Uzbekistan’s experience on civil society development discussed in Tashkent
On the picture H. E. Vladimir Norov Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Belgium and to the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Tashkent July 29-30, 2015. An international roundtable discussion entitled “Bolstering the role and importance of civil society institutions in democratic renewal and modernization of the country: the experience of Uzbekistan and international practice” was organized by the National Association of Nongovernmental and Nonprofit Organizations (NNOs) of Uzbekistan, the Independent Institute for Monitoring the Formation of Civil Society and the Public Fund under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as their foreign partners the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the Office of OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan.
The forum was attended by members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, the deputies of Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, Kengashes (Councils) of People’s Deputies of the regions and the city of Tashkent, experts and scholars of educational, research and public organizations, representatives of international and foreign organizations accredited in Uzbekistan, international experts in the field of civil society organizations from Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, South Korea, India, Turkey and other countries, as well as journalists.
The event’s agenda included a detailed deliberation on Uzbekistan’s experience in supporting the advancement of civil society institutions and NNOs in the country, the measures spearheaded to boost their role and importance in nation-building and public affairs, elaboration and implementation of legislation, the crucial state programs designed to shore up socio-political, socio-economic and human development.
The forum participants stressed the effectiveness of the five principles making up the Uzbek Model of Development and the Strategy “From a strong state to a strong civil society” well-known around the world.
It was emphasized during the roundtable discussion that a framework for regulating the activities of NNOs, comprising more than 200 legislative acts and meeting the latest democratic requirements and international standards, has been created in Uzbekistan on the basis of the Constitution.
As part of measures to secure the independent development of civil society institutions, bolster their role and place in nation-building, provide for a balance of interests in the society, safeguard democratic values, human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests, the laws “On Social Associations in the Republic of Uzbekistan”, “On Labor Unions, Rights and Guarantees of Their Activity”, “On Nongovernmental Nonprofit Organizations”, “On Public Funds”, “On Guarantees of Activity of Nongovernmental Nonprofit Organizations” and a number of other acts of legislation have been passed in Uzbekistan in this area.
From year to year the contribution of NNOs to implementation of major state social and economic programs, including the program “Year of attention and care for the senior generation”, the program of job creation and providing employment for population, the program for further strengthening of reproductive health, maternal health, children and teenagers in Uzbekistan for 2014-2018, the program of action for the protection of environment of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2013-2017 and others.
Leaders and activists of NNOs are members of more than 40 permanent national inter-ministerial committees, councils, working groups, which created in accordance with the acts of the President, the Government and the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
Since 2013, the Cabinet of Ministers with the active participation of NNOs on annual basis developed and implemented joint plans and programs for the development of civil society institutions. In 2013, in the framework of joint events, measures taken to improve the information and organizational activities of NNOs, in 2014 the events aimed at improving their social and socio-economic activity, in 2015 Complex plan of activities of the Cabinet of Ministers aimed at strengthening social partnership between the government and NNOs.
In general, measures to improve the institutional and legal framework of activities of civil society, which implemented in the country, reflected both in quantitative and qualitative indicators of development.
If in 1991 only 95 NNOs functioned in the country, by 2000 their number has increased to 2585, from 2000 to 2010 the number of NNOs has increased more than 2 times and reached the level of 5431. Over the past four years, a similar increase recorded and as of January 1, 2015, the number of NNOs in Uzbekistan has reached a point of 8190.
Mediterranean Developments
Update from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on arrivals of migrants by sea in the Mediterranean, based on data from IOM in Greece, Malta, Rome and Spain.
Arrivals by sea and deaths in the Mediterranean, 1 January – 11 August, 2015
IOM Staff in Southern Italy reports that landings may occur in the following hours and days.
IOM staff is deployed at the main landing points in Sicily (including Lampedusa island), Calabria and Apulia and provides legal assistance to those arriving by sea, monitors the reception conditions and supports the authorities in the identification of vulnerable groups.
A total of 170,100 refugees arrived in Italy in 2014; up to July 2015 94,191 already arrived to Italy.
In Greece a total of 34,442 refugees arrived by sea in 2014, 93,100 already arrived to Greece in 2015.
More information: www.iom.int
| Country of Arrival | Arrivals | Deaths |
| Italy | 101,829 | 1,956
(Central Med route) |
| Malta | 94 | |
| Greece | 93,100 | 61
(Eastern Med route) |
| Spain | 2,166 | 23
(Western Med and Western African routes) |
| Estimated Total | 197,189 | 2,040 |
The Political Economy of the Extractive Imperative in Latin America
ISS-CEDLA Conference: The Political Economy of the Extractive Imperative in Latin America: Reducing Poverty and Inequality vs. Ensuring Inclusion and Sustainability?
By Mete Erdurcan.
The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) recently organised, together with the Centre for Latin American Research and Documentation (CEDLA), a workshop on extractivism in Latin America hosted by Murat Arsel and Lorenzo Pellegrini, lecturers at the ISS.
Different speakers from around the world were gathered in the ISS, in The Hague, to discuss and present on their expertise in various aspects of topics related to extractivism, such as mining, indigenous people, and (non-) renewable resources. Due to the number of academic research, the workshop started at 09:00 and ended at 18:30; most of them honoured to present their findings.
The second round of the parallel session had as guest speaker Carlos Zorrilla, an activist from Defense and Conservation of Intag (DECOIN).
He presented his lecture ‘When defending your community becomes a high crime: trials and tribulations of standing up to extractivism in Ecuador’. He described his experience in Ecuador with his struggle for the preservation of the nature in the surroundings of his home.
88th Anniversary of the Founding of China’s PLA
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Military, Naval and Air Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo, hosted a reception at the Embassy of China on 30 July 2015 to celebrate the 88th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. Chen Xu, and his team were also present to welcome and talk with the many guests.
For a photo album on the 88 anniversary founding Liberation Army of China please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656274508890
In his address, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo reviewed the achievements of the PLA in the past 88 years and elaborated on the peaceful development of China.
He briefly introduced the newly-published white paper on China’s Military Strategy, and reaffirmed that the strategy is defensive in nature. He highlighted the international contributions that China’s military has made around the world this year: in the fight against Ebola in west Africa, rescue work in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake, a peace-keeping mission in South Sudan, along with other missions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the world.
On the topic of Sino-Dutch military relations, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo observed that the first-ever visit of Chinese naval ships to the Netherlands in January this year had brought new life to bilateral military ties between the two countries. He also expressed his belief that ongoing exchanges and cooperation will be perpetuated in the years ahead, to great mutual benefit.
Notably present was General Tom Middendorp, Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, who spoke highly of the current Sino-Dutch military relationship and expressed respect and admiration for China’s active contributions to international peace and stability.
H. E. Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Director General of OPCW, was also in attendance, alongside many diplomats and senior figures from The Hague’s international and Chinese communities, all of whom enjoyed the reception.
For a photo album on the 88 anniversary founding Liberation Army of China please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157656274508890
In his address, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo reviewed the achievements of the PLA in the past 88 years and elaborated on the peaceful development of China.
He briefly introduced the newly-published white paper on China’s Military Strategy, and reaffirmed that the strategy is defensive in nature. He highlighted the international contributions that China’s military has made around the world this year: in the fight against Ebola in west Africa, rescue work in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake, a peace-keeping mission in South Sudan, along with other missions aimed at promoting peace and stability in the world.
On the topic of Sino-Dutch military relations, Senior Colonel Wang Jingguo observed that the first-ever visit of Chinese naval ships to the Netherlands in January this year had brought new life to bilateral military ties between the two countries. He also expressed his belief that ongoing exchanges and cooperation will be perpetuated in the years ahead, to great mutual benefit.
Notably present was General Tom Middendorp, Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of the Netherlands, who spoke highly of the current Sino-Dutch military relationship and expressed respect and admiration for China’s active contributions to international peace and stability.
H. E. Mr. Ahmet Uzumcu, Director General of OPCW, was also in attendance, alongside many diplomats and senior figures from The Hague’s international and Chinese communities, all of whom enjoyed the reception.
International Water Conference in Jordan
Attend the most renown International Water Conference, Water and development congress & exhibition.
Achieving Water Security for Sustainable Growth is a major global challenge. Delivering the much needed change will not occur without motivated and dedicated people inspiring and steering it.
Water and development congress & exhibition to be held in Jordan from October 18 to October 22, 2015.
This leading conference on water security for sustainable development brings together international experts, government delegations, world-leading institutions, companies and organisations involved in the development of clean, safe drinking water and sanitation services.
It is a unique opportunity to be in contact with over 1000 delegates and visitors drawn from a wide range of organisations working across all aspects of the water cycle, from more than 70 countries worldwide.
For additional information please click here: http://iwa-network.org/WDCE2015/
Myanmar joins the OPCW
Myanmar joins the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Myanmar today became the 191st State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as the Convention entered into force for the country.
“Myanmar’s accession brings the CWC closer to universal adherence and to achieving a world free of chemical weapons. The Convention continues to be the singular multilateral instrument for chemical disarmament, and its universal acceptance is an absolute priority for the OPCW. It is essential that the States still outside the CWC join as soon as possible,” said the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.
The number of States not Party to the Convention is now reduced to five, namely Angola, Egypt, Israel, North Korea and South Sudan.
Myanmar deposited its instrument of ratification to the CWC on 8 July 2015, with the Convention entering into force 30 days following this step.
Iceland’s Prime Minister in Brussels
On the picture Primer Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson and President Jean-Claude Juncker.
Photography by European-Council.
By Martin Kammandel. Iceland’s Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson paid a visit to the EU institutions on 10 July 2015. The first visit of the Icelandic head of government since the Nordic country terminated accession talks with the EU in March, where he met with President of the European Council Donald Tusk as well as the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. At the meetings, Iceland’s new positions vis-à-vis the EU were discussed, the cooperation between Iceland and the EU in the Arctic regions, and through the EEA. Iceland possesses one mission based in Brussels accredited to the EU, the Benelux countries, Switzerland and San Marino. It is headed since late 2014 by HE Ambassador Bergdís Ellertsdóttir. For more information: Prime Minister of Iceland: http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/ Mission of Iceland to the EU: www.iceland.is/iceland-abroad/be/Canada Day in Belgium
On the picture Ambassador Denis Robert delivering his speech on Canadian-Belgian relations .
The latter united three British colonies into the “Dominion of Canada”, that is, the existing United Province of Canada was split into the provinces of Ontario and Québec whereas New Brunswick and Nova Scotia became provinces of the newly established realm.
The holiday’s name was “Dominion Day” up to 1982 when the name was changed to “Canada Day” by parliamentary decision.
Belgium’s Princess Astrid is due to head an economic mission to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta between 24 and 31 October 2015.
For more information:
Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=28
Photography by Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg.
To celebrate Canada Day in Belgium, His Excellency Ambassador Denis Robert, hosted a reception at the prestigious Cercle de Lorraine in Brussels on Wednesday, 1 July 2015.
Canada Day or Fête du Canada in the French language, is a federal statutory holiday marking the birth of the country on 1 July 1867 through the enactment of the British North America Act, 1867 (today referred to as Constitution Act, 1867).
The latter united three British colonies into the “Dominion of Canada”, that is, the existing United Province of Canada was split into the provinces of Ontario and Québec whereas New Brunswick and Nova Scotia became provinces of the newly established realm.
The holiday’s name was “Dominion Day” up to 1982 when the name was changed to “Canada Day” by parliamentary decision.
Belgium’s Princess Astrid is due to head an economic mission to the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta between 24 and 31 October 2015.
For more information:
Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg:
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/belgium-belgique/bilateral_relations_bilaterales/index.aspx?lang=eng&menu_id=28
Ambassador Descarrega García back in Andorra
Photography by gov.si
The Ambassador of the Principality of Andorra to the Benelux countries, Germany, Slovenia and Head of Mission to the EU and the OPCW, Ms. Eva Descarrega García, has left her post in Brussels to become Secretary of State for Justice and Home Affairs in her homeland. This being the first non-diplomatic position for the career diplomat of 18 years.
Secretary of State Eva Descarrega García led the Andorran missions in Brussels between 2011 and 2015. Previous to that she worked as Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 1997 and 2000 she had already served as First Secretary at the missions in Brussels.
Incumbent chargé d’affaires in Brussels for Andorra is Second Secretary Mr. Jeroni Estopiñán Pascual. The new head of mission ought to be Ms. Maria Ubach Font, hitherto Ambassador to the French Republic and Permanent Representative to UNESCO and La Francophonie.
For more information:
Andorran Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.exteriors.ad/ca/inici/40-continguts-catala/representacions-diplomatiques?start=12
Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs: www.govern.ad/ministeri-de-justicia-i-interior
Peru National Day celebration 2015
On the picture H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The occasion was the National day of Peru, the Ambassador H.E. Mr. Carlos Herrera and his spouse Veronique Miclea, hosted a reception at their residence in Wassenaar.
The date was Tuesday July 28, 2015. On this day the Republic of Peru celebrates the end of war (General Jose de San Martin) that lead to its independence from Spain.
The pleasant atmosphere was enjoyed by all. In his welcome remarks Ambassador draw the attention of his guest to the ongoing exhibition on the terrace and garden of his residence. Works by the renowned Dutch sculptor Like Mutal are on display. Like Mutal lives and works at various places in the world; New York, Peru.
Due the inclement weather the envisaged Peruvian dance demonstration had to be annulled. However, as indicated above, it has been a marvelous Peruvian afternoon which the many diplomats, Peruvians and other guest very much appreciated.