Strengthening Democracy towards a promising future

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Strengthening Democracy towards a promising future

By H.E. Ms. Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador

El Salvador recently reaffirmed, by the historical reelection of President Nayib Bukele in February 2024, the transformative journey of a whole Nation that prioritizes the fundamental pillars of true democracy, freedom, rule of law, and sustainable prosperity for all.

While acknowledging diverse perspectives on this path, the population of El Salvador firmly believes that the progress achieved under President Bukele’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for a brighter future. Such a powerful view of our future has gone beyond our borders. Leaders all over the world have recognized the great momentum El Salvador is living and the promising future ahead.

Whereas addressing the root causes of various structural patterns that kept an entire population trapped in cycles of violence, poverty, and inequality, El Salvador is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and processes. The recent presidential election, that was open to all Salvadoran citizens, both within and beyond our borders, marked a significant step towards the most inclusive and transparent vote in our history.

The freedom’s promise made at the beginning of this Administration, it has come along with the flagship of dignity and self-determination. As never before, El Salvador, from every corner of its borders has witnessed a striking decline in homicides and gang-related crimes, offering all Salvadoran citizens and foreign visitors, the peace and security long denied. This newfound freedom fuels with hope individual aspirations and empowers them to actively participate in shaping their destinies.

In facing the immense day to day challenges, upholding the Rule of Law has become an imperative in guiding all the State actions. Investments in strengthening law enforcement, with improved salaries, training, and infrastructure, ensure justice and accountability prevail are nowadays part of our recipe for the new El Salvador.

We envision a future where building prosperity transcends immediate gains and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come. Through strategic projects and investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, we are paving the way for a thriving economy that benefits all equally.

As firmly stated by President Bukele and actively promoted through our network of Embassies, Permanent Missions and Consulates worldwide, El Salvador recognizes the long history of international cooperation and value genuine partnerships, built on mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty. We welcome constructive dialogue with all stakeholders who share the common principles and values based on a true commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

The second term of President Bukele will lay the foundations for the social and economic development of the country and will conclude the war against gangs and corruption, scourges that for decades prevented the nation from taking off and the well-being of its inhabitants.

The Government of El Salvador will continue working for job creation, economic growth and the development of new areas that have opened up in El Salvador, such as tourism, renewable energy, new technologies, the digital economy and the modernization of the entire public administration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched in 2023 the initiative “Transformando Vidas” which seeks to exemplify our commitment to addressing root causes of migration and empowering individuals. By offering safe and organized labor opportunities, we cultivate economic stability and invest in our citizens’ present and future. El Salvador bets for creating partnerships towards a mutual and integral prosperity.

El Salvador’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future is an open invitation to the world. We invite like-minded partners, friends, and allies to join us in building a society where democracy, freedom, and the rule of law flourish, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party

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International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party

ASP President H.E. Ms PĂ€ivi Kaukoranta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, and ICC President, Judge Piotr HofmaƄski, during the ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) on 8 February 2024 ©ICC-CPI

Today, 8 February 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) to welcome the Republic of Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.

During the ceremony, the ICC President, Judge Piotr HofmaƄski, presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, with a special edition of the Rome Statute, as a symbol of commitment to the rule of law. 

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Ms PĂ€ivi Kaukoranta, a number of ICC Judges, representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor, of the Registry, of the Trust Fund for Victims and of Embassies of States Parties accredited to The Netherlands.

ICC President Judge Piotr HofmaƄski welcomed the new State Party saying: “Thank you for making this Court stronger. And thank you for showing an example to all those who have not yet joined the Rome Statute. 
 Armenia has now joined the community of states committed to the notion that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole must be answered with justice.”

ASP President H.E. Ms PĂ€ivi Kaukoranta stated: “On behalf of the Assembly of States Parties, I congratulate and warmly welcome Armenia to the ICC family. I am certain Armenia will become an active State Party in the implementation of the Rome Statute and the pursuit of international criminal justice.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, said: “ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. In our region, where we have been confronted by proliferation of conflicts we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other legal mechanisms has real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities. Let us celebrate not only Armenia’s commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected.”

Background: On 14 November 2023, the Republic of Armenia had formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Statute entered into force on 1 February 2024. Armenia becomes the 124th State Party to join the Statute, and the 19th State from the Eastern European group to do so. 

One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

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One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

One of the main key leaders of the company behind the encrypted communication tool EncroChat has been extradited to France from the Dominican Republic with the active support of Eurojust. The person involved was arrested in the Dominican Republic in May 2022 and has been under house arrest since then.

An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.

This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.

In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France. 

The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.

The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.

Azerbaijanis at the embassy polling stations

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Azerbaijanis at the embassy polling stations

The Hague, February 7 Azerbaijani citizens participated in the snap presidential election at the polling station established at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands, demonstrating a high turnout.

“The voting process was conducted democratically, transparently, and fairly, in accordance with legislation. Azerbaijani citizens residing in the country expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exercise their electoral rights and the conditions provided to facilitate their voting experience.” Said H.E. Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev. 

Azerbaijani citizens voting at the Embassy polling station.

Eurojust supports action against smugglers

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Eurojust supports action against smugglers

Smugglers using secret compartments in cars / Major blow to Albanian drug trafficking network: 59 arrests across Europe

The Hague, 6 February 2024

Italian and Albanian authorities have taken decisive action against a major drug trafficking network operating from both countries. With the support of Eurojust and Europol in a large-scale operation, 59 suspects were arrested on 5-6 February, including in Albania, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, and 10 suspects were subjected to other precautionary measures in Italy. The network mainly smuggled heroin, cocaine, hashish and marijuana into Germany and Spain using cars with double bottoms or secret compartments.

Last year, 21 suspects were arrested in a first operation against the same Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG). That operation also led to the seizure of drugs worth an estimated EUR 2.7 million.

Initial investigations against the OCG were launched in 2019 by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Florence â€“ District Antimafia Directorate. From January 2020, the Italian and Albanian authorities of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) in Tirana contacted Eurojust to coordinate cross-border judicial cooperation against this complex network. It operated from both Albania and Italy, transporting drugs by car to Spain and Germany, while other suspects were based in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Judicial cooperation with Albania is facilitated by Eurojust, as it is one of the 11 countries outside the EU that has a Liaison Prosecutor at the Agency. At request of the Italian and Albanian authorities, Eurojust supported the creation of dedicated joint investigation teams between the PPO of Florence and SPAK and provided financial, logistic and operational support.

The Agency organised coordination meetings to prepare for today’s major action. It also set up a coordination centre to enable judicial cooperation with all national authorities involved during the action day.

Europol has been supporting the case since 2020. Its experts provided extensive analytical support and expertise on Albanian organised crime, enabling the identification of key targets and the mapping of their criminal activities across Europe. Two Europol officers were deployed on the ground in Albania and Italy during the action day to support the national authorities in their investigative measures.

The operation was carried out on the ground at the request of and with support from the following authorities:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Florence; Carabinieri Corps with the support of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs – International Police Cooperation Service (SCIP)
  • Albania: National Public Prosecutor’s Office – Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK); Albanian State Police, General Directorate
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor General’s Office in Naumburg; Public Prosecutor’s Office in Dessau-Roßlau; State Criminal Office Magdeburg
  • Spain: Antidrug Public Prosecutor’s Office at Audiencia Nacional; Central Court num.4 at Audiencia Nacional in collaboration with Investigative Court num.2 of Barcelona; FAST Spain of Policia Nacional
  • United Kingdom: The National Extradition Unit (NEU) of the Joint International Crime Centre’s (JICC)

Azerbaijan – Eurojust cooperation

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Azerbaijan – Eurojust cooperation

On February 2, Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands met with Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on cooperation with the organization and discussed several other mutual interests. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration in legal assistance for criminal cases.

Mechanism President Gatti Santana concludes mission to Strasbourg

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Mechanism President Gatti Santana concludes mission to Strasbourg

Strasbourg, 30 January 2024 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, concluded today a two-day mission to Strasbourg. During her mission, she met with high-level officials of the Council of Europe, including the President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Judge SĂ­ofra O’Leary, the Registrar of the ECHR, Dr. Marialena Tsirli, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Dunja Mijatović, and the Head of Division at the Secretariat of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), Mr. Hugh Chetwynd.

During these meetings, President Gatti Santana had the opportunity to brief her interlocutors on the current focus of the Mechanism following the completion of core crimes cases, and the complex challenges the Mechanism shares with the Council of Europe in relation to strengthening the rule of law, promoting transitional justice, fighting hate speech, and securing State cooperation in a range of matters such as the enforcement of sentences and the arrests of persons accused in contempt cases. She also emphasised the importance of developing strong counter-narratives to combat the rise of genocide denial and revisionism during this phase of the Mechanism’s lifespan, and explained the Mechanism’s efforts to reach out to youth in the affected areas through teaching and learning opportunities.

The President further pointed to the fact that the Mechanism, being the international criminal tribunal with the highest number of convicted persons under its supervision, faces a shortage of States willing to accept convicted persons primarily due to limitations imposed by the legislation of many States on their enforcement capability beyond a certain number of years, which is in line with ECHR jurisprudence. She also expressed her gratitude for the support of the Council of Europe’s CPT to the Mechanism through inspections of prisons in certain enforcement States, and stressed the importance of collaborating closely.

Finally, President Gatti Santana and the Council of Europe officials exchanged views and best practices on securing State cooperation in the context of judicial activities, ensuring that international standards are upheld in the context of the execution of sentences, including in view of the specific needs of older prisoners, guaranteeing judicial independence and impartiality, managing large judicial records, and preserving the legacy as a way to bolster reconciliation prospects for future generations.

Namibia Mourns the Passing of President Hage G. Geingob

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Namibia Mourns the Passing of President Hage G. Geingob

In a somber announcement that has reverberated across the nation, Namibia bids farewell to one of its most esteemed leaders, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. Dr. Geingob’s passing on Sunday, the 4th of February 2024, has left the country in mourning, as he transitioned at approximately 00:04 while under the care of his medical team at Lady Pohamba Hospital. Beside him were his devoted wife, Madame Monica Geingos, and his children, sharing in the final moments of a remarkable life.

President Geingob’s departure marks the end of an era. Throughout his tenure, President Geingob stood as a beacon of hope and progress, embodying the spirit of Namibia’s liberation struggle and spearheading the nation’s journey toward prosperity and unity.

H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Acting President of the Republic of Namibia, calls upon all Namibians to remain composed and united during this time of grief. The government is diligently attending to all necessary state arrangements, preparations, and protocols, with further announcements expected in due course.

International Gender Champions – New Year’s Champions Breakfast Meeting in The Hague

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International Gender Champions – New Year’s Champions Breakfast Meeting in The Hague

The IGC New Year’s Champions Breakfast Meeting, held on 18 January at the Swiss Residence, inaugurated a series of four annual events convened by the Hague Steering Committee. Comprising the Embassies of Switzerland, Canada, and Colombia, alongside the International Development Law Organization (IDLO) and Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, the newly formed Steering Committee introduced themselves to The Hague Champions on this significant occasion. The event aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration among leaders committed to dismantling gender barriers and advancing gender equality in their respective spheres of influence.

The breakfast served as a platform for the Champions to delve into the nuanced topic of Gender and International Criminal Law. Drawing insights from the recent two-day Conference on Gender and International Criminal Law, orchestrated by Women’s Initiatives and collaborators, the co-editors of the seminal book, Gender and International Criminal Law, Indira Rosenthal and Susana SáCouto, delivered a thematic address. Their scholarly input laid the groundwork for stimulating discussions among the Champions, exploring the complexities of this pertinent issue.

Present were, among others the host, H.E. Ms. Corinne Ciceron Buhler, Ambassador of Switzerland, H.E. Ms. Shefali Razdan Duggal, Ambassador of USA, H.E. Mr. François Alabrune, Ambassador of France, H.E. Ms Elizabeth Ward Neiman, Ambassador of Panama, H.E. Dr. Jose Eduardo Malaya, Ambassador of the Philippines, H.E. Dr. Carolina Olarte Bacares, Ambassador of Colombia, H.E. Mr  Greg French, Ambassador of Australia, International Criminal Court’s Registrar, Dr. Osvaldo Zavala.

The International Gender Champions (IGC) is a global leadership network that unites decision-makers dedicated to eliminating gender barriers and turning gender equality into a tangible reality within their domains. More information about the IGC and its mission can be found on their website: https://genderchampions.com/.

The New Year’s Breakfast Meeting served as a platform for meaningful discussions, networking, and the exchange of ideas on advancing gender equality. As the International Gender Champions initiative continues to gain momentum, events like these play a crucial role in mobilizing leaders and catalyzing positive change on the path toward a more inclusive and equitable world.

Rotterdam Photo 24 / IMAGINE Celebrating contemporary Photography

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Rotterdam Photo 24 / IMAGINE Celebrating contemporary Photography

Rotterdam, a city renowned for its modernity and creativity, played host once again to the annual Rotterdam Photo Fair.

From 1 to 4 February being part of the Rotterdam Art Week, the event attracted approximately 10.000 visitors, among whom art lovers, collectors, gallerists, diplomats and international art press professionals from various parts of the globe. The Keilewerf located in the center of Rotterdam was transformed into a street-wise photography village and hub for photography fans, populated by 60+ shipping containers repurposed into exhibition spaces.

With a profusion of exhibitions, organized talks, workshops, and a fringe program with music and digital installations throughout the city; jazz music, street vendors, cafes, and restaurants on the festival’s location, it was easy to spent a day there.

Imagine – a word that evokes imagination, creativity, and limitless possibilities

From a broad range of submissions, the commission selected 69 photographers project exhibition photographers and 51 single image exhibition photographers to exhibit their work, based on the theme IMAGINE.

Photographers and artists questioned and transformed our world’s perception with their imagination, innovation and critical thinking. They explored diverse angles such as surrealism, portrait and landscape photography, and the romanticization of the everyday, manipulating theirs cameras, playing with light, using AI.

Among the selected artists Dan Hallman stood out, captivating audiences with his unique approach to photography. Hallman, a graduate of the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York, currently resides in The Hague, Netherlands, alongside his spouse, who serves as the Ambassador of Argentina.

“Making the Simple Complicated”

“My life long attraction to visual arts and photography began in the years leading up to pursuing my BFA from Parsons NY, followed by an extensive freelance photography career with a specialty in editorial, commercial and celebrity portraits.” he stated. In that time Hallman have always been creating abstract, conceptual work for himself and he is now solely focused on these bodies of work. “Some have categorised my large scale photos as “Abstract Expressionism in Photography” or “Kinetic” at times.” If you zoom in, it looks like brush strokes and they are more vibrant and energetic in person. It is the mood and “abstract expressionism in photography” that I am looking to present at times within this broader project.”

“The photographs presented are a representation of continuing bodies of work I consider paintings or drawings manifested in photographic form.” He expressed. “While shot digitally on my Leica or Canon, the images are all produced in a camera with no Photoshop retouching. I manipulate reality through long exposures, “painting” with the camera, using found forms and/or physically creating shapes of light with the camera to create the image. 

Often using mundane moments of the day and presenting them in a way the viewer may never have seen or considered to be beautiful.  I am making the simple visual, making the simple energetic, making the simple peaceful, making the simple bold, making the simple calm, making the simple important – making the simple complicated.”

Dan Hallman at Rotterdam 24

“I create photos, paintings and drawings which invite the viewer to engage and participate completing the piece. You feel compelled to look closer to see what it is. They are done in a way where the subject matter is not important and it is left entirely up to the observer to visually feel the piece and complete its meaning. Once again, the viewer completes the piece with their own interpretation of my words.”

Hallman’s works is held in private collections all over the world. While Hallman is known for his captivating portraits of emblematic figures from politics, science, arts, music, and Hollywood stars; from Meg Ryan to Dalay Lama, his  extensive portfolio, which includes numerous publications of his portraits in Vanity Fair, The Hollywood Reporter, Glamour, Vogue, alongside his artistic works exhibited in renowned institutions like the Museum of The City of New York and Centro Cultural Borges in Buenos Aires,  reflects his versatile talent and impact on the world of photography.

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