Ongwen case: the confirmation of charges hearing to be held at the seat of the ICC in The Hague
The Presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided 28 October 2015, that the confirmation of charges hearing in the case concerning Dominic Ongwen, scheduled for 21 January 2016, shall be held at the seat of the Court at The Hague (Netherlands).
On 10 September 2015, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II had recommended to the ICC Presidency that that holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda would be desirable and in the interests of justice. Following consultations with the Ugandan authorities, the ICC Presidency received an updated assessment from the Court’s Registry on the feasibility of holding the confirmation of charges hearing in Uganda.
The ICC Presidency noted the excellent co‑operation of Uganda in assisting the Registry with the preparation of its preliminary and final assessments. The Presidency noted also that there would be a number of benefits to holding the hearing in Uganda as in principle this would contribute to a better perception of the Court and bring the proceedings closer to the communities affected by the alleged crimes.
However, the Presidency noted particularly the possibility, expressed by Uganda itself, that political tensions may increase during an upcoming electoral period, especially during January 2016, which may have an adverse impact on the Court. The Presidency also noted operational limitations, in particular concerns that holding proceedings in Uganda would significantly impact the Court’s resources during its move to its permanent premises scheduled for December 2015. For these reasons, the ICC Presidency found that the potential benefits of holding the confirmation hearing in Uganda in January 2016 are outweighed by the significant risks
The confirmation of charges hearing in respect of Dominic Ongwen is scheduled to commence on 21 January 2016 and is expected to last three to no more than five working days. The confirmation of charges hearing is not a trial. It is a Pre-Trial hearing held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit the case for trial before a Trial Chamber.
Decision on the recommendation to the Presidency to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in the Republic of UgandaBackground: Dominic Ongwen was the alleged Brigade Commander of the Sinia Brigade of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
On 8 July 2005, ICC Judges issued an arrest warrant against Mr Ongwen for 3 counts of crimes against humanity (murder; enslavement; inhumane acts of inflicting serious bodily injury and suffering) and 4 counts of war crimes (murder; cruel treatment of civilians; intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population; pillaging) allegedly committed on or about 20 May 2004 at the Lukodi IDP Camp in the Gulu District. On 16 January 2015, Dominic Ongwen was surrendered to the ICC’s custody and transferred to the ICC Detention Centre on 21 January 2015.
His initial appearance before the Court took place on 26 January 2015.
On 26 and 27 October 2015, the International Criminal Court (ICC) hosted at the seat of the Court in The Hague a workshop on cooperation and financial investigations. The workshop was an opportunity for participants, which included experts from 13 countries and 6 international organisations, to discuss operational measures and find solutions for cooperation challenges when working with the ICC to conduct financial investigations.
On 26 October, the workshop was launched with introductory remarks by ICC Registrar Herman von Hebel, ICC Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart, Senior Adviser of the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations Jörn Oliver Eiermann, and Director of International Centre for Asset Recovery (ICAR)/Basel Institute Gretta Fenner.
Discussions were then lead by ICC staff from the Office of the Prosecutor and Registry on the Court’s mandate, legal framework and procedure in tracing, seizing, freezing and forfeiting assets of an ICC suspect or accused. Participants then explored avenues for cooperation in these actions, whether through States Parties, intergovernmental organizations, financial intelligence units or other actors.
On 27 October, participants discussed three specific scenarios in depth, in which the ICC would request cooperation at different stages of ICC proceedings. The scenarios involved different levels of information required depending on whether the request was in regard to tracing, seizing, freezing or forfeiting the assets. This exercise helped to clarify and pinpoint solutions to practical challenges faced when cooperating. The workshop concluded by identifying two main action points: first, for the ICC to continue explaining to States Parties the specificities of its mandate in relation to financial investigations, and second, for the ICC and States Parties to develop regular bilateral contacts with the aim of finding ways to improve cooperation in the field of financial investigations.
This workshop was made possible by the Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations, the International Centre for Asset Recovery, and the European Commission. The ICC thanks these organisations as well as all workshop participants, and looks forward to improved cooperation going forward.
The Cultural Department of Guangdong Province, China Information Office, and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, presented one of the most outstanding spectacles of the year at Diligentia Theatre.
For a photo album on the show by Hester Dijkstra, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157658144062663The performance showcased the dancers of Guangdong to an almost full theatre, regaling us with magnificent music and dances and the way tea is part of every Chinese person’s life.From September 21 to October 9, the city of Den Haag hosted the First China Cultural Festival. That Pot of Tea in Chaoshan is a collective dance that shows the traditional daily life in Chaoshan, an area of Guangdong province.It was not a story about the tea ceremony, as the name suggests, but above all assimilating the old life and customs of Chaoshan people to the profound implication of the tea. The dance invites the audience to taste the sweetness and bitterness of our life through the tea.Always reflecting about our existence in the pot of tea, the first part of the show was dedicated to life: “No matter how big or tiny happiness that life has brought us, how anguished or desperate our fates are, life always gives us endless aftertaste.” Several other chapters of the first act were titled “Memories at the well” and “Female embroiderers”. The second part was dedicated to the hometown and how the pot of tea represents affection and our souvenirs of the homeland: “Wherever we are, we will be surrounded by affection when we hold the tea in hands. We will raise limitless courage and wisdom to go forward with the scent that always comes into our dreams.” Second act pieces included: “Songs of overseas Chaoshan people”, “Fragrance of ladies with flowers” and “Sending Gods away”.All in all, a brilliant performance, great dancers, and a magnificent production. What a prime way to promote Guangdong!
The trial of Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé to open on 28 January 2016.
Today, 28 October 2015, Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC) rescheduled the trial’s opening statements in the case The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé , initially scheduled on 10 November 2015, to 28 January 2016.
On 27 October 2015, the Defence team for Mr Gbagbo submitted a request asking the Judges to order the attendance of the three experts appointed by the Chamber to provide their respective reports on Mr Gbagbo’s current heath condition, in order to provide the parties an opportunity to question the experts. The Chamber recalled that the purpose of ordering the medical examination was to facilitate the adjudication of any issues as to Mr Gbagbo’s fitness to stand trial, as well as any practical modalities needed to facilitate his attendance at trial.
After examining the Defence’s request and the Prosecution’s observations, the Chamber decided to grant the Defence’s request and scheduled a hearing on 10 to 12 November. In light of this, and considering the Chamber’s obligation to carefully evaluate and consider the reports submitted by the appointed experts, as well as the parties’ observations in this regard, the Chamber re-scheduled opening statements to start on 28 January 2016.
The trial was initially scheduled to commence on 10 November 2015 and the Office of the Prosecutor was to start its presentation of evidence in January 2016. The Chamber considered, in its decision today, that the new schedule is without prejudice to Mr Gbagbo and Mr Blé Goudé as the Prosecution shall commence with the presentation of its evidence directly after the opening statements in January 2016.
Decision granting the request of the Gbagbo Defence and re-scheduling opening statements
Background: Laurent Gbagbo, former President of Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered to the ICC on 30 November 2011 and he first appeared before the Pre-Trial Chamber on 5 December 2011. On 12 June 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed, by majority, four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution) against Laurent Gbagbo and committed him for trial before a Trial Chamber.
Charles Blé Goudé, born on 1 January 1972 in Niagbrahio, Côte d’Ivoire, was surrendered on 22 March 2014 to the ICC by the national authorities of Côte d´Ivoire following a warrant of arrest issued by the ICC on 21 December 2011. On 11 December 2014, Pre-Trial Chamber I confirmed four charges of crimes against humanity (murder, rape, other inhumane acts or – in the alternative – attempted murder, and persecution) against Charles Blé Goudé and committed him to trial before a Trial Chamber.
The crimes were allegedly committed in Côte d’Ivoire, between 16 December 2010 and on or around 12 April 2011.
Picture by Peter Potman, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minbuza).5 October 2015, Kingdom of the Netherlands: Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands have marked 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Although the contacts between Laos and The Netherlands are quite old, they have been and remain limited diplomatically, economically as well as the people-to-people exchanges. However one should know that the very first European to meet a Laotian monarch, King Souligna Vongsa of Lan Xang (then the name of Laos) was the Dutchman Gerrit van Wuysthoff from the United East Indies Company (VOC) in 1641. The major fields of collaboration between Laos and The Netherlands occur at EU level since 2003 when The Netherlands cut off development aid to the Asian country; in any case such aid was limited to sustainable forestry and human rights. The Royal Dutch embassy in Thailand is co-accredited to Laos whereas the mission of Laos responsible for The Netherlands is based in Brussels. However there is a Dutch honorary consul in Vientiane, Ms Megan Ritchie. Yet Laos has no consulate in The Netherlands. For more information:Embassy of Laos to the Benelux countries, the EU and the Nordic countries (HE Ambassador BOUNTEUM Khamkheuang): www.ambalao.beRoyal Dutch Embassy to Thailand: http://thailand.nlambassade.org/organizationDutch Honorary Consul in Vientiane: http://thailand.nlambassade.org/organization/honorair-consulaten-thailand/honorair-consulaat-in-vientiane.html
On the picture The King of the Belgians and President Andrzej Duda Poland.By Baron Henri Estramant.13-16 October 2015: A Belgian state visit was paid to the Republic of Poland, the second after the enthronement of King Philippus of the Belgians. The first one was to the PRC. The delegation included not least than 150 prominent personalities. Including the Flemish Premier Geert Bourgeois, its Wallonian counterpart Paul Magnette, the Minister-President of Brussels Capital Region, Rudi Vervoort, the President of the French-speaking Community Rudy Demotte as well as the German-speaking Community, Oliver Paasch, moreover representatives from Belgian universities and numerous CEOs. Main criteria for participation was the commercial presence in the Polish market. The Belgian Royal Couple was warmly welcomed at the Court of Honour at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw by the Polish presidential couple. The ceremony was followed by bilateral talks between the two heads of state, and a ceremony to lay a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier, a meeting with the Speaker of the Diet, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska and of the Senate, Bogdan Borusewicz. The day ended with a state banquet. Presidential and Royal couples. Photography by Andrzej Hrechorowicz.The second day’s highlight was a “Investment Power Lunch” attended by the heads of state, Belgian investors and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Janusz Piechociński. Thereafter a conference on the mobility of Polish and Belgian students took place much as a seminary on innovation, sciences and life. Likewise the Belgian royals visited the site of Warsaw Spire, a Polish-Belgian real estate project led by Ghelamco, and due to become the largest skyscraper of Warsaw. On their last day in Poland Their Majesties paid a visit to the Warsaw Uprising Museum as well as to the Chopin Museum and the Museum of History of Polish Jews (POLIN). It should be noted that HM Queen Mathilde of the Belgians is of maternal Polish extraction, her mother being Countess Anna Maria d’Udekem d’Acoz (née Countess Anna Maria Komorowska in Białogard, Poland). During the Communist period one uncle, Count Tadeusz Bór-Komorowski (1966- 1985) served as Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile. For more information:Polish Presidency: www.president.pl/en/Belgian Monarchy: http://monarchie.be/fr/actualitesPolish Ministry of Economy: www.mg.gov.pl/Embassy of Poland to Belgium, HE Ambassador Artur Harazim: http://www.bruksela.msz.gov.pl/fr/polish_embassy_in_Belgium
Embassy of Poland in The Hague, H. E. Ambassador Jan Borkowski:
http://www.haga.msz.gov.pl/en/
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
World Trade Center –WTC- The Hague, hosted an information session and luncheon for recently accredited Ambassadors to the Netherlands. The event was held at the WTC on Friday 8 October 2015.
Mr. Frans Engering, Chairman of the Foundation WTC The Hague, gave a short introduction which was followed by meetings with key personalities of top level trade and investment promotion institutions. The aim of these meetings was to enable Embassies to respond effectively to requests from their home country pertaining to doing business with the Netherlands.
The participating institutions were:
Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion (NCH). – West Holland Foreign Investment Agency (WFIA). – Confederation of Netherlands Industries (VNO NCW) – Innovation Quarter – Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) – International Affairs of the City of The Hague and the embassies from India with Ambassador J.S. Mukul, Australia with Ambassador Brett Mason, Sudan with Ambassador Mrs Rahma Salih, Eritrea with Ambassador Negassi Kassa Tekle, Slovakia with Ambassador Roman Buzek, Sri Lanka with Ambassador Adam Sadiq, President of the WTC The Hague, Ambassador Frans Engering, Director of NCH, Dr Jan Siemons. General Manager of the WTC The Hague, Mrs Eveline Steenbergen, Director International Affairs Gemeente Den Haag, Mrs Elisabeth Minnemann and some other diplomats and organisations.
Chairman Frans Engering. towards the end of his exposé, asked individual Ambassadors specific questions e.g. “I have noticed your country will be organizing large-scale [trade] matchmaking events in November. Can you please tell us a bit more about these events”
In conclusion Ambassadors were offered a complimentary WTC The Hague membership card and a voucher which entitles Embassies to make use of WTC conference rooms for half a day, free of charge. The event was a joint effort by WTC and Mr. Andrew van Esch of Dæsch Creative Concepts.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
H.E. Ittiporn Boonpracong, Ambassador for the Kingdom of Thailand to the Netherlands welcomed fellow Ambassadors, a Thai parliamentarian and friends to the Thai Residence for “An Evening with Dr. Surin Pitsuwan to share experiences on Sustainable Development” on Tuesday 20 October 2015.
H.E. Ittiporn Boonpracong welcome the guest.Dr. Surin Pitswan is a former ASEAN Secretary-General and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
In a vivid introduction by the host Ambassador Ittiporn Boonpracong, highlighted Dr, Surin Pitsuwan’s impressive palmarès. The guest of honor subsequently delivered an appealing expose. With his deep warm voice, posture and calmness, the orator Pitsuwan captured and retained the attention of his audience.
Dr.Pitsuwan disclosed, Sufficient Economy Philosophy (SEP) is the brainchild of Thailand enlightened monarch H.M. King Bhumobol.The philosophy, is focused on living a moderate, self-dependent life without greed or overexploitation of natural resources.
Dr. Pitsuwan stated, SEP could serve as a model to many communities, states and countries around the world looking for an alternative way of moving forward in the process of globalization. According to Dr. Pitsuwan there is no one size fit all, each community should look at what is suitable.
Dr. Pitsuwan a savvy on the matter, elaborated on the impacts of the philosophy in promoting sustainable development among people, entrepreneurs and governments.
Dr. Surin Pitswan at the Thai Residence.
He touched on the scarcity of water, depleted water basins. Water is an essential commodity in agriculture, He furthermore stressed that farmers in the Thai highland should return to their plots and cultivate edible crops instead of growing illicit drugs that is causing havoc in Europe and elsewhere.
Sufficient Economy Philosophy is one way to eradicate poverty. It is instrumental in conserving our environment, combat crime and get out of debt.
Dr Pitsuwan urged the Ambassadors and diplomats present to report to their government back home. Ambassadors he says are in a privileged position to bring about global changes such eradication of poverty and the saving of our planet.
Earlier the same day The Hague Institute was pleased to welcome Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Chairman of Future Innovative Thailand Institute, for a discussion on The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy: Contribution to the Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The evening with the illustrious Dr. Surin Pitsuwan concluded with a Q&A session and the traditional Thai hospitality, a buffet.
Picture courtesy of Karirima A. Ngarambe.
By Roy Lie A Tjam. Photography courtesy of Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
The Embassy Art Exhibition 2015 commenced its second week on Wednesday October 21st.
The exhibition is the initiative of Diplomat Magazine and Gallery Patries van Dorst under the patronage of Vimpelcom. A large and diverse audience made its way to Landgoed De Wittenburg, Wassenaar to admire works of artists from Bangladesh, Kenya, Kosovo, Rwanda, and Tunisia.
For a photo album on the second vernissage of Embassy Art Exhibition 2015, please click here:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157657953003403
Also: http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/over-ons/embassy-art-exhibtion/Ambassador of Tunisia H. E. Karim Ben Becher, Patrice van Dorst, Ambassador of Iraq H. E. Dr. Saad A. Ibrahim Al Ali, Ambassador of Morocco H.E. Abdelouahab Bellouki and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia H.E. Abdulaziz Abdullah Abdulaziz Abohaimed.
Following the welcome remarks by Diplomat Magazine and Gallery Patries van Dorst, the ambassadors of exhibiting countries expressed their gratitude for participating in the marvellous art exposition and subsequently introduced the artist and their works.
On show were works by: Jakub Ferri (Kosovo); Carel Richter, Laila Sharmeen, Anika Mariam Ahmed (Bangladesh); Choki Ben Amor, Taoufik Kerkeni, Houcine Bouchiba (Tunisia); Alice Gahunga-Durand (Rwanda), and Omosh Kindeh (Kenya).
Ambassador of Bangladesh Sheikh Mohammed Belal and wife Dr. Dilruba Nasrin together with Ambassador of Albania H.E. Adia Sakiqi.
Ambassador Vjosa Dobruna of Kosovo invited Jakub Ferri; unfortunately, he could not be present. Jakub Ferri is a young lad, who expresses life from the prospective of a Kosovar youngster.
H. E. Vjosa Dobruna Ambassador of Kosovo and Carel Reisch from Patrice van Dorst Gallery.
Especially for the occasion, the ambassador proudly showed her authentic Kosovar outfit.
She recounted the good life young people live back home and divulged breaking news: UNESCO’s executive board has voted to put Kosovo’s bid for membership to a final vote at its general conference in November 2015.
Carel Reisch and H. E. Dziunik Aghajanian Ambassador of Armenia.
Ambassador of Bangladesh Sheikh Mohammed Belal introduced Bangladeshi artists including Carel Richter, a Dutch diplomat who was stationed in Bangladesh.
Carel Richter stated: “Today, I am not a Dutch man, neither am I a diplomat. I am an artist who tries to express the daily life and culture of Bangladesh in my works.” The ambassador remarked that he is probably the only one without a clue about paintings, but is grateful each time he sees his Mona Lisa, his wife.
The Tunisian ambassador, H. E. Karim Ben Becher, invited Tunisian artists living in the Netherlands to showcase their works of art. He thanked the artists and lauded them for their great work.
Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga of Rwanda briefly introduced Alice Gahunga-Durand and let the artist explain her works.
Alice was assisted by her daughter, who interpreted from French to English. She explained that the style of art stems from centuries ago and is called imigingo.
Alice uses several techniques in her creations similar to her endeavours to advocate interculturalism, the blending of cultures. By blending materials, Alice tries to modernize traditional African art.
Environmentally conscious as she is, Alice is an advocate of recycling. She creates her abstract paintings and objects by using recycled materials, such as African acrylic fabric scraps, paper towel, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or any other recyclable material. To Alice, beauty is hidden in everything; beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
From left to right: Ms. Imen Getti from Embassy of Tunisia, Mrs. Najat Bellouki, spouse of the Ambassador of Morocco, Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires of Lebanon, and Mrs. Rym Ben Becher, spouse of Ambassador of Tunisia.
From Kenya, we had the pleasure of learning about the artist Omosh Kindeh, who passed away about two months ago at the age of 35 . His paintings were produced during his stint in the Netherlands, which is why they demonstrate the Netherlands landscape from the eyes of a Kenyan artist.
A close collaborator of Omosh was present. He explained that Omosh Kindeh’s works portray Kenya as is; laid back, calm and peaceful in mind.
Rafaat Al Khayali, Embassy of Jordan, Zeineb Zouaoui Director of the Tunisian Tourism Office and Yadh ben Massaoud Tunisian student on International Law PHD.
All items at the exposition could be purchased. The exhibitors hoped the visitors appreciated the exposition featuring their country’s art, culture as well as the array.
Next week Embassy Art Exhibition will feature Pakistan Slovenia, Georgia and Iran.
For Information: http://www.patriesvandorst.nl/over-ons/embassy-art-exhibtion/
From September 21 to October 9, the city of Den Haag hosted the First China Cultural Festival. That Pot of Tea in Chaoshan is a collective dance that shows the traditional daily life in Chaoshan, an area of Guangdong province.
It was not a story about the tea ceremony, as the name suggests, but above all assimilating the old life and customs of Chaoshan people to the profound implication of the tea. The dance invites the audience to taste the sweetness and bitterness of our life through the tea.
Always reflecting about our existence in the pot of tea, the first part of the show was dedicated to life: “No matter how big or tiny happiness that life has brought us, how anguished or desperate our fates are, life always gives us endless aftertaste.” Several other chapters of the first act were titled “Memories at the well” and “Female embroiderers”.
The second part was dedicated to the hometown and how the pot of tea represents affection and our souvenirs of the homeland: “Wherever we are, we will be surrounded by affection when we hold the tea in hands.
We will raise limitless courage and wisdom to go forward with the scent that always comes into our dreams.”
Second act pieces included: “Songs of overseas Chaoshan people”, “Fragrance of ladies with flowers” and “Sending Gods away”.
All in all, a brilliant performance, great dancers, and a magnificent production. What a prime way to promote Guangdong!
From September 21 to October 9, the city of Den Haag hosted the First China Cultural Festival. That Pot of Tea in Chaoshan is a collective dance that shows the traditional daily life in Chaoshan, an area of Guangdong province.
It was not a story about the tea ceremony, as the name suggests, but above all assimilating the old life and customs of Chaoshan people to the profound implication of the tea. The dance invites the audience to taste the sweetness and bitterness of our life through the tea.
Always reflecting about our existence in the pot of tea, the first part of the show was dedicated to life: “No matter how big or tiny happiness that life has brought us, how anguished or desperate our fates are, life always gives us endless aftertaste.” Several other chapters of the first act were titled “Memories at the well” and “Female embroiderers”.
The second part was dedicated to the hometown and how the pot of tea represents affection and our souvenirs of the homeland: “Wherever we are, we will be surrounded by affection when we hold the tea in hands.
We will raise limitless courage and wisdom to go forward with the scent that always comes into our dreams.”
Second act pieces included: “Songs of overseas Chaoshan people”, “Fragrance of ladies with flowers” and “Sending Gods away”.
All in all, a brilliant performance, great dancers, and a magnificent production. What a prime way to promote Guangdong!
The participating institutions were:
Netherlands Council for Trade Promotion (NCH). – West Holland Foreign Investment Agency (WFIA). – Confederation of Netherlands Industries (VNO NCW) – Innovation Quarter – Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) – International Affairs of the City of The Hague and the embassies from India with Ambassador J.S. Mukul, Australia with Ambassador Brett Mason, Sudan with Ambassador Mrs Rahma Salih, Eritrea with Ambassador Negassi Kassa Tekle, Slovakia with Ambassador Roman Buzek, Sri Lanka with Ambassador Adam Sadiq, President of the WTC The Hague, Ambassador Frans Engering, Director of NCH, Dr Jan Siemons. General Manager of the WTC The Hague, Mrs Eveline Steenbergen, Director International Affairs Gemeente Den Haag, Mrs Elisabeth Minnemann and some other diplomats and organisations.
Chairman Frans Engering. towards the end of his exposé, asked individual Ambassadors specific questions e.g. “I have noticed your country will be organizing large-scale [trade] matchmaking events in November. Can you please tell us a bit more about these events”
In conclusion Ambassadors were offered a complimentary WTC The Hague membership card and a voucher which entitles Embassies to make use of WTC conference rooms for half a day, free of charge. The event was a joint effort by WTC and Mr. Andrew van Esch of Dæsch Creative Concepts.
Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga of Rwanda briefly introduced Alice Gahunga-Durand and let the artist explain her works.
Alice was assisted by her daughter, who interpreted from French to English. She explained that the style of art stems from centuries ago and is called imigingo.
Alice uses several techniques in her creations similar to her endeavours to advocate interculturalism, the blending of cultures. By blending materials, Alice tries to modernize traditional African art.
Environmentally conscious as she is, Alice is an advocate of recycling. She creates her abstract paintings and objects by using recycled materials, such as African acrylic fabric scraps, paper towel, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or any other recyclable material. To Alice, beauty is hidden in everything; beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Ambassador Jean Pierre Karabaranga of Rwanda briefly introduced Alice Gahunga-Durand and let the artist explain her works.
Alice was assisted by her daughter, who interpreted from French to English. She explained that the style of art stems from centuries ago and is called imigingo.
Alice uses several techniques in her creations similar to her endeavours to advocate interculturalism, the blending of cultures. By blending materials, Alice tries to modernize traditional African art.
Environmentally conscious as she is, Alice is an advocate of recycling. She creates her abstract paintings and objects by using recycled materials, such as African acrylic fabric scraps, paper towel, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, or any other recyclable material. To Alice, beauty is hidden in everything; beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.
