Work by 10 well-known top photographers in the TropenmuseumMasters of Photography exhibition from 19 July to 19 October 2014 in the Tropenmuseumâs Park Hall
Who doesnât know the photo of the Afghan girl with the penetrating gaze? An image that burns itself on your retina. Itâs the world-famous photo by Steve McCurry and has already been proclaimed âthe Mona Lisa of photographyâ. 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 thereâs 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. Whatâs this photo about? Whatâs going on here? Itâs 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. âWhen Iâm balancing in a tree top in the thunder and lightening or when Iâm besieged by a swarm of wasps, then Iâm in my element. This is a clear indication that as a nature photographer Iâve exchanged civilization for the world of my subjects.â 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!
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EMBASSY FESTIVAL ONÂ SATURDAY, 6 SEPTEMBERÂ IN THE HAGUEA 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 yearâs 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 |Â SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2014
|Â 12:00 â 21:00Â | LANGE VOORHOUT, THE HAGUE | FREE ENTRANCEFOR FURTHER INFORMATIONÂ ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:Â WWW.EMBASSYFESTIVAL.COM
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:Â https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/Â
By Aladin ALHmedawi, President of the AAA club, Special for Diplomat Magazine.Â
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 teamsof the resent AAA football competition.
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 communityâs 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 Courtâs 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 ICCâs 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.
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/justicematters.17july in the lead-up to 17 July, expressing support for international criminal justice from around the world. Participants can also tweet using the #JusticeMatters and #17July hashtags. The social media campaign aims to raise awareness of the vital need for international criminal justice worldwide, and to connect those who strive for this important cause.
Camera Japan presents new films by Lee Sang-il and Sono Sion.
Camera Japan, the largest festival for Japanese film and anime in the Benelux, will present two strong works featuring star actor KUNIMURA Jun (Kill Bill, Hard Boiled, Audition): LEE Sang-il’s Unforgiven and SONO Sions Why Don’t You Play in Hell? The festival takes places Thursday 2 till Sunday 5 October at Rotterdam’s LantarenVenster. Part of the programme will be screened at Amsterdam’s Kriterion from Friday 10 till Sunday 12 October.
Movie buffs and those interested in Japanese or Asian culture already know their way to CAMERA JAPAN: since 2006, the festival attracts growing audiences with a programme of about thirty new and classic, fictional and documentary feature films, anime and short films. CAMERA JAPAN offers a broad overview of romance, samurai, comedy, yakuza, sci-fi, topical issues and animation. Find news about CAMERA JAPAN and, from 1 September, the full programme as well as box office information at camerajapan.nl and facebook.com/camerajapan.
UnforgivenUnforgiven& Why Don’t You Play in Hell?
CAMERA JAPAN proudly presents Unforgiven (2013, trailer) directed by LEE Sang-il (69 sixty nine, Hula Girls, Villain). Jubei (Ken Watanabe, Inception) has left behind his past as a contract killer, but struggles to feed his children. He finds himself forced to join his old friend Kingo for a double man hunt to the town where the sadistic and power-hungry Oichi rules. This very apt remake of Clint Eastwood’s western features a strong cast including KUNIMURA Jun and breathtaking cinematography. A must-see for all genre fans!
In his 31st film Why Don’t You Play in Hell? (2013, trailer) controversial filmmaker, writer and poet SONO Sion reaches new heights of gushing blood and hilarious situations. The plot tells about a young director who makes a film starring the daughter of a yakuza boss (KUNIMURA Jun). Her mother, soon to be released from prison after murdering a rival yakuza, should believe her daughter is world famous. SONO describes his new work as an ‘action thriller about the love for 35mm film’. Infusing his trademark excess and outrageousness with affection for Japanese cinema, this is SONO Sion at his most endearing and awesome.
Live performances, pop-up mall and Japanese delicacies
At LantarenVenster, a series of short live performances takes place in the evening. In the foyer a small pop-up mall offers a range of Japanese products; after 22.00 hours, Japanese finger food is available. On Sunday morning, the festival starts with the popular Film Brunch.
Kids’ Day
On Sunday, children of six years and older are welcome to take part in CAMERA JAPAN Kids’ Day. The Kids’ Day-programme includes short films and a make-your-own-robot workshop.
Camera Japan Audience Award
Festival visitors decide which film will be pronounced winner of the 2014 CAMERA JAPAN Audience Award. Last year Tokyo Family by YAMADA Yoji ended up as festival favorite.
Volunteers and partners
CAMERA JAPAN is organised by about fifteen enthusiastic voluntary staff members. During the festival, additional volunteers welcome audiences, filmmakers and other festival guests. CAMERA JAPAN is supported by the City of Rotterdam, Netherlands Film Fund, Rotterdam Festivals, Fuji Film and many other business partners.
Trial Chamber IV of the International Criminal Court (ICC) scheduled the opening of the trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain on 18 November 2014, for three charges of war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur, Sudan.
On 16 April 2014, Trial Chamber IV had vacated the date of the opening of the trial in this case, initially scheduled for 5 May 2014, in view of logistical difficulties encountered.
Background: Abdallah Banda faces three charges of war crimes (violence to life in the form of murder, whether committed or attempted; intentionally directing attacks against personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a peacekeeping mission; and pillaging). These crimes were allegedly committed in an attack carried out on 29 September 2007, against African Union Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, at the Haskanita Military Group Site, in the Umm Kadada locality of North Darfur, Sudan. While the case initially involved Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus, Trial Chamber IV terminated the proceedings against him on 4 October 2013, upon receiving evidence pointing towards his death. Abdallah Banda is not in the Courtâs custody as he is facing trial under a summons to appear.
The situation in Darfur was referred to the ICC by United Nations Security Council resolution 1593 on 31 March 2005, under article 13(b) of the Rome Statute.
Three Ambassadors receive Certificate of Merit.By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.Â
As has become a regular event by now, three more parting Ambassadors received the Certificate of Merit on behalf of the Diplomat Magazine. The Certificates were awarded as a token of gratitude for their contribution to the bi-lateral ties between The Netherlands and their countries and their support for the Diplomatic Community and the Diplomat Magazine.
Ambassador George Troup of New-Zealand
The recipients were Ambassador Markus Börlin of Switzerland, Ambassador George Troup of New-Zealand and Ambassador Gazmend Barbullushi of Albania.
Ambassador Börlin has served his country for 4 years and was a well known and well liked Diplomat. Ambassador George Troup also served his country for 4 years. He and his charming wife Hillary were familar faces at the numerous Diplomatic events in The Hague and beyond. Ambassador Troup will return to New-Zealand and enjoy his well-deserved retirement. Ambassador Gazmend Barbullushi has served his country for a full 5 years, during which he has worked hard to develop tourism to Albania.
Marc Stokbroekx, Ambassador Markus Börlin of Switzerland and Roy Lie.
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony