect as connecting breeds trust. The Power of Resilience and Positivity, was the topic for Ms Zainab Osman’s talk. She recounted her life story, starting from when she was about twelve years old in Somalia but with the change of events in Somalia and East Africa, Osman’s live took an unexpected turn. However, under the direction of her mother, a tough personality Osman and her siblings have managed to keep their heads above water, taking each day as it comes.   Her Mother’s philosophy was to not lose hope, keep fighting and you will eventual find opportunities. However that said, life in Somalia for a single parent Mother in a war stricken country is not an easy task. At the age of sixteen, Osman accepted a position as an interpreter at the Red-Cross, where a marriage was subsequently arranged for her. Later in her life, prompted by both her husband and Mother, Zainab fled Somalia and landed in Amsterdam rather than Denmark as she had previously intended. Going through the motion of an asylum seeker’s process she ultimately received her legal status after eight years of perseverance. Osman divorced her Somalian husband and now shares her life with her partner and children in the municipality of Wichem. Ms. Gabriel de Graauw of Humanity House provided information on the activities of the institution and also very kindly offered complimentary entrée tickets to Humanity House. President Barbara Couwenbergh closed the exciting meeting. For additional information: International Women’s Contact The Hague

Text and pictures by Kim K. Vermaat.  United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was made a Knight Grand Cross in the Order of Orange-Nassau – the highest civilian award in the Netherlands – in The Hague yesterday Tuesday April 19. H.E. Bert Koenders Minister of Foreign Affairs gave the award during a ceremony in the Catshuis, the official Residence of the Dutch Prime-Minister. “You worked tirelessly for peace, safety, justice and development in the world. You are the voice of people affected by natural disasters, discrimination, conflict and inequality”, Koenders said in his speech. For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157666814835310 H.E. Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, also attended the opening of the ICC Permanent Premises. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands officially opened the permanent premises of the International Criminal Court during a ceremony hosted by the ICC President, Judge Silvia Fernández, and H.E. Mr Sidiki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties. Ban Kin-mooon is on a two-day visit in the Netherlands. He already met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ministers Lilianne Ploumen of Development Cooperation and Koenders. Today Wednesday he will speak to representatives of the Eerste and Tweede Kamer – the Dutch Senate and lower house of parliament.