ICC separates Dominic Ongwen case
ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II separates Dominic Ongwen case from Kony et al. case
Single Judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, on behalf of Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), severed the proceedings against Dominic Ongwen from the case of The Prosecutor v. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen.
As the three other suspects in the case have not appeared or have not been apprehended yet, the Chamber deemed it necessary to separate the case so as not to delay the pre-trial proceedings against Mr Ongwen. After having consulted the Prosecutor, the Chamber decided not to proceed against the other three suspects in absentia. Joseph Kony, Vincent Otti and Okot Odhiambo remain at large, almost ten years after the issuance of the warrants of arrest.
This decision does not in any way affect the rights of the victims accepted to participate in the case of the Kony et al. case. The Chamber will, in due course and in a separate decision, address the issue of victims’ participation in the Ongwen case.
Decision Severing the Case Against Dominic Ongwen
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. The beginning of the confirmation of charges hearing – a preliminary step to decide whether the case will be referred to a trial or not – in respect of Dominic Ongwen was provisionally scheduled for 24 August 2015.
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.
Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce
By George M. Ammerlaan, Chairman Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands.
Dutch Consul General Wilfred Mohr Presents Update on Hong Kong in The Hague.
More than sixty guests joined a luncheon meeting at the head office of NIBC Bank on Carnegieplein in The Hague on Monday 2 February to listen to a presentation by the Dutch Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr. Wilfred Mohr. The meeting was organized by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands in cooperation with the Netherlands Hong Kong Society and the NIBC Bank.
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Mr. Machiel Jansen Schoonhoven, Director of NIBC Bank, welcomed the guests in their impressive auditorium. In his welcoming remarks he mentioned that the bank performed well in 2014, by focusing on its relationships with customers.
Mr. Hemmy Wong, Chairman of the Netherlands Hong Kong Society, welcomed guests and especially to its members. It was established in 1978 and is world’s oldest Hong Kong association of its kind.
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, George Ammerlaan, briefed the audience about the trade flows between Hong Kong and the Netherlands in 2014. The Netherlands continued to be the third largest market for Hong Kong goods in Europe, after Germany and the UK. Hong Kong’s total exports in 2014 to the Netherlands represented a value of US$ 6.05 billion, up 12.7% compared with 2013.
Ammerlaan also mentioned that Dutch exports to Hong Kong decreased by just 1.7% in 2014 to a value of US$ 3.33 billion. The largest export commodity by far was milk and milk powder (not including butter and cheese). Exports of these products alone represented a value of US$ 1.02 billion.
Given the volume of trade between the Netherlands and Hong Kong, it is clear that the port on the South China coast has not lost its importance or relevance, said Ammerlaan, who added that about 25% of China’s total exports and imports leave or enter China via Hong Kong.
In his well-received keynote speech, Dutch Consul General to Hong Kong Mr. Wilfred Mohr addressed the political developments in Hong Kong in 2014. He focused on the demonstrations in the city that captivated the world for 79 days. Mr. Mohr emphasized on the peaceful and orderly nature of the events. Furthermore, he stressed the framework the new law on universal suffrage must fit in.
The meeting at the NIBC Bank was concluded with a networking lunch in a meeting room overlooking the Peace Palace.
The Netherlands, my first priority
By Janet Lowe, Ambassador of New Zealand.
Photography: Sharon Reyes, Jurjenz Productions.
I am delighted to be living in The Hague.
In addition to being responsible for New Zealand’s relations with the Netherlands, I am also accredited to Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Holy See, as well as the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, International Court of Justice, International Criminal Court and other international legal institutions in The Hague. With just two seconded New Zealand diplomats including myself, we are a small but busy post.
Previous overseas assignments have included Tokyo, Suva and Brussels. Prior to coming to The Hague, I was the Deputy Head of Mission in the New Zealand Embassy in Tokyo. Over the course of my diplomatic career, I have worked on a wide range of issues including trade, human rights, development and the environment as well as New Zealand’s relations with Japan, China, the European Union and Pacific island countries.
The Netherlands is my first priority in The Hague. It is one of New Zealand’s closet and most important partners in Europe. The excellent bilateral relationship is based on shared values underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.
Over 150,000 New Zealanders claim Dutch heritage. There is also a sizeable New Zealand community in the Netherlands. This makes us natural partners and our close ties are exemplified by the fact that we are co-located in Myanmar.
New Zealand also has well-developed economic and trade links with the Netherlands which is an important source of FDI into New Zealand. Working closely with the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Office in Hamburg which covers trade and investment relations for the Netherlands and Nordic region, I hope to see these links develop further.
On 1 January this year, New Zealand took a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand’s terms on the Security Council places us at the heart of international decision-making for the next two years. We live in challenging times and the Security Council is currently considering some of the most pressing issues the international community faces including the humanitarian crisis in Syria and other parts of the Middle East and Africa, Ebola and counter-terrorism.
This adds another exciting and challenging dimension to my work as ambassador as New Zealand will be engaging even more closely than before with our Dutch friends and other partners in the region on foreign policy and security issues over the next two years.
It has been 21 years since New Zealand last served on the Security Council. We are ready to serve again and to provide an independent voice at the world’s top diplomatic table.
To learn more about the New Zealand Embassy’s work, visit our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NZthehague
Birth of HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa
On the picture Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
On 6 February 2015, Her Royal Highness Princess Sahab bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, spouse of His Highness Major Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Association of Athletics Federations, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, etc., gave birth to Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad’s second son, Abdullah.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was named after his maternal grandfather, the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia who passed away on 23 January 2015.
He is the first born grandchild of the late monarch after his demise. Sheikh Abdullah is moreover the second son for Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad and his Saudi-born wife Princess Sahab bint Abdullah. Their first-born son, HH Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid, was born back in 2012.
Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad is the fifth son of Bahrain’s monarch, King Hamad II and his second wife, HRH Sheikha Sheia bint Hassan Al Ajmi. His older brother, HH Colonel Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is The King’s Representative for Charity and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The latter has just launched the “Developing Leadership Skills and Knowledge Programme” through the foundation named after him. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad endevours to foster young endemic talent, and the development of a person’s self-awareness, communication skills, problem-solving skills, strategic thinking and personal authenticity.
More information:
http://www.khalidbinhamad.info/en/
http://www.nbhf.bh/index.php
http://www.nasseralkhalifa.bh/english/index.asp#
OPCW adopts a decision
OPCW adopts a decision on reports of the Fact-Finding Mission.
In a meeting today, the Executive Council of the OPCW adopted a decision expressing its serious concern regarding the findings of the Fact-Finding Mission, made with a high degree of confidence, that chlorine had been used as a weapon in three villages in northern Syria from April to August 2014.
The Council reaffirmed its condemnation of the use of chemical weapons by anyone under any circumstances. It emphasised that any use of chemical weapons anywhere at any time by anyone under any circumstances is unacceptable and would violate international law. The Council expressed its strong conviction that those individuals responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable.
The Executive Council also expressed support for the continuation of the work of the Fact Finding Mission and called upon all parties which will be addressed by the FFM to extend their full cooperation to the Mission to ensure that it completes its work safely and effectively.
The Director-General welcomed the commitment of States Parties to protect and strengthen the fundamental goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention. “This decision makes it absolutely clear that chemical weapons are illegal, and that their use will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Ambassador Üzümcü.
Trade Mission from Peru
On the occasion of a trade mission directed by H.E. Minister Paul Duclos visiting the Netherlands, H.E. Ambassador of Peru, Carlos Herrera had the pleasure to invite a select group of Diplomats and Leaders of Industry at his residence in Wassenaar for a private dinner.
DiploFoundation’s scholarship fund
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Donations can be made by credit card, PayPal, or other methods. Your contribution, small or large, will make a difference. Thank you for your support.
To make a donation, visit http://www.diplomacy.edu/aboutus/support/fund for details.
Chemical Weapon Production Facilities Destroyed in Syria
First of 12 Chemical Weapon Production Facilities in Syria Destroyed.
The destruction of an underground structure in Syria that previously hosted a chemical weapon production facility – the first of twelve planned to be destroyed – was completed on 31 January 2015. OPCW inspectors verified and declared the structure as destroyed on the same day.
At the same time, destruction activities and preparatory work at the eleven remaining structures continue.
“I welcome the destruction of the first facility, which had been delayed due to some technical reasons. I am hopeful that remaining destruction activities will proceed according to the plan,” said Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü.
98% of chemical weapons declared by the Syrian Arab Republic have so far been verified by the OPCW as destroyed. This includes 100% of sulfur mustard and methylphosphonyl difluoride – a precursor chemical for the nerve agent sarin – which were neutralised aboard the US Cape Ray.
Only 29 metric tones of Hydrogen fluoride remain to be destroyed at facilities in the United States and United Kingdom.
Progress towards destruction of effluent arising from sea-based destruction of sulfur mustard and methylphosphonyl difluoride continues to be made at facilities in Germany and Finland, respectively – 63% of 333,520 kg of sulfur effluents and 52% of 5,867,000 kg of fluorinated effluents have been destroyed.
The Declaration Assessment Team of the OPCW, whose mandate is to assist the Syrian authorities to complete their declaration, has undertaken its seventh visit to Syria and will submit its report at the next meeting of the Executive Council.
Frames by Guy Sainthill
On the picture Guy Sainthill demonstrates how to add the 24 carat gold to the wooden frame.
By Carel Reisch.
Galerie Patries van Dorst presented the charming and passionate conference, ‘Frames’. Guy Sainthill gave an animated lecture on his passion: creating great frames and restoration! What about the style periods of frames and how to recognize them? What frames were in any century in fashion? Why does he use glue made out of boiled rabbit bones? How do you recognize a handmade frame at a flea market?
Guy Sainthill explaining his audience how frames are restored.
Guy Sainthill explaining his audience how frames are restored. Fatou Bensouda, ahead of the general elections in Nigeria
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, ahead of the general and state elections in Nigeria
On 14 and 28 February 2015, Nigerians are set to participate in general and state elections in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigerian presidential candidates and political leaders recently signed a pact committing themselves, their parties and their followers to refrain from violence before, during and after these elections. I urge them to consolidate this commitment.
At a time when abhorrent levels of violence already plague parts of the country, I recall that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes committed on the territory of Nigeria or by Nigerian nationals from 1 July 2002 onwards. Crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC have already been committed in this context, as reflected in my Office’s preliminary examination report published in December 2014. Further analysis is on-going to determine the next steps that my Office should take in accordance with its duties under the Rome Statute.
Experience has shown that electoral competition, when gone astray, can give rise to violence and in the worst case scenarios, even trigger the commission of mass crimes that “shock the conscience of humanity.” Any person who incites or engages in acts of violence including by ordering, requesting, encouraging or contributing in any other manner to the commission of crimes within ICC’s jurisdiction is liable to prosecution either by Nigerian Courts or by ICC. No one should doubt my resolve, whenever necessary, to prosecute individuals responsible for the commission of ICC crimes.
A team from my Office will be present in Nigeria prior to the elections to further engage with the authorities and encourage the prevention of crimes.