By Fatou Bensouda, ICC Prosecutor.
As Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), my mandate is to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, where we have jurisdiction and the relevant national authorities are either unwilling or unable genuinely to do so.
I have proudly served this important institution for more than 10 years, and since June 2012, as its Prosecutor. It is a great privilege and an honour to serve in this capacity. The role carries with it immense responsibilities, and I’m most committed to continuing to fulfil my mandate in accordance with the Rome Statute without fear or favour.
Much has changed since a decade ago. While challenges remain, the Court also has significant achievements to its name. The ICC has not seen busier days.
In the context of my Office’s preliminary examination work, we’re currently analysing eight situations from around the world, including with respect to Afghanistan, Georgia, Palestine, Iraq (regarding alleged detainee abuse by UK forces), Ukraine and Colombia, to determine whether the legal criteria of the Rome Statute have been met to open an investigation.
My Office has already opened nine investigations in Uganda; the Central African Republic (two separate investigations); Sudan, Darfur; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Kenya, Libya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali. More recently, I also requested authorisation from the Court’s judges to open an investigation into the situation in Georgia. That judicial determination is pending.
On the strength of the Office’s new strategic plans, we continue our work in the courtroom by bringing cases built on solid foundation, and by so doing, demonstrating the severity of Rome Statute crimes and hopefully to deter future crimes. This brings me to an important point.
As calls for the exercise of our jurisdiction grow from all four corners, my Office continues to face resource challenges. This increase in demand for justice has not been fully matched by a similar increase in resources.
Support from States Parties for adequate resources is critical to carry out quality preliminary examinations, investigations, and prosecutions. Investing in justice will pay dividends for peace, stability and economic growth, while the return on that investment in human terms is incalculable.
Similarly, strong institutional structures and policies that allow us the flexibility to adapt to these increasing demands within the strict legal confines of the Statute are fundamentally important. For this reason, I have invested specifically in the development of a comprehensive Code of Conduct for my Office as well as policies, and new strategic approaches to our work.
In June 2014, we promulgated the Office’s Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender-Based Crimes. We are also busy working on a similar Policy Paper on Children in and affected by armed conflict. Other policies are being contemplated, including a comprehensive Office policy on protected property, including historical buildings and monuments, under the Rome Statute. All such efforts are geared towards enhancing the quality of our performance and ensuring our effectiveness.
These are not merely feel-good words or lofty goals. I have made quality performance a top priority in everything we do at my Office. We must strive to consistently generate results and achieve efficiency-gains where possible. We have already started to see the fruits of such efforts in practice.
Our work is not done in isolation. States Parties have the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute Rome Statute crimes. It is thus our hope that such policies not only contribute to strengthening our own processes, but can also be of assistance to national authorities in their efforts to root out atrocity crimes.
Only when all actors within the Rome Statute system work closely together and in full harmony, can we achieve the common goal of ending impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern.
ICC Prosecutor, Ms. Fatou Bensouda.Mrs. Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor of the International Criminal CourtMrs. Fatou Bensouda is the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), having assumed office in 2012. In 2011, she was elected by consensus by the Assembly of States Parties to serve in this capacity. Mrs Bensouda was nominated and supported as the sole African candidate for election to the post by the African Union. Between 1987 and 2000, Mrs. Bensouda was successively Senior State Counsel, Principal State Counsel, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Solicitor General and Legal Secretary of the Republic, and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in which capacity she served as Chief Legal Advisor to the President and Cabinet of The Republic of The Gambia. Her international career as a non-government civil servant formally began at the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, where she worked as a Legal Adviser and Trial Attorney before rising to the position of Senior Legal Advisor and Head of the Legal Advisory Unit (2002 to 2004), after which she joined the ICC as the Court’s first Deputy Prosecutor. Mrs. Bensouda has served as delegate of The Gambia to, inter alia, the meetings of the Preparatory Commission for the ICC.She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the distinguished ICJ International Jurists Award (2009), presented by the then President of India P. D. Patil; the 2011 World Peace Through Law Award presented by the Whitney Harris World Law Institute, the American Society of International Law’s Honorary Membership Award (2014), and the XXXV Peace Prize by the United Nations Association of Spain (2015). In addition to receiving several honorary doctorates, Mrs. Bensouda has been listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world (2012); by the New African magazine as one of the “Most Influential Africans;” by Foreign Policy as one of the “Leading Global Thinkers” (2013), and by Jeune Afrique as one of 50 African women who, by their actions and initiatives in their respective roles, advance the African continent (2014 & 2015).Photography by Photoline.
On the picture President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Picture courtesy of the Embassy of Kazakhstan.Kazakh-Dutch Relations – based on trust and mutual benefitshigh dynamics of political dialogue, growth of trade-economic ties. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands H.E. Mr. M. Rutte paid an official visit to Kazakhstan.By H.E. Ms. Mainura Murzamadiyeva Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 multifaceted bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Netherlands has been actively developing. Interaction based on trust and mutual interests on political, trade-economic, scientific and technological as well as cultural relations enhancing.
It is a fact that relationships between Kazakhstan and the Netherlands are maintained on a high political level. This is confirmed by regular visits of high level officials of both states and good inter-parliamentary cooperation. Netherlands is a leading European investor to the economy of Kazakhstan. According to the latest official data of National Bank of Kazakhstan the inflow of direct investments from Netherlands to Kazakhstan since its independence comprised about 59 billion US dollars.
In continuation of high level political dialogue between the leaders of two states Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte arrived in Astana Dec. 2 for an official visit which was also intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between two countries.
Prime Minister Karim Massimov and Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Head of the Dutch Government held meetings with Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Chairman of the Senate Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chairman of the Mazhilis (Lower Chamber of Parliament) Kabibulla Dzhakupov. The official programme of the visit included the meeting with representatives of top business communities of both sides as well as the signing of an official agreement on the Netherlands’ participation in EXPO 2017.
President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev and Prime-Minister Mark Rutte discussed the status of bilateral economic relations, issues in the oil and gas industry, agriculture, transport and space development and exchanged views on other international issues.
Bilateral meeting with President Nazarbayev.
Head of Kazakhstan noted that the Netherlands is an important partner for Kazakhstan.
“This is our fourth meeting. My visit to your country last year was very fruitful and its results were important. … The Netherlands is one of the largest investors into the economy of Kazakhstan and one of our most important trade partners. We see your visit as an indication of your will to bring our bilateral relations to a new level,” he said.
President Nazarbayev also stressed the importance of the business delegation accompanying Dutch Prime-Minister, which represented seven major Dutch companies working successfully in Kazakhstan.
In turn, Prime Minister Rutte noted the broad opportunities that exist for cooperation, in particular in light of Kazakhstan’s ongoing process of economic diversification.
Mark Rutte emphasized broad opportunities for bilateral cooperation, especially in the framework of the 100 Concrete Steps national plan that is aimed at further diversification of Kazakhstan’s economy. “I believe that this agreement will set a completely new qualitative basis for political and economic ties between our countries,” he said.
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Mr. Hans Drisser and Head of EXPO-2017 National Company.
He also highlighted the opening ceremony of Astana Square (“Astanaplein”) in Rotterdam in November as clear evidence of strengthening and friendly relations between the two countries.
During the bilateral meetings with Prime-Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov, Head of Dutch Government Mark Rutte discussed trade, economy, cooperation in the oil and gas industry, agricultural innovations and interaction within the EU.
“The agricultural sector is well developed in the Netherlands. Even though your country is 65 times smaller than Kazakhstan, it is the second largest agricultural producer in the EU. This offers a great opportunity to increase Kazakhstan’s potential productivity. Your visit will be very important and useful for future development,” – K.Massimov said.
Prime Minister Rutte noted that Kazakhstan is the first country in Central Asia to sign an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU (to be effected at the end of December in Astana).
Following the meeting of the nations’ leaders, Chairman of the Astana EXPO 2017 National Company Akhmetzhan Yessimov and Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kazakhstan Hans Driesser signed an agreement on the Netherlands’ participation in the upcoming international specialised exhibition EXPO 2017 in Astana, the Astana EXPO 2017 company website reported.
For information:http://www.kazembassy.nl/index.php/en/Photography by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
On the picture Director Pieter Bogaardt and AMADE President Caroline of Monaco – Picture by Princely Palace of Monaco.By Director Pieter Bogaardt.
A year after it’s successful launch at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, AMADE Nederland continues championing the rights of children and this year more particularly of the child refugees. AMADE Nederland is a Dutch charity organization, the latest branch of AMADE Mondiale, the largest charity organization in Monaco, chaired by HRH The Princess of Hanover, Princess Caroline of Monaco, standing up for the most vulnerable children in the world regardless nationality, origin, or religion all over world trying to improve their surroundings in terms of healthcare, education and the protection of their rights.
This year (2015) AMADE Nederland organised a beautiful soirée on the 6th of November at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, a city castle, built in the 17th century by the best architects, now transferred into a magical museum where the finest paintings from the Golden Age are exhibited.
Mr Aldo Verbruggen, president AMADE Nederland, Mr Pieter Bogaardt, Member of the Board of AMADE Mondiale and the Executive Committee and vice-president AMADE Nederland, Mrs Brig.
The group of approximately 80 distinguished guests, amongst them Mr Aldo Verbruggen, president of AMADE Nederland, Mr Pieter Bogaardt, member of the Board and of the Executive Committee of AMADE Mondiale and vice-president of AMADE Nederland, Prince Floris van Oranje-Nassau and his wife Princess Aimée, Mr Mark Vogt, Senior global PSFR officer at UNHCR. AMADE has concluded a cooperation agreement to support UNHCR’s worldwide campaign “Time to Act”.
This event in the Mauritshuis was focussed on the refugee children with the aim of preventing a lost generation and breaking the barriers of access to health care and education. Aldo Verbruggen emphasized in his welcoming speech that humanity demands sacrifice referring to his visit together with Pieter Bogaardt to the Syrian refugee camp Za’Atri in Jordan last year, which visit, as he describes himself, was “a lesson in humility”. Jordan, with only six million people, accommodates more than two million refugees.
Professor Wiep van Bunge, philosopher Erasmus University Rotterdam.
After the welcoming speech, guides accompanied the guests along the highlights of the Mauritshuis. Beautiful paintings of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Fabritius were explained in an original way and walking through the Mauritshuis the guests could enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the Golden Age in a modernized setting.
In the Golden Room of the Mauritshuis, overlooking the Court Pond, Maison Van den Boer served an exquisite dinner and before the last course Professor Wiep van Bunge, a famous Dutch philosopher, associated with the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, held a most interesting exposé about the refugees through the centuries. He stated that the strong position of The Netherlands in the Golden Age was related to the refugees the Dutch society welcomed and accepted. More than 900,000 immigrants came from Germany. Most of them were very poor.
The Jews coming from Portugal were completely different due to their customs and habits. Despite the differences all contributed to the prosperity of The Netherlands. Of course there is a difference as most refugees coming to Western Europe are Muslim, but that should not be a problem. The Netherlands should accommodate 60,000 up to 80,000 refugees now. In the light of the history of Western Europe Wiep van Bunge pleaded for a generous asylum policy.
Pieter Bogaardt pointed out that children must be able to dream and have the right to accessible education and healthcare. “That’s where AMADE is standing for and the evening in the Mauritshuis contributed to. The financial support of AMADE is just a small drop in the Ocean. Let your heart speak and make children dream and play again in a save and caring environment”.
Humanity demands sacrifices.
On the picture Bert Koenders, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Koenders convenes major counterterrorism meeting in The Hague.On Monday 11 January delegates of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the anti-ISIS coalition will be gathering in The Hague for a major international meeting on counterterrorism. This will be the first time that all countries that play a leading global role in counterterrorism efforts will sit down together for talks. Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders will chair the meeting.
Mr Koenders took the initiative to set up this meeting because he believes it is important for the international coalitions to align their activities from time to time. ‘Recent terrorist attacks in France, Lebanon, Tunisia, Nigeria and Turkey demonstrate that terrorism can hold people in its grip anywhere in the world. Today’s terrorism has ramifications for all of our countries; it is agile, resourceful and international. It is like a virus that continually adapts,’ said Mr Koenders.
To defeat this virus, it is essential that countries work together more closely, Mr Koenders believes. This entails not only punitive measures but also prevention and deradicalisation. A balance must be struck between these approaches. ‘We need to share information with each other in better, faster and smarter ways. If information is put together in a timely and accurate manner, we can be more successful in preventing terrorism. This is still a major challenge for the international community.’
In addition to sharing information (‘Share’), the meeting has two key themes: ‘Stop’ and ‘Secure’. The ‘Stop’ theme includes combating foreign terrorist fighters – people who join terrorist groups abroad – while ‘Secure’ involves better protecting innocent citizens from terrorist violence and increasing resilience. ‘We need to make progress in all three of these areas. This issue is so complex that we cannot afford to miss out on opportunities,’ continued Mr Koenders.
According to the minister, it makes sense for the Netherlands to take the lead in international consultations. ‘Together with Turkey, the Netherlands is the co-chair of the GCTF and co-chair of the Foreign Terrorist Fighters working groups in both the GCTF and the anti-ISIS coalition. In addition, we are currently the EU Presidency holder. This puts us in an excellent position to set these consultations in motion.’
Representatives of governments around the world will attend the meeting, including ministers from countries hard hit by terrorism, such as Nigeria, Belgium and Tunisia. Delegates from Europol, Interpol, the United Nations and the European Union will also take part in the consultations.
For Information:https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-foreign-affairs
Eurojust President Michèle Coninsx. Photography by Eurojust.Eurojust in Greece to support fight against illegal immigrant smuggling.
During a three-day visit to Greece to discuss the current migration crisis, the President of Eurojust, Ms Michèle Coninsx, accompanied by the National Member for Greece at Eurojust, Mr Nikos Ornerakis, met key Greek Ministers and visited the island of Lesvos, which has been designated a migration Hotspot.
‘The best way to tackle the problem is to understand it and to see it for yourself. I am grateful to the Greek authorities for arranging this visit to the frontline of operations and I can assure Eurojust’s continued support. This migration crisis is a common challenge that requires a common multidisciplinary approach to ensure a coordinated and effective EU criminal justice response,’ said Ms Coninsx during the Hotspot visit.
The President met separately with Alternate Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, competent for Public Order, Mr Nikolaos Toskas, the Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, Mr Tzanetos Filippakos, the Minister of Defence, Mr Panos Kammenos, and Alternate Minister of Interior and Administrative Reconstruction, competent for Migration Policy, Mr Ioannis Moyzalas, and exchanged views on addressing the migration crisis.
Ms Coninsx is also the National Member for Belgium and during this visit met the Belgian Ambassador in Greece, Mr Luc Liebaut.
Ms Coninsx also visited Lesvos, where she witnessed the migration problem first-hand and met a number of representatives of the competent Greek authorities and the Frontex Director of Operations, Mr Klaus Rösler.
At the end of her visit, Ms Coninsx met with the Minister of Justice, Transparency & Human Rights, Mr Nikolaos Paraskevopoulos, and attended separate meetings with the President and Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Greece. A final meeting was held with the Minister of State, Mr Nikolaos Pappas, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
How is Eurojust supporting the Hotspots?
The organised crime groups behind the smuggling networks are targeted. Eurojust supports and strengthens the cooperation between the Member States’ judicial authorities to dismantle and prosecute the smuggling and trafficking networks. Greece has appointed two national prosecutors as Eurojust contact points to support the Hotspot locations and to channel relevant information and cases to the Eurojust National Desks for judicial follow-up and coordination at EU level. In 2015, we noted a sharp increase in the number of cases (200) registered at Eurojust by the Greek National Desk.
Eurojust, with its operational tools, responds to the challenges of the current migration crisis by organising coordination meetings, setting up coordination centres to support joint actions in real time, facilitating and accelerating the execution of MLA requests and European Arrest Warrants, as well as by detecting links with parallel investigations and advising on prevention of conflicts of jurisdiction. Joint investigation teams are another useful tool, and one which Eurojust assists financially and legally.
Hotspots
A Hotspot is a section of the EU external border or a region with extraordinary migratory pressure and mixed flows that require reinforced and concerted EU agency support to the affected Member States, implemented via the EU Regional Task Force (EURTF).
The Hotspot approach was put forth by the Commission as part of the European Agenda for Migration and was further developed during the latest JHA Council meetings. Its principal objective is to coordinate European assistance in areas of significant migratory pressure.
Italy and Greece – the two countries most affected by migratory flows in 2015 – were proposed as the first Member States in which Hotspots should be designated. Operational meetings and intensive technical discussions are being held between the Commission, Greece, Italy and the relevant EU agencies to set them up.
For information:http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/Pages/home.aspx
From the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil.On December 9th 2015, the Law 13.202 entered into force, expanding the tax relief coverage granted by the Brazilian Government through double taxation agreements, including the one with the Netherlands. In accordance with Article XI of the Law 13.202/15, “international agreements and conventions concluded by the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil to avoid double taxation of income include the CSLL”.
Therefore, the Brazilian tax authorities have recognized that, in addition to the Corporate Income Tax (IRPJ), already regulated by the double taxation agreement, the “Social Contribution on the Net Profit” (CSLL) is also covered.
CSLL is charged separately form the IRPJ. The tax basis of the CSLL is the net profit specifically calculated for its payment purposes. The Social Contribution is levied on the legal persons and entities subject to the law of income tax, and it is intended to finance the social security system.
Further questions should be forwarded to the Brazilian Tax Authority (http://idg.receita.fazenda.gov.br/)
Brazilian Embassy in The Hague: http://haia.itamaraty.gov.br/
On the picture Mr. Johan Verboom, Deputy Director of the Europe department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A Charity event was organized on December 18th by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in favour of Serious Request. Every year 3 DJs of Radio 3FM go into the Glass House to raise money for charity. This time the collected money was destinated for the generation of the future in war and conflict areas under the slogan: “Keep them going”.For a photo album by Marian van Noort on the successful Bake Off, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157662541135720H. E. Mir-Hamza Efendiyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands together with two members of his staff.
During the event in The Hague homebaked products were sold by employees, friends, family and many contacts of the Ministry. It was a nice celebration where everybody met each other in a friendly atmosphere. Many went home with a remarkable amount of delicacies.
The guests got a warm welcome by Mr. Johan Verboom, Deputy Director of the Europe department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said to be surpised by the great support of so many people showing their compassion. Several embassadors came personally or sent representives. The guests enjoyed the tartes, cakes and cookies.
The result—more than expected—was € 1039.-
The Bel Air hotel has had a presence in The Hague’s hospitality market for more than four decades.
During this period, the hotel has accommodated numerous presidents, artists and other VIPs, and has hosted hundreds of National Days, diplomatic events and ceremonies. Since the hotel was sold in April 2014, it has undergone major renovation. As of 4 of January 2016, the hotel will become a proud member of the Marriott family – and the first Marriot-branded hotel in The Hague. Marriott is one of the largest and best-known hotel chains in the world and has a strong international reputation among business and leisure guests, alongside its standing as a first-class host for a wide variety of events.
According to the new General Manager, Mr Vincent Pahlplatz, choosing Marriot was simple: “Currently, we are investing heavily in the creation of a completely up-to-date hotel, which is well-equipped for any purpose of visit to The Hague. Not only are we fully renovating all 306 hotel rooms, but we are also creating additional meeting space, boardrooms, new public areas and an executive lounge for our VIP guests on the top floor. From this lounge we offer a spectacular view over the city and the sea. The Great Room on the ground floor will be the ideal location for guests and inhabitants of The Hague to meet, interact, wine and dine. “Our partnership with the Marriott brand enables us to reach out to all kinds of global travellers. Moreover, our guests can directly benefit from all that Marriott has to offer, such as a global loyalty program, easy booking and the meeting program, Meetings Imagined.”
Following renovation, the hotel will be the biggest in The Hague, with 306 fully renovated bedrooms including executive rooms, junior suites and the biggest Presidential Suite in the city. It will offer 18 meeting rooms, the A1 meeting room with Private Event Garden, the Great Room bar and several private dining rooms. Together with the Executive Lounge, gym and private parking space, this will be a unique venue for any event or stay.
Mr Pahlplatz added: “I believe that due to the changes we are currently making to the hotel, we will be even better-equipped than before to help our guests achieve their objectives. It is my personal objective, and that of the team, that we assist every guest in achieving their goals, be it a successful National Day, a wedding, a corporate event or dinner for two. All of this and more will be possible at The Hague Marriott.”
By Irene Pekaar.American School of The Hague is dedicated to supporting both a culturally and an educationally diverse student population. Offering a broad range of learning support services to its students, the school is one of the most well renowned international schools globally in terms of their approach to Inclusion.
As a member of the Next Frontier Inclusion (NFI), the School has dedicated itself to the belief that international schools should be inclusive and admit and provide programs for students with a range of learning abilities. American School of The Hague has allocated the resources necessary for the provision of these services, offering students with Special Needs through to the Gifted and Talented, the support and guidance needed to learn effectively and reach their own individual goals. Embracing each student’s differences and unique abilities adds greatly to the rich diversity of a school community.
Providing learning support to their culturally and educationally diverse population (with students from close to 80 nationalities) is something that the School has always undertaken – offering remediation and academic support within the grade level curriculum – enabling students to access the curriculum more easily. More recently, the School established dedicated Special Needs programs for the Elementary, Middle and High School from Grade 2 through to Grade 12 where students who have an identified intellectual/cognitive disability are taught by Special Education teachers in dedicated classrooms.
The curriculum focuses on functional academics and life skills taught in combination with the grade level curriculum. Throughout the day and depending on the interest and strengths of the individual, each student is encouraged to integrate into regular classes with their peers and also to learn to socialize with their peers at break times, over lunch, on school trips and away days.
Understanding the complexity of providing support for students with learning differences is something that needs thoughtful management and the student population at the school should be reflective of the wide range of learning abilities (mild, moderate and intensive) that is the makeup of our society.
The Learning Support team at American School of The Hague includes experienced professionals with specialized expertise in learning and intellectual disabilities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and evaluation and assessment.
These specialist teachers develop and guide student programs, modify the curriculum to make it accessible to each child, and ensure that students have the support needed for gaining greater independence and functional academic skills. In a small classroom environment students receive both individualized support as well as the maximum opportunities to be integrated into mainstream classes.
Looking at the full continuum of learning needs, the School also offers a Gifted and Talented program that aims to identify and support students with a demonstrated ‘gifted’ learning profile. Students identified as gifted have unique and challenging needs that are not easily met through differentiated instruction in the classroom and require a modified curriculum tailored to their individual academic abilities.
Learning Support teachers work in collaboration with classroom teachers to extend the curriculum through projects and advanced assignments and the Learning Support teachers meet regularly with students to facilitate planning of projects and skill development. Each student in the Gifted program has a Learning Support Plan that details the student’s present level of performance, recommended classroom accommodations and/or modifications, and learning goals. The School is currently expanding this Gifted and Talented program.
The commitment to being an Inclusive School is something that American School of The Hague prides itself on and it continues to dedicate the resources in terms of facilities and teaching specialists to further develop the services to all eligible students.
A quote from a student in mainstream classes: “We don’t notice who goes to special education class. We are all accepting everyone.”
The guests got a warm welcome by Mr. Johan Verboom, Deputy Director of the Europe department, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He said to be surpised by the great support of so many people showing their compassion. Several embassadors came personally or sent representives. The guests enjoyed the tartes, cakes and cookies.
The result—more than expected—was € 1039.-
“Our partnership with the Marriott brand enables us to reach out to all kinds of global travellers. Moreover, our guests can directly benefit from all that Marriott has to offer, such as a global loyalty program, easy booking and the meeting program, Meetings Imagined.”
Following renovation, the hotel will be the biggest in The Hague, with 306 fully renovated bedrooms including executive rooms, junior suites and the biggest Presidential Suite in the city. It will offer 18 meeting rooms, the A1 meeting room with Private Event Garden, the Great Room bar and several private dining rooms. Together with the Executive Lounge, gym and private parking space, this will be a unique venue for any event or stay.
Mr Pahlplatz added: “I believe that due to the changes we are currently making to the hotel, we will be even better-equipped than before to help our guests achieve their objectives. It is my personal objective, and that of the team, that we assist every guest in achieving their goals, be it a successful National Day, a wedding, a corporate event or dinner for two. All of this and more will be possible at The Hague Marriott.”
The curriculum focuses on functional academics and life skills taught in combination with the grade level curriculum. Throughout the day and depending on the interest and strengths of the individual, each student is encouraged to integrate into regular classes with their peers and also to learn to socialize with their peers at break times, over lunch, on school trips and away days.
Understanding the complexity of providing support for students with learning differences is something that needs thoughtful management and the student population at the school should be reflective of the wide range of learning abilities (mild, moderate and intensive) that is the makeup of our society.
The Learning Support team at American School of The Hague includes experienced professionals with specialized expertise in learning and intellectual disabilities, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and evaluation and assessment.
These specialist teachers develop and guide student programs, modify the curriculum to make it accessible to each child, and ensure that students have the support needed for gaining greater independence and functional academic skills. In a small classroom environment students receive both individualized support as well as the maximum opportunities to be integrated into mainstream classes.
Looking at the full continuum of learning needs, the School also offers a Gifted and Talented program that aims to identify and support students with a demonstrated ‘gifted’ learning profile. Students identified as gifted have unique and challenging needs that are not easily met through differentiated instruction in the classroom and require a modified curriculum tailored to their individual academic abilities.
Learning Support teachers work in collaboration with classroom teachers to extend the curriculum through projects and advanced assignments and the Learning Support teachers meet regularly with students to facilitate planning of projects and skill development. Each student in the Gifted program has a Learning Support Plan that details the student’s present level of performance, recommended classroom accommodations and/or modifications, and learning goals. The School is currently expanding this Gifted and Talented program.
The commitment to being an Inclusive School is something that American School of The Hague prides itself on and it continues to dedicate the resources in terms of facilities and teaching specialists to further develop the services to all eligible students.
A quote from a student in mainstream classes: “We don’t notice who goes to special education class. We are all accepting everyone.”