IN MEMORIAM
We are deeply saddened to announce that former International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Hans-Peter Kaul passed away on 21 July 2014 after a period of serious illness, which led him to resign from the Court with effect from 1 July 2014.
“Judge Kaul’s death is an enormous loss for the ICC. He served as a role model, dedicating his career to reshaping international justice. Judge Kaul was a driving force in the creation of the Rome Statute, in the establishment of the ICC, and in many of the decisions rendered in the situations and cases before the Court in its history thus far. We will long remember him with respect and admiration on a personal and professional level, for his relentless commitment and extensive contributions to international justice”, said ICC President Judge Sang-Hyun Song.
The President of the Assembly of States Parties, Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, recalled “the vital contribution which Judge Kaul had made to the establishment of the Rome Statute system, both as head of the German delegation during the negotiations which culminated in the adoption of the Statute, as well as a member of the Court’s bench, where he leaves an important legacy of contributions to the jurisprudence of the Court. Judge Kaul will be remembered for his multi-faceted and unrelenting support to the cause of international criminal justice; he was also indefatigable in advancing the support for the amendments to the Rome Statute on the crime of aggression”.
National of Germany, Judge Kaul served as an ICC Judge for 11 years. In the first elections of ICC judges in February 2003, he was elected by the States Parties to the Rome Statute for a three-year term and assumed his duty on 11 March 2003. He was re-elected in 2006 for a further term of nine years. Judge Kaul was a member of the ICC’s Pre-Trial Division, serving as the Division’s President from 2004 to 2009, as well as from 8 April 2014 until his resignation. He contributed to important decisions in proceedings regarding situations in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Darfur (Sudan), the Central African Republic, Kenya, Libya and Cote d’Ivoire, and the related cases. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the ICC’s Second Vice-President.
Judge Kaul also served for several years on various committees related to the Permanent Premises: he was chairman of the Inter-Organ Committee on the Permanent Premises (2003-2008), the senior representative of the Court in the Jury of the International Architectural Design Competition, and contributed to the work of the Oversight Committee of States Parties, playing an important pioneering role in the process which eventually led to the planning and construction of the ICC’s future permanent home.
Judge Kaul made significant contributions to the development of the ICC and international law even before being elected as an ICC Judge. In 2002, he was appointed Ambassador and Commissioner of the Federal Foreign Office for the International Criminal Court. From 1996 to 2003 he participated as head of the German delegation in the discussions and negotiation process of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Previous to that, in his capacity as Head of the Public International Law Division of the Federal Foreign Office (1996 – 2002), he was responsible, inter alia, for several cases involving Germany which were before the International Court of Justice. He published extensively on the International Criminal Court and other fields of public international law.
Condolence books will be available at the lobby of the main entrance of the International Criminal Court (Maanweg 174, The Hague, Netherlands) and of the public entrance (Regulusweg, The Hague, Netherlands) from 23 to 25 July 2014. Messages of condolence can also be sent by letter to the President of the Court Judge Sang-Hyun Song and by email to: PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int
Trinidad and Tobago fêtes at the rhythm of carnival in Rotterdam
By Baron Henri Estramant.
On Thursday, 17 July 2014 Her Excellency Ambassador Margaret King-Rousseau, and her husband Ambassador Learie Rousseau (himself having held the same ambassadorial posts previously) held a reception at the Manhattan Hotel to honour a visiting carnival delegation in Rotterdam. 
Ambassador Margaret King-Rousseau is accredited to The Netherlands but resident in Brussels. The embassy also covers Luxemburg, France, Belgium, the Holy See as well as the EU.
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from the UK in 1962 as a Commonwealth Realm, that is, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. However in 1976 the country became a republic. The islands’ carnival is the largest and most colourful event; annually held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago. This year it was held on 3 and 4 March. 
Trinidad and Tobago boasts a multicultural society (i.e., Amerindian, European, African, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern). All of its groups have contributed to the musical influences and sounds of carnival which thus distinguish themselves from the others carnivals held around the globe.
Thailand Grand Festival
Thailand and its magnificent culture, traditions, people and taste was fully exposed on The Plein in The Hague, this past weekend on 19 and 20 July. Diplomats and the public in general enjoyed this two-days festival organised by the Royal Thai Ambassador H.E. Virachai Plasai, and the Thai community in the Netherlands.
The annual Thailand Grand Festival was an exciting opportunity to get acquainted with Thai culture and traditions, to celebrate the arrival of summer in style, full of colors and sounds, a great occasion to discover Thai hospitality right in the heart of The Hague.
The festival offered a wide selection of performances and activities for the audience to enjoy. Along with a large selection of freshly prepared Thai dishes and sweets, the event featured performances of Thai traditional and contemporary music and dances, including the performance of Ambassador Plasai itself and, demonstrations of fruit and vegetable carving, and self-defense art Muay Thai.
The public got involve in other activities such as cooking lessons and traditional Thai massage.
See you all for the next Thailand Grand Festival 2015.
Please take a look at the complete set of beautiful pictures by clicking here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/ 
Les ateliers du Français Diplomatique
By Drs. Eva Maria Mennes.
It was pure pleasure to follow the ‘Atelier du Français Diplomatique’ of Professeur Pascal Milard of the Alliance Française de La Haye. The three evening course concerned the International and European Relations and the French language to use. What a fantastic way to promote your country by helping others to better master your language. The course of three hours per evening was divided in three different themes: participating a meeting, negotiating formally and the third evening negotiating informally and conclusion. The Alliance Française de La Haye is known for promoting the culture of France by language. What could be a better way to promote your country by communicating and art. It was truly a special treat! Thank you Professeur Pascal Milard and thank you Alliance Française de La Haye!
The icons of National Geographic
| Work by 10 well-known top photographers in the TropenmuseumMasters of Photography exhibition from 19 July to 19 October 2014 in the Tropenmuseum’s Park Hall |
| Who doesn’t know the photo of the Afghan girl with the penetrating gaze? An image that burns itself on your retina. It’s the world-famous photo by Steve McCurry and has already been proclaimed ‘the Mona Lisa of photography’. Like this photo, many others have become well known under the flag of the National Geographic. Thanks to cooperation between the Tropenmuseum and National Geographic, a selection of these masterworks can be admired from 19 July to 19 October 2014 in the Masters of Photography exhibition.10 top photographers Work by Frans Lanting, Steve McCurry, David Doubilet, Michael Yamashita, Joel Sartore, Jodi Cobb, Michael Nichols, Chris Johns, Annie Griffiths and Paul Nicklen can be seen in a large format. The quality of the photos cannot be questioned. But there’s more: the photos selected evoke emotions like amazement, poignancy, admiration and awe. Some are absolutely intriguing, like the photo of the young mud men in New Guinea by photographer Jodi Cobb. What’s this photo about? What’s going on here? It’s apparently an annual festival featuring male beauty. A photo and a background story that of course attune perfectly with the Tropenmuseum. Dutch photographer Frans Lanting is the only Dutch photographer in this group. He has become very well known for his impressive nature photos. ‘When I’m balancing in a tree top in the thunder and lightening or when I’m besieged by a swarm of wasps, then I’m in my element. This is a clear indication that as a nature photographer I’ve exchanged civilization for the world of my subjects.’ Who realizes just what is involved in photographing the colourful macaws in their natural environment? To reach their habitat, the tree canopy of the Andes, a 25-metre-high scaffold had to be built. That meant transporting an enormous load of building materials through the jungle to achieve this. Then at a height of 25 metres (approx. 80 feet) it was teeming with insects that sting. It became really dangerous when it then began to thunder and lighten and just in time, Lanting realized that the scaffold acted as a fantastic lightening conductor. Fortunately all went well! |
Embassy Festival coming soon !!!!
EMBASSY FESTIVAL ON SATURDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER IN THE HAGUE
A global & cultural melting pot against the picturesque backdrop of the Lange Voorhout
On Saturday, 6 September 2014 the second edition of The Embassy Festival takes place on the tree-lined Lange Voorhout in The Hague, an event that spotlights the many different cultures of The Hague through a bustling one-day programme featuring music, art, literature, dance, culinary delights and refreshing beverages. Festival- goers will be taken on a cultural trip around the world, beginning in the early afternoon with a varied musical tour spread out on two outdoor podiums. In addition, the festival will present the Creative Arena and several pavilions portraying the best and most typical international food, drinks and cultural highlights of the many countries that have made themselves at home in the international city of The Hague.
The musical programme offers a rich palette of currents from the most diverse countries. Two carrousel podiums will be resonating with different musical genres throughout the afternoon. The classical podium will feature international musicians enchanting their audiences on unique instruments. Pop fans can make their way to the pop podium on the other side of the festival terrain, where elements of jazz, singer-songwriter, indie pop, flamenco, folk and blues intertwine in an innovative and, at times unexpected, programme. On the wishlist of the festival organisation for some time now, the band LuzazuL finally makes an appearance at this year’s edition. Central to this impressive collective is Lisbon-born singer Magda Mendes, who, along with her band, performs a catchy mix of Portuguese fado, relaxed Brazilian melodies, rousing flamenco and Cape Verdean shades. Audiences can expect warm, passionate notes atop groovy, organic beats. In addition, the Dutch collective NO blues will be present a surprising combination of folk-blues with traditional Arabic music (arabicana). Both LuzazuL and NO blues have received rave reviews in leading Dutch newspapers. Paco Renteria, the Mexican virtuoso flamenco guitarist brings sunshine to the Lange Voorhout with his breathtaking artistic ability and striking compositions. He shared the stage with Carlos Santana and Luciano Pavarotti and he musically enriched films such as The Legend of Zorro and Desperado. Many more inspiring acts soon to be announced!
The Hague has every right to call itself an international city. With the presence of the many embassies, NGOs and multinationals the city enjoys continuous interaction with the rest of the world. The second edition of the Embassy Festival shows a beautiful compilation of international culture that can be seen, heard and tasted in The Hague. The Embassy Festival is organised by PROOOST, the driving force behind the successful LIFE I LIVE Festival in The Hague.
EMBASSY FESTIVAL | SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2014
| 12:00 – 21:00 | LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ENTRANCE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL: WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM
Colombia celebrates
This was an exceptional Latin American event, hosted by H.E. Eduardo Pizarro,
Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in The Hague.
Ambassador Pizarro and his wife welcomed their guests to commemorate the
Declaration of Independence of Colombia, July 20th, 1810 in Santa Fe
de Bogota. Crowne Plaza has been their selected venue in recent years. On this
occasion, delicious products from Colombia, such as top class coffee and
chocolate were offered during this well attended diplomatic gathering. The
volunteer team of Diplomat Magazine as usual, covering national days and
supporting Head of Diplomatic Missions.
For full photo-album including many more pictures click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/
Meeting the OPCW AAA club
By Aladin ALHmedawi, President of the AAA club, Special for Diplomat Magazine.
The AAA Club is been formed few years ago, it is standing for the diplomat representing their Embassies to the OPCW. The AAA Club has a president; Mr. Aladddin AlHmedawi ( since September 2013) and 7 board members.
The Club organize gathering (almost once a month) hosted by one of the Embassies, also we have activities like football games, painting sessions, bowling and others, in order to introduce and meet new colleagues.
At this gathering were representatives from different Embassies and members of the AAA club.
Mr. AlHemedawi opened this meeting with a welcome to the members, and offering to the host Miss (Laura Rigutto/ Deputy of the Italian Ambassador) flowers for her hospitality ( as new culture of the club the flowers have the same colors of the National Flag of the host Embassy)
Mr. Szymon Bocheriski, ( Board member) distribute some certificats of merit were also given to the wining teams of the resent AAA football competition.
ICC President: 17 July – A day to unite in building a more just world
Speech by Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court, on the Day of International Criminal Justice.
When representatives of 120 States adopted the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on 17 July 1998, they did so to build a more just world. Conscious that all people are connected, and that mass atrocities committed anywhere threaten the delicate mosaic of modern societies as well as world peace and security, they set up a permanent, international justice system to address crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide by holding individuals accountable either at the national or international level. Through such action, the Rome Statute system aims to help prevent such crimes, to protect all peoples from them, and to uphold what is best, but also most fragile, within us: the shared sense of justice that is a common bond of all humanity.
Years later, when States Parties to the Rome Statute decided to name the 17th of July as the Day of International Criminal Justice, they invited all of us to commemorate the tremendous efforts of the many international courts and tribunals created in the last two decades while looking forward to what remains to be done. Among these courts is the ICC, the first and only permanent international criminal court with jurisdiction granted by States through a multilateral treaty.
By commemorating 17 July, we recognize past efforts that have fostered reconciliation in societies across the world and have positively affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of victims. We also look to the future, and reaffirm the international community’s commitment to fight against impunity for the most serious crimes, and thereby to stop them from ever being repeated again.
We are all exposed on a daily basis to news of massacres, crimes and war in multiple regions of the world. Where the ICC has jurisdiction, it endeavours to bring justice to the victims of these crimes. And where it is already involved, the Court’s intervention has galvanised more international attention to communities affected by crimes and the efforts essential to aiding the survivors. However, we are all conscious of the limits of the ICC’s current jurisdiction, which have to be remedied by continued progress towards universal ratification of the Rome Statute.
We recognize that the ICC is only one element in the wider Rome Statute system, the core of which is the responsibility of States themselves to investigate and prosecute the Rome Statute crimes whenever possible. The Statute is built on the principles of universality, complementarity and State cooperation, with the ICC itself as a court of last resort. Like many other parts of the emerging international system, it is still under construction. We continue our efforts and engagement with the international community so that this new global system can be established with firm foundations, where the law is sovereign and respected, and where justice for all is recognised as being crucial for peace, stability and development worldwide.
We cannot succeed on our own. All States, organisations and individuals have a role to play in the fight against impunity. Each of us can make a difference. Every year, on 17 July, we review and rededicate our efforts to build a more just world, because we are all connected, and because justice matters to us all.
Day of International Criminal Justice
An event commemorating 17 July as the Day of International Criminal Justice was held in The Hague (Netherlands). The speakers, who included the Presidents of the International Criminal Court (ICC), International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), as well as the ICC Deputy Prosecutor and the ICC Registrar, reiterated their shared commitment to ending impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and to bring justice to the victims through independent, fair and impartial proceedings. The speakers were called upon to reflect on the gains made thus far in this struggle and to ponder on the means to address the challenges present in pursuing that endeavour.
The event was organised by the Ambassador of Croatia in her capacity as the Facilitator on Strategic Planning in The Hague Working Group of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, with the support of the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Belgium to the International Organisations in The Hague; the Ambassadors of Hungary, Latvia, Norway and Switzerland and the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the ICC, as well as the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The 17th of July marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. At the first Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda in 2010, the -States Parties of the ICC decided to commemorate this unique date, recognising the efforts of the international community to strengthen the emerging system of international criminal justice and to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
This event is part of the broader commemoration of 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice. Other activities this year include a new Justice Matters social media campaign with a worldwide call for photos to be posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
The event was organised by the Ambassador of Croatia in her capacity as the Facilitator on Strategic Planning in The Hague Working Group of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, with the support of the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Belgium to the International Organisations in The Hague; the Ambassadors of Hungary, Latvia, Norway and Switzerland and the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the ICC, as well as the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The 17th of July marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC. At the first Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda in 2010, the -States Parties of the ICC decided to commemorate this unique date, recognising the efforts of the international community to strengthen the emerging system of international criminal justice and to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
This event is part of the broader commemoration of 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice. Other activities this year include a new Justice Matters social media campaign with a worldwide call for photos to be posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/