On the picture Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü, Director-General of the OPCW.
The Twentieth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) opened today at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.
The CSP is the principal organ of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and consists of all members of the OPCW. It meets annually and oversees the implementation of the Convention.
“The Twentieth Session of the Conference of States Parties is taking place at a crucial moment” said the Director-General of the OPCW, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü.“We are celebrating the achievements of the Organisation, most notably in the verified destruction of over 90 per cent of the declared stocks of chemical weapons, and are looking forward to meeting new challenges. Our work will continue to ensure full universality and prevent the re-emergence of a chemical weapons threat in the future”.
For additional pictures on the OPCW opening 20th session, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157659536782793Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü with Ambassador Vesela Mrden Korak, former Chairperson of the Conference of state parties at the OPCW.
A special message from the Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon was delivered at the opening session of the CSP. He underlined that “the Convention is a critical part of the international disarmament architecture” and called “upon those States that are not yet a party to the CWC to accede to it at the earliest possible date.”
The Conference will discuss the progress of implementation of the Convention globally, including new and important developments including the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism tasked with the endeavour to identify those responsible to use of chemicals as weapons in Syria.
Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü and Ambassador of Mexico Eduardo Ibarrola-Nicolin who has been elected Chairperson of the 20th session of the conference of state parties of the OPCW.
At a ceremony today, Dr Alastair Hay of the United Kingdom and Dr Mahdi Balali-Mood of the Islamic Republic of Iran will receive the second annual OPCW-The Hague Award, for their outstanding contribution to achieving a world free of chemical weapons.
The Conference is expected to establish an Advisory Board on Education and Outreach. Its role will be to render specialised advice regarding the Organisation’s education and outreach activities, and those of States Parties’ with a view to making these more effective and sustainable.
The Conference will also adopt the 2016 programme and budget for the OPCW Technical Secretariat.
A number of side events with civil society participation have been planned for the week of the Conference, covering a range of issues that impact the implementation of the CWC, including: emerging artificial intelligence technologies, ethical guidelines for chemical research and industry, medical management of chemical warfare casualties, and others. OPCW’s documentary series, the Fires, will also be screened.
Ambassador of Italy, H. E. Francesco Azzarello at the OPCW 20th International Conference.
This year’s conference is attended by representatives of 128 out of the total of 192 States Parties, together with eight international organisations, specialised agencies and other international bodies, in addition to over a hundred representatives of 52 non-governmental organisations from all over the world.
Documents, videos, photos and other information from the Conference can be found on the CSP-20 page of the OPCW website at: https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/conference-of-the-states-parties/twentieth-session-of-the-conference-of-the-states-parties/
On the picture jazz singer Dira Sugandi.By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The auditorium of the internationally renowned Royal Conservatorium was too small to contain the great Indonesian artist Dwiki Dharmawan and his collaborators.
Dwiki Dharma wan, is not new to The Hague, he performed here before at the North Sea Jazz Festival. The group put on a dazzling show. As Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Indonesian Embassy indicated in his welcome address, Dwiki Dharma wan was to show a different Indonesia.
No batik gamelan or other traditional stuff but a contemporary Indonesia. This is exactly what happened the evening of 20 November.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague in collaboration with the Indonesian Cultural House (Rumah Budaya Indonesia/ RBI) organized “Indonesia Jazz Night” at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, the birthplace of young and talented musical artists in the Netherlands.
In a welcoming remark, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo – Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy highlighted the flourishing musical interests and the growing number of rich talented Indonesian jazz musicians, who are known for fusing the archipelago’s rich traditional music and modern jazz instruments.
While music is as a universal language, Mr. Wahyutomo pledged to make similar events an annual event in the Netherlands. Among the popular artists who performed during the “Indonesia Jazz Night” are Dwiki Dharma wan, Towpath (guitarist), Dira Sugandi (jazz singer).
For the opening song, Dwiki Dharmawan and friends performed his song of Jazz for Freeport. Along with a talented young Indonesian guitarist Tohpati and jazz singer Dira Sugandi, they played 12 songs such as Frog Dance, Lukisan Pagi (morning painting), Whale Dancer, Bubuy Bulan (traditional Indonesian West Java song), Lamalera’s Dream, Arafura and Spirit of Peace.
Dwiki Dharmawan is an award winning musical artists and is the founder of a world famous Indonesian jazz band of “Krakatau”. Whilst being a cultural and peace activist, he launched World Peace Orchestra (WPO), which fosters social harmony and global awareness.
Tohpati, one of the many young talented Indonesian jazz guitarists and songwriter, has several recorded musical albums. Dira Sugandi, is an Indonesian singer and actress and in 2011 performed a duet with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during a concert in Jakarta.
During the side-lines, Indonesian young Papuans performed Sajojo Dance (Friendship Dance) as well as Indonesian students from Eindhoven played musical pieces – “New York New York” and “Love” out of Angklung instruments. Angklung is a musical instrument from Indonesia made of two to four bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame.
Indonesia Jazz Night filled up the Conservatorium Hall and was attended by various diplomats, Dutch officials, musicians, students and the Indonesian community in The Netherlands.
In the middle of the busy city of The Hague, the Hof is a haven of peace and a mere 5 minute walk from the Bijenkorf!
The 17th century courtyard and garden lovely at any time, is particularly special when beautifully lit and decorated for the Christmas season.
Dressed in Dickens style choirs will sing carols and maybe you can even join in. Hot chocolate, mulled wine, home-made soup and other goodies will be available.
A small donation for the choirs will be welcomed. All the proceeds will go to the maintenance of our garden.
Saturday December 12. From 1700-18.30 hrs. Free entry. Lange Beestenmarkt 49-85, The Hague For information:www.hofvanwouw.
A true passion for music!
Benelux set the tone in Europe Benelux – Jazz concert to mark the Luxembourg and Dutch Presidencies of the Council of the European Union and the Belgian Presidency of the Benelux Union.
Ambassador of Luxembourg H. E. Pierre Louis Lorenz with artists.
To echo the enthusiasm that characterises Luxembourg Embassy teamwork on economic affairs, security and sustainability, they invited the Belgian-Azerbaijani jazz pianist Amina Figarova and her sextet from the Benelux to the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague for a memorable performance on Thursday November 26.
Ambassador of Belgium H. E. Chris Hoornaert and the Mayor of Wassenaar Jan Hoekema.
For additional pictures on the concert, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661670708226
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
The Embassy of Lebanon celebrated the country’s National Day at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in The Hague on 23 November 2015.
Ambassadors, diplomats and many Dutch officials as well as representatives of the International Organizations, Tribunals, and Institutions in the Hague turned out in numbers to join the Embassy’s outstanding Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Ms. Abir Ali, in celebrating the occasion.
Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Lebanon with H.E. Mrs Odette Melono, Ambassador of Cameroun.
The room that was beautifully decorated with red and white flowers symbolizing the colors of the Lebanese flag hosted scores of guests from the Lebanese community and the Dutch social, academic and cultural circles and many others who made their way to the Crowne Plaza to enjoy the occasion. Guests savored the exquisite taste of the delicious Lebanese food that was offered at the reception.
For a complete set of pictures by our photographer Hester Dijkstra, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157660908721499Ms. Abir Ali, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Lebanon with H.E. Mr. Abdelouahab Bellouki, Ambassador of Morocco and Mrs. Najat Bellouki at the National Day of Lebanon’s reception.
For the occasion, Ms. Ali sent out a very powerful message about her country. The full text of the message follows below.
Message from the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of The Embassy of Lebanon, Abir Ali on the occasion of the National Day of Lebanon:“When we celebrate the National Day of Lebanon, we celebrate the values on which Lebanon is founded. We celebrate freedom of belief, freedom of expression, and respect for one another”. “We celebrate the values of tolerance, diversity, and openness which are synonymous with the Lebanese people. Lebanon, the land where all the persecuted minorities of the Middle East found safe haven, is a bastion against extremism and all the dark forces of evil.” “Despite the bleak situation, Lebanon remains an inspiring model of cultural diversity that will never give in to radicalism and violence and will remain a beacon of hope for moderation and pluralism.”Ms. Abir Ali and H.E. Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands.H.E. Mr. Eduardo Ibarrola-Nicolin Ambassador of Mexico, the Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr. Piragibe dos Santos Tarrago and the Ambassador of New Zealand H.E. Mrs. Janet Lowe.
On the picture H. E. Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harib bin Abdullah Al Said.By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg and Baron Henri Estramant.On Thursday, 19 November 2015, the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in The Hague celebrated the 45th National Day of the world’s only official sultanate.In The Hague at the Crown Plaza Promenade Hotel during a reception hosted by the Head of Mission to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (non-resident), His Excellency Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harib bin Abdullah Al Said, welcomed Their Excellencies the Ambassadors, senior Dutch officials and leading member of business community including Mr. Pieter Bogaardt, Managing Director of Olympe Capital (UK) Ltd and Vice-President of AMADE Nederland (a charity led by HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover and Monaco), International Affairs Adviser Jonkeer Alfred van Bunge, Mr. Marcel Onkenhout CEO of Oceanco and Mr. Kingsuk Sen COO of Petrogas.
All in All, about 450 guests flocked to attend the majestic reception marking the auspicious seventy fifth birthday of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said who was born on 18 November 1940.
The National Anthem of Oman was played after the arrival of most guests which was followed by a brief speech from Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed Al Said emphasising the importance of the spirit of unity to prevail in order to defeat terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. Afterwards Mr. Usama bin Mohammed Al-Barwani, CEO of Petrogas, gave an absorbing speech on the “Challenges and Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry under the current economic climate”H.E. Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed bin Harub bin Abdullah Al Said and Ambassador of China Xu Chen.In the Sultanate of Oman His Majesty the Sultan presided over a military parade in Manah, near the city of Nizwa, on 18 November 2015. A few days earlier His Majesty the Sultan delivered a speech to commemorate the opening of the 6th session of the Council of Oman (which consists of the appointed State Council and the elected Consultative Council).H. E. Dr Saad Abdul Majeed Ibrahim Al Ali, Ambassador of Iraq, H. E. Karim Ben Bécher Ambassador of Tunisia and H. E. Ambassador Hafeez Alajmi Ambassador of Kuwait.For a photo album on the National Day of Oman, please click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661520946042 Pictures courtesy of the Embassy of Oman to The Netherlands (Sharon Reyes).
On the picture Ambassador Dario Chirú Ochoa and a Panamanian dancer.
On Thursday, 12 November 2015, the Ambassador of Panama to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (non-resident) and Head of Mission to the European Union, H. E. Dario Chirú Ochoa, hosted a reception and gastronomic tasting of ´Panamanian Flavors’ for diplomatic and government officials, as well as Panamanians residing in Belgium and Luxembourg to commemorate their national holidays.
The tasting started with a few light and cold appetizers to open the guests’ appetite. Specifically a trio of ceviches – a traditional dish from the Panamanian coasts – of chicken, shrimp and cobia. The latter is a white, versatile, high quality fish, raised in the open waters of Panama by the company Open Blue who recently started providing Cobia in Belgium.
For additional pictures on the National Day of Panama in Brussels, please open here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157661006092459Ambassador Chirú Ochoa and Cuban ambassador Norma Goicochea Estenoz.
The menu then continued with a few warm appetizers, starting with a Cashew Soup, made from cashew nuts, which grow in a tree commonly found in tropical climates thus very commonly found in the Latin America region. It was followed by the popular Empanadas, a delicious beef stuffed pastry, with a crust made out of cornmeal; in Panama it is considered one of the most popular snacks, appetizers or an item of breakfast.
The Panamanian flavors where then highlighted with the Bollo, a boiled corn dough bun served with grilled pork. As main courses the guests were served two small portions of traditional dishes. The first plate stressed the Caribbean flavors of Panama with an Arroz con Guandú y Coco (Rice with Green Beans and Coconut) served with wither cod or shredded beef, commonly called Ropa Vieja.
The second plate was probably the most popular Panamanian plate the Arroz con Pollo, which is rice and chicken, slow cooked with vegetables and spices, served with a Caramel Glazed Plantain. A dessert table was also offered for the guests, which included Huevitos de Leche, milk candy, Cocadas, coconut candy and Suspiros, corn starch candy, all commonly found in the mountainous regions of the country and the central provinces.
The dessert assortment also included the Mama Llena, a raisin bread pudding and the Sopa Borracha, a rum sponge cake found always in traditional celebrations.
Staff of the Panamanian Embassy in Brussels.
To complete the evening there was a separate area for cocktails made with the Panamanian local sugarcane rum, Ron Abuelo. A selection of Ron Abuelo 7 years and Ron Abuelo 12 years where available to guests in either a tropical cocktail or served on the rocks for tasting.
Pictures courtesy of the Embassy of Panama to Belgium and Luxembourg, Mission to the EU.
ICC Permanent Premises: More Than a Beautiful Design Solution.By Lyudmila Palamar.
Two weeks from now, one of the major Hague-based institutions, the International Criminal Court, will relocate from its current office in the Arc building to a new purpose-built complex in Alexanderkazerne.
The new premises of the ICC are a balanced and aesthetically beautiful synthesis of contrasts. Massive glass and concrete elements are harmoniously intertwined with a dominant natural aesthetic. A vast hanging garden integrated into the front of the main building and a further five thematic gardens located in different parts of the premises successfully create an atmosphere of peace.
But the balance of contrasts in the new ICC premises does not stop at its creative design. The building offers both openness for the general public and the highest level of security. Cozy and stylish public areas are open and accessible to all, but in order to reach them, visitors will first have to pass a security check, and walk through the first and only fully bomb resistant doors in the Netherlands.
The stunning new premises of the ICC are considered by the organization to be more than just a brilliant Danish design solution. First of all, the permanent premises serve as a symbol of the permanency of the Court itself, and of its strong support from state parties. For a long period of time, the ICC was housed in the Arc building in Maanweg. These premises were temporary, and shared with other organizations such as Eurojust. Now, the Court has a new and permanent home.
“Completion of the new, purpose-built building of the Court is a major milestone for the ICC as a permanent international institution,” said ICC President Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. The new ICC premises will also increase the quality of ICC facilities, bringing victim and witness protection to a new level. The whole building was designed in a way that all parties involved in a trial, including the accused, victims, and witnesses, meet only in the courtroom.
Even to get to this courtroom they use separate entrances, routes, and elevators. Moreover, other facilities in the building – including the large number of waiting rooms – were designed to make the experience of victims and witnesses as smooth and calm as possible. Even the public viewing arrangements are designed to protect witnesses, and the general public cannot see the witness from the gallery.
The ICC’s new permanent premises embody the values our society expects a 21st century international organization to uphold. These values comprise openness, transparency, reliability, care for the vulnerable, and of course, the fundamental principle of global justice.
Ethiopia, 9-12 November 2015: Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians paid a visit to Ethiopia in her function as Honorary Chairwoman of UNICEF Belgium.
Upon her arrival at Bole International Airport of Addis Ababa, the Queen was welcomed by Zenebu Tadesse, the Ethiopian Minister of Women, Children and Youth Affairs. On the same day, the Queen visited Yekatit a hospital in Addis Ababa which specialises on medical care for newborn children. Mothers themselves also receive care.
The Queen’s mission was accompanied by a delegation from UNICEF as well as several Belgian media outlets particularly focused on objectives related to the survival of the youngest in the fields of health, nutrition, drinking water and hygiene.
Queen Mathilde met the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulatu Teshome to discuss on ways of reinforcing UNICEF’s efforts to improve maternal and child health in Ethiopia. The President briefed the Queen about Ethiopia’s endeavors to improve maternal and child health care service delivery in the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) period.
Over 40,000 female health extension workers were deployed across the nation to improve the health care service delivery and to tackle problems of harmful traditional practices (HTPs), President Mulatu declared.
Later during her mission, the Queen went to the village of Gursum in Oromia Regional State, where she visited the UNICEF project that provides water supply for more than 4000 people. There, the Queen could also see how UNICEF, through supporting the Government, contributes to the reduction of child marriage and female genital mutilation.
During her four-day trip, the Queen also paid a visit to the city of Dire Dawa and other projects for communities living in the Somali regional state of Ethiopia.
For more information “Royalty” interview with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians: http://vtm.be/royalty/integrale-interview-koningin-mathilde-in-ethiopie
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague in collaboration with the Indonesian Cultural House (Rumah Budaya Indonesia/ RBI) organized “Indonesia Jazz Night” at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, the birthplace of young and talented musical artists in the Netherlands.
In a welcoming remark, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo – Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy highlighted the flourishing musical interests and the growing number of rich talented Indonesian jazz musicians, who are known for fusing the archipelago’s rich traditional music and modern jazz instruments.
While music is as a universal language, Mr. Wahyutomo pledged to make similar events an annual event in the Netherlands. Among the popular artists who performed during the “Indonesia Jazz Night” are Dwiki Dharma wan, Towpath (guitarist), Dira Sugandi (jazz singer).
For the opening song, Dwiki Dharmawan and friends performed his song of Jazz for Freeport. Along with a talented young Indonesian guitarist Tohpati and jazz singer Dira Sugandi, they played 12 songs such as Frog Dance, Lukisan Pagi (morning painting), Whale Dancer, Bubuy Bulan (traditional Indonesian West Java song), Lamalera’s Dream, Arafura and Spirit of Peace.
Dwiki Dharmawan is an award winning musical artists and is the founder of a world famous Indonesian jazz band of “Krakatau”. Whilst being a cultural and peace activist, he launched World Peace Orchestra (WPO), which fosters social harmony and global awareness.
Tohpati, one of the many young talented Indonesian jazz guitarists and songwriter, has several recorded musical albums. Dira Sugandi, is an Indonesian singer and actress and in 2011 performed a duet with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during a concert in Jakarta.
During the side-lines, Indonesian young Papuans performed Sajojo Dance (Friendship Dance) as well as Indonesian students from Eindhoven played musical pieces – “New York New York” and “Love” out of Angklung instruments. Angklung is a musical instrument from Indonesia made of two to four bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame.
Indonesia Jazz Night filled up the Conservatorium Hall and was attended by various diplomats, Dutch officials, musicians, students and the Indonesian community in The Netherlands. 
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in The Hague in collaboration with the Indonesian Cultural House (Rumah Budaya Indonesia/ RBI) organized “Indonesia Jazz Night” at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag, the birthplace of young and talented musical artists in the Netherlands.
In a welcoming remark, Mr. Ibnu Wahyutomo – Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy highlighted the flourishing musical interests and the growing number of rich talented Indonesian jazz musicians, who are known for fusing the archipelago’s rich traditional music and modern jazz instruments.
While music is as a universal language, Mr. Wahyutomo pledged to make similar events an annual event in the Netherlands. Among the popular artists who performed during the “Indonesia Jazz Night” are Dwiki Dharma wan, Towpath (guitarist), Dira Sugandi (jazz singer).
For the opening song, Dwiki Dharmawan and friends performed his song of Jazz for Freeport. Along with a talented young Indonesian guitarist Tohpati and jazz singer Dira Sugandi, they played 12 songs such as Frog Dance, Lukisan Pagi (morning painting), Whale Dancer, Bubuy Bulan (traditional Indonesian West Java song), Lamalera’s Dream, Arafura and Spirit of Peace.
Dwiki Dharmawan is an award winning musical artists and is the founder of a world famous Indonesian jazz band of “Krakatau”. Whilst being a cultural and peace activist, he launched World Peace Orchestra (WPO), which fosters social harmony and global awareness.
Tohpati, one of the many young talented Indonesian jazz guitarists and songwriter, has several recorded musical albums. Dira Sugandi, is an Indonesian singer and actress and in 2011 performed a duet with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli during a concert in Jakarta.
During the side-lines, Indonesian young Papuans performed Sajojo Dance (Friendship Dance) as well as Indonesian students from Eindhoven played musical pieces – “New York New York” and “Love” out of Angklung instruments. Angklung is a musical instrument from Indonesia made of two to four bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame.
Indonesia Jazz Night filled up the Conservatorium Hall and was attended by various diplomats, Dutch officials, musicians, students and the Indonesian community in The Netherlands. 
All in All, about 450 guests flocked to attend the majestic reception marking the auspicious seventy fifth birthday of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said who was born on 18 November 1940.
The National Anthem of Oman was played after the arrival of most guests which was followed by a brief speech from Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed Al Said emphasising the importance of the spirit of unity to prevail in order to defeat terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. Afterwards Mr. Usama bin Mohammed Al-Barwani, CEO of Petrogas, gave an absorbing speech on the “Challenges and Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry under the current economic climate”
All in All, about 450 guests flocked to attend the majestic reception marking the auspicious seventy fifth birthday of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said who was born on 18 November 1940.
The National Anthem of Oman was played after the arrival of most guests which was followed by a brief speech from Ambassador Sayyid Mohammed Al Said emphasising the importance of the spirit of unity to prevail in order to defeat terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. Afterwards Mr. Usama bin Mohammed Al-Barwani, CEO of Petrogas, gave an absorbing speech on the “Challenges and Opportunities in the Oil and Gas Industry under the current economic climate”
The second plate was probably the most popular Panamanian plate the Arroz con Pollo, which is rice and chicken, slow cooked with vegetables and spices, served with a Caramel Glazed Plantain. A dessert table was also offered for the guests, which included Huevitos de Leche, milk candy, Cocadas, coconut candy and Suspiros, corn starch candy, all commonly found in the mountainous regions of the country and the central provinces.
The dessert assortment also included the Mama Llena, a raisin bread pudding and the Sopa Borracha, a rum sponge cake found always in traditional celebrations.
The second plate was probably the most popular Panamanian plate the Arroz con Pollo, which is rice and chicken, slow cooked with vegetables and spices, served with a Caramel Glazed Plantain. A dessert table was also offered for the guests, which included Huevitos de Leche, milk candy, Cocadas, coconut candy and Suspiros, corn starch candy, all commonly found in the mountainous regions of the country and the central provinces.
The dessert assortment also included the Mama Llena, a raisin bread pudding and the Sopa Borracha, a rum sponge cake found always in traditional celebrations.
But the balance of contrasts in the new ICC premises does not stop at its creative design. The building offers both openness for the general public and the highest level of security. Cozy and stylish public areas are open and accessible to all, but in order to reach them, visitors will first have to pass a security check, and walk through the first and only fully bomb resistant doors in the Netherlands.
The stunning new premises of the ICC are considered by the organization to be more than just a brilliant Danish design solution. First of all, the permanent premises serve as a symbol of the permanency of the Court itself, and of its strong support from state parties. For a long period of time, the ICC was housed in the Arc building in Maanweg. These premises were temporary, and shared with other organizations such as Eurojust. Now, the Court has a new and permanent home.
“Completion of the new, purpose-built building of the Court is a major milestone for the ICC as a permanent international institution,” said ICC President Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. The new ICC premises will also increase the quality of ICC facilities, bringing victim and witness protection to a new level. The whole building was designed in a way that all parties involved in a trial, including the accused, victims, and witnesses, meet only in the courtroom.
Even to get to this courtroom they use separate entrances, routes, and elevators. Moreover, other facilities in the building – including the large number of waiting rooms – were designed to make the experience of victims and witnesses as smooth and calm as possible. Even the public viewing arrangements are designed to protect witnesses, and the general public cannot see the witness from the gallery.
The ICC’s new permanent premises embody the values our society expects a 21st century international organization to uphold. These values comprise openness, transparency, reliability, care for the vulnerable, and of course, the fundamental principle of global justice. 
But the balance of contrasts in the new ICC premises does not stop at its creative design. The building offers both openness for the general public and the highest level of security. Cozy and stylish public areas are open and accessible to all, but in order to reach them, visitors will first have to pass a security check, and walk through the first and only fully bomb resistant doors in the Netherlands.
The stunning new premises of the ICC are considered by the organization to be more than just a brilliant Danish design solution. First of all, the permanent premises serve as a symbol of the permanency of the Court itself, and of its strong support from state parties. For a long period of time, the ICC was housed in the Arc building in Maanweg. These premises were temporary, and shared with other organizations such as Eurojust. Now, the Court has a new and permanent home.
“Completion of the new, purpose-built building of the Court is a major milestone for the ICC as a permanent international institution,” said ICC President Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi. The new ICC premises will also increase the quality of ICC facilities, bringing victim and witness protection to a new level. The whole building was designed in a way that all parties involved in a trial, including the accused, victims, and witnesses, meet only in the courtroom.
Even to get to this courtroom they use separate entrances, routes, and elevators. Moreover, other facilities in the building – including the large number of waiting rooms – were designed to make the experience of victims and witnesses as smooth and calm as possible. Even the public viewing arrangements are designed to protect witnesses, and the general public cannot see the witness from the gallery.
The ICC’s new permanent premises embody the values our society expects a 21st century international organization to uphold. These values comprise openness, transparency, reliability, care for the vulnerable, and of course, the fundamental principle of global justice. 
Queen Mathilde met the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulatu Teshome to discuss on ways of reinforcing UNICEF’s efforts to improve maternal and child health in Ethiopia. The President briefed the Queen about Ethiopia’s endeavors to improve maternal and child health care service delivery in the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) period.
Over 40,000 female health extension workers were deployed across the nation to improve the health care service delivery and to tackle problems of harmful traditional practices (HTPs), President Mulatu declared.
Later during her mission, the Queen went to the village of Gursum in Oromia Regional State, where she visited the UNICEF project that provides water supply for more than 4000 people. There, the Queen could also see how UNICEF, through supporting the Government, contributes to the reduction of child marriage and female genital mutilation.
During her four-day trip, the Queen also paid a visit to the city of Dire Dawa and other projects for communities living in the Somali regional state of Ethiopia.
For more information “Royalty” interview with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians: http://vtm.be/royalty/integrale-interview-koningin-mathilde-in-ethiopie 
Queen Mathilde met the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulatu Teshome to discuss on ways of reinforcing UNICEF’s efforts to improve maternal and child health in Ethiopia. The President briefed the Queen about Ethiopia’s endeavors to improve maternal and child health care service delivery in the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II) period.
Over 40,000 female health extension workers were deployed across the nation to improve the health care service delivery and to tackle problems of harmful traditional practices (HTPs), President Mulatu declared.
Later during her mission, the Queen went to the village of Gursum in Oromia Regional State, where she visited the UNICEF project that provides water supply for more than 4000 people. There, the Queen could also see how UNICEF, through supporting the Government, contributes to the reduction of child marriage and female genital mutilation.
During her four-day trip, the Queen also paid a visit to the city of Dire Dawa and other projects for communities living in the Somali regional state of Ethiopia.
For more information “Royalty” interview with Queen Mathilde of the Belgians: http://vtm.be/royalty/integrale-interview-koningin-mathilde-in-ethiopie