Sacrificing Ukraine or sacrificing Syria

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Sacrificing Ukraine or sacrificing Syria

By Sazzad Haider

Prior to Donald Trump’s anticipated second term in office, indications of his potential actions over the next four years are already emerging. The United States is currently navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, where the American people face the looming threat of nuclear conflict—a nuclear incidence might have happen if Trump does not play a prominent role in global politics.

It can be argued that Trump has not only safeguarded the United States but also the entire world from the specter of nuclear warfare by exerting control over the situation in Ukraine. The peace-loving citizens of Europe are likely experiencing a sense of relief following Trump’s electoral success. However, the reality for those European nations that have incited Zelensky to engage in conflict with Russia are now face multiple crisis as they are now grappling with the influx of Ukrainian refugees.

If NATO become embroiled in military hostilities with Russia, the populations of the involved countries could confront the harrowing prospect of a nuclear disaster before any resolution is achieved. In the aftermath of such devastation, NATO leaders might declare their victory to the world, standing amidst the ruins of countless civilian and military lives lost.

Recognizing the severe implications of the United States’ involvement in a European conflict, Trump has shifted his stance regarding the Ukraine war, opting to avoid further provocation. His proposed resolution to the conflict is unlikely to be favorable for Zelensky, a former comedian, as it does not guarantee the return of territories lost to Russia.

Once the conflict concludes, the Ukrainian people will begin to assess the gains and losses incurred.  Zelensky suspended elections under the guise of wartime necessity, he will ultimately be compelled to conduct elections in post-conflict era. If he should choose to abstain from participating in those elections, then too, he will then bear the burden of war, potentially facing charges as a war criminal. Aware of this precarious future, Zelensky is now pursuing NATO and European Union membership, actively advocating for the deployment of European troops in Ukraine—an action that he could present to Ukrainian people as a reward for their sacrifices during the war.

If the war ends in favor of Russia, the leaders of France, Germany, and the UK, who support this war, will also face extreme disaster, just like Zelensky. Russia will also remain a threat to NATO. The question is why does Trump want to put his NATO allies in this disastrous situation? Why his affection to Putin? These are some of the questions that have arisen in December. This month, Ukraine has been in extreme danger on the battlefield. At the same time, Trump has taken a stand against the use of US missiles on Russian soil.  Donald Trump has said he is “strongly” opposed to Ukraine using US long-range missiles in Russia, while vowing not to abandon Kiev.

According to an article published by Time magazine, Donald Trump wants to back down from Joe Biden’s decision to authorize long-range strikes with US weapons on Russian territory.

Under Trump’s pressure, Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. At the same time, Syrian rebels have come to over through Assad. It is noteworthy that Putin has not shown any activity to save Assad at this time. On the contrary, he has called Assad to Moscow before anyone understands anything and given him political asylum. This retreat of Russia has put Assad’s ally Iran in a terrible predicament. On the other hand, Trump has to withdraw his hands from Ukraine. Now Zelensky has no choice but to make a peace deal with Russia. Just as Russia has retreated in Syria, the United States is going to withdraw from the Ukraine war. It can be said that in exchange for Ukraine, the United States has been able to remove Putin from the Middle East.

Now let’s see why the Middle East is so valuable to the United States than Ukraine? The first reason is Israel’s position in the Middle East, and Ukraine is not as important to the United States as Israel. The war that has been going on for the past year, against Hamas and Hezbollah, has exposed many of Israel’s weaknesses. In other words, the so-called Iron Dome has failed to make Israel safe. The source of weapons for the Houthis in Yemen or Hezbollah or the anti-Israel fighters in Iraq is Russia. These weapons are going to the anti-Israel fighters through Iran with Russian technical assistance. Now if Russia stops all these supplies, then Putin will have to get something big in return.

A large part of Ukrainian land occupied by Russia. Zelensky will have to make a peace treaty with Russia by giving this land to Russia.

Israel’s interests are great precious for Trump. During this term, Trump will do everything possible for Israel’s long-term security and occupation. Saudi Arabia, once the United States’ biggest ally, has dangerously moved into Putin’s circle during Biden’s term. It has formed an alliance with the United States’ biggest enemy, Iran. In which another enemy of the United States, China, has played a role. During Trump’s previous term, Saudi Arabia was almost at the stage of normalizing relations with Israel. During Biden’s term, Saudi Arabia has moved to an anti-Israel position.

Trump will now apply various pressures on Saudi Arabia so that Saudi Arabia is able to establish normal relations with Israel – and withdraw from the demand for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. To keep Saudi Arabia under pressure, Iran must be weakened by any means. Now, by removing the Iranians from Syria, the United States has done the most important thing to remove Iran from the region of influence.

A large part of Syria has been occupied by Israel. Israel has destroyed almost all the Assad forces’ positions through airstrikes. Surprisingly, the ruling group in Syria is not saying anything against the Israeli attack. Perhaps they have accepted the Israeli attack. The question remains whether a pro-Israel government has come to power in Syria. After the Syrian incident, the United States and Israel are again hinting at an attack on Iran. Perhaps a terrible attack on Iran will soon occur and Iran will become a weak state. If Iran is punished, Saudi Arabia will return to the US sphere of influence.

About the author:

Sazzad Haider, Photographer Habib Raza.

Sazzad Haider is Writer & journalist, lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Journal.

Legal Implications of India’s Notices to Pakistan on Indus Water Treaty  

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Legal Implications of India’s Notices to Pakistan on Indus Water Treaty  

By Maham Ayaz

The Indus Water Treaty (IWT), signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank, is a key water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan. The Treaty allocates the use of the Indus River system, which includes six rivers flowing through the region. It allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. 

The Treaty is considered one of the most successful transboundary water-sharing agreements, as it has survived various political and military tensions between the two neighbouring nations.  However, on 25 January 2023, India issued a notice to Pakistan seeking modification of the Treaty, citing Pakistan’s alleged intransigence as the primary concern.  Subsequently, on 30 August 2024, India issued another notice, highlighting fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances as grounds for reviewing and modifying the Treaty.  These notices raise significant concerns regarding their potential legal implications for the treaty. This insight delves into the legal analysis of the notices by examining the relevant provisions of international law and customary norms.

The notices sent by India to Pakistan are merely a precursor to a negotiation process and do not unilaterally modify the Treaty.

Tensions arose between the two countries over the design features of the Kishanganga (330 MW) and Ratle (850 MW) hydroelectric power plants located in India on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab Rivers. While the Treaty permits India to build hydroelectric facilities on these rivers, it requires compliance with design constraints and Pakistan’s approval.  In 2016, Pakistan approached the World Bank, requesting the formation of a Court of Arbitration (CoA) to address its concerns over the power plants’ designs. India, however, insisted on appointing a Neutral Expert. To settle such disputes, the treaty establishes a comprehensive framework through the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), which consists of a commissioner from each country. It categorises issues into three distinct levels: “questions” to be addressed by the Commission, “differences” to be resolved by a Neutral Expert, and “disputes” to be referred to as a CoA.  This structured approach ensures that disagreements regarding the usage of shared rivers are systematically handled.  

However, the countries remain divided on which dispute resolution process to follow. In response, the World Bank initiated both processes simultaneously. However, India chose not to participate in the CoA proceedings, and in 2023, it issued a formal notice to Pakistan seeking to modify the Treaty.

From India’s perspective, Pakistan has bypassed the Treaty’s graded dispute resolution mechanism, constituting a material breach of the agreement.  Furthermore, India contends that the World Bank, under persistent pressure from Pakistan, initiated two parallel dispute resolution processes—the CoA and the Neutral Expert—which risks producing conflicting outcome, which can potentially complicate the resolution of the issue.  

On the other hand, Pakistan asserts that the hydroelectric power plants being constructed by India violate the Treaty, arguing that this issue constitutes a “dispute” rather than a mere “difference”. Pakistan contends that the design conflict is not solely a technical matter but also requires interpretation of the Treaty. Therefore, referring the matter to the CoA rather than a Neutral Expert, who is limited to technical assessments, is crucial. In contrast, the CoA addresses both legal and technical aspects. As a result, Pakistan maintains that the CoA is the appropriate forum for resolving this issue, as stipulated by the Treaty. 

In response to India’s first notice, Pakistan’s Attorney General’s office confirmed that on April 5, 2023, Pakistan formally replied, expressing its willingness to address New Delhi’s concerns. Pakistan proposed that these discussions should occur within the framework of the PIC, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue while upholding the Treaty’s provisions.

On 30 August 2024, India issued another notice to Pakistan, citing ‘fundamental and unforeseen circumstances’ that necessitate a reassessment of the IWT. India’s concerns include population demographic shifts, environmental challenges and the ongoing impact of cross-border terrorism.  In response, Pakistan expressed its willingness to engage in discussions. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified Pakistan’s position, emphasising the desire to address India’s concerns through the existing framework of IWT. 

It is essential to understand that India’s notice or request for modification does not ipso facto annually amend or modify the Treaty. The Treaty itself provides a framework for modification under Article XII. It explicitly states that modification or alteration cannot occur without the agreement of both parties. Therefore, any modification to the IWT must be negotiated, drafted, and ratified by both countries to have legal standing. The Treaty’s structure ensures that no unilateral modification is possible.

Regarding annulment, customary international law supports the view that treaties of indefinite duration, such as the IWT, cannot be unilaterally terminated by one party without violating international law.  Any such withdrawal would not only breach the terms of the Treaty but also constitute a gross violation of international law, as treaties of this nature are binding unless both parties agree to terminate them.

Regarding India’s claim that Pakistan has materially breached the Treaty, this can be assessed under Article 60(3) of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT). Article 60(3) defines a material breach as: “(i) a repudiation of the treaty not sanctioned by the present Convention; or (ii) a violation of a provision essential to the accomplishment of the object or purpose of the treaty.” In this context, Pakistan’s decision to pursue the CoA over a Neutral Expert does not meet this definition. While the choice of dispute resolution mechanism is contested, it does not violate any provision essential to fulfilling the Treaty’s objectives. Therefore, the issue remains a procedural disagreement rather than a breach of the Treaty’s core provisions.

Moreover, in its second notice, India’s claim regarding fundamental changes in circumstances can be addressed through dialogue at the PIC. However, India cannot use these claims as grounds for withdrawal from the treaty. Under Article 62(1) of the VCLT, the principle of pacta sunt servanda—the obligation to uphold treaties—prevails, even if unforeseen circumstances arise, unless the treaty’s provisions become an undue burden on one of the parties. Currently, there is no evidence that these circumstances have created such a burden on either party.

The notices sent by India to Pakistan are merely a precursor to a negotiation process and do not unilaterally modify the Treaty. Both nations must uphold their international responsibilities and collaborate within the IWT framework to address their concerns. This landmark agreement on transboundary river systems has withstood numerous challenges and should not be altered or annulled based on political changes or personal preferences. It is essential that India and Pakistan honour their commitments and work together to preserve the Treaty’s integrity, ensuring continued cooperation and stability in their bilateral relations.

About the author:

Maham Ayaz

Maham Ayaz is a Research Associate at the Centre of Excellence for International Law (CEIL), ISSRA, NDU, specializing in Public International Law and International Humanitarian Law.

Her current work focuses on the legal aspects of transboundary water disputes, including the Indus Waters Treaty, contributing to research on complex international issues.

Email: mahamayaz308@yahoo.com

The Embassy of Uruguay Highlights Cristina Peri Rossi’s Work

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The Embassy of Uruguay Highlights Cristina Peri Rossi’s Work

The Embassy of Uruguay, together with the Hispanic Association of The Hague, co-organized an event dedicated to the work of Uruguayan writer Cristina Peri Rossi, winner of the prestigious International Cervantes Prize in 2021.

The conference was very well attended, filling the room with over 70 guests, including the Ambassadors of Argentina, Chile, and Costa Rica, as well as diplomats from the Embassies of Venezuela, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador. Among the attendees were Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, President of the United Nations Residual Mechanism, and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, Director of Diplomat Magazine.

Edith Bergansius, Prof Gabriel Inzaurralde and the Ambassador of Uruguay.

The keynote speaker was Gabriel Inzaurralde, a prominent Uruguayan professor of Latin American literature at Leiden University in the Netherlands.

The event opened with remarks from Ambassador Álvaro González Otero, who emphasized the importance of encouraging cultural dialogue as a cornerstone for promoting international peace. “Wars are born in the minds of men, and it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed,” he said, quoting the UNESCO Constitution.

Ambassador González Otero also highlighted the remarkable career of Cristina Peri Rossi and expressed gratitude to Professor Inzaurralde. He gave special recognition to the Hispanic Association of The Hague for its continuous efforts to promote the Spanish language and Latin American culture in the Netherlands.

“In the same vein,” said the Ambassador, “I wish to highlight the tremendous work of our dear Edith Bergansius, President of the Hispanic Association of The Hague. Her tireless dedication is fundamental for the promotion of Hispanic culture in the Netherlands. For over three decades, Edith has championed a wide variety of cultural and educational activities.” Bergansius has been the recipient of significant awards, including one from the Embassy of Spain and another from the Mayor of The Hague, on behalf of the King, marking the centenary of the association and recognizing her presidency since 2006.

The Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro, Edith Bergansius, Presidenta de la Asociacion Hispanica de La Haya, Prof. Gabriel Inzurralde, H.E. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay and Dayana Perez Fernandez, Diplomat from the Dominican Republic.

Professor Inzaurralde, delivering his tenth conference on Latin American writers for the association, offered a thorough and engaging analysis of the life and works of Cristina Peri Rossi.

The Uruguayan writer Cristina Peri Rossi was forced to leave her country for political reasons in 1972 and never returned to live in Uruguay. Her writing initially presents itself as an effort against transience—a record that captures moments, treasures memories, and resists oblivion. At the same time, Peri Rossi crafts her words to create an alternative space for the circulation of desire. In the concept of exile, both tendencies converge: memory and dissident eroticism. Drawing on excerpts from her novels and short stories, and by exploring her poetic and political work, Professor Inzaurralde discussed themes of travel and distance, sex and despair.

Born in Montevideo in 1941, Peri Rossi has lived in exile in Spain since 1972 following the rise of the dictatorship in Uruguay at the time. True to his engaging lecture style, Professor Inzaurralde involved the audience in a dynamic exploration of Peri Rossi’s career, personal journey, and literary works, including La nave de los locos. Thought-provoking discussions arose: How did exile and her sexuality influence Peri Rossi’s life? Would these same conditions impact a writer today? Can exile, love, and memory coexist in our contemporary world?

“According to the World Bank,” the ambassador quoted in his speech, “Uruguay stands out in Latin America for being an egalitarian society, for its high per capita income and for its low poverty levels. In relative terms, its middle class is the largest in the Americas and the Caribbean and represents 60% of its population. It is known for being the country of the mate, for the excellence of its meats and wines, and for being the place where the first soccer world cup was held and for having the longest carnival in the world”. He closed his speech by inviting those present to visit Uruguay.

The event concluded with a lively reception, where the Embassy of Uruguay treated attendees to empanadas, alfajores, and excellent Uruguayan wines. The gathering provided an excellent opportunity for participants to share reflections and express appreciation for both the Embassy of Uruguay and the Hispanic Association of The Hague for organizing such a captivating and enriching event.

Recognition of the Dominican Republic in the Netherlands

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Recognition of the Dominican Republic in the Netherlands

The international political magazine Diplomat Magazine, based in the Netherlands, recognized the notable work of the Dominican Ambassador, H.E. Juan Bautista Durán, during his tenure in the country from 2021 to 2024.

In a special ceremony, Ambassador Durán was awarded the Certificate of Merit for his significant contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between the Dominican Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as for promoting multilateralism in international institutions based in The Hague. These institutions include the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Arbitration, and the Hague Conference on Private International Law, where the Dominican Republic achieved notable participation under his leadership.

In the realm of bilateral relations, Ambassador Durán excelled in supporting the private sector by facilitating meetings between Dominican and Dutch business leaders. His consistent support and engagement with Dominican citizens and community associations in the Netherlands also earned him respect and trust. Among his numerous initiatives, he organized tournaments, symposiums, conferences, vocational courses, commercial and folkloric events, as well as traditional religious and patriotic celebrations.

Diplomat Magazine’s editor-in-chief Roy Lie Atjam, H.E. Juan Duran and Publisher Dr. Mayelinne De Lara.

During a solemn ceremony held at the Dominican Embassy, attended by diplomats and distinguished guests, representatives of Diplomat Magazine, led by its editor-in-chief Roy Lie Atjam and Dr. Mayelinne De Lara, expressed their gratitude for the valuable support provided by Ambassador Durán and the Dominican Embassy to the diplomatic corps and media in the Netherlands.

For 11 years, Diplomat Magazine has been awarding the Certificate of Merit to ambassadors who distinguish themselves during their missions in the Netherlands. Past recipients of this recognition include representatives from Japan, Vietnam, Canada, Israel, Guatemala, Peru, South Africa, Cameroon, Tunisia, France, and other countries, however Ambassador Duran is the first Dominican Republic Ambassador receiving the award.

Celebrating Albania’s Independence

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Celebrating Albania’s Independence

By H.E. Dr. Artemis Malo, Ambassador of Albania to Canada

Today, as we commemorate Albania’s 112th Independence Day, we honor not only the perseverance and determination of the Albanian people but also the timeless relationships Albania has cultivated globally, including its growing partnership with Canada. This occasion reminds us of our shared values of freedom, democracy, and mutual respect, which have been the cornerstones of Albania’s journey toward sovereignty and progress.

On November 28, 1912, Albania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire, reclaiming its identity after centuries of foreign rule. This historic moment marked the birth of modern Albania, a nation of courage, culture, and deep-rooted traditions. The road since then has been one of trials and triumphs, but our commitment to self-determination has never wavered.

Albania today stands as a proud member of NATO, a demonstration of its strategic importance and steadfast commitment to global peace and security. Since joining the alliance in 2009, Albania has contributed to various peacekeeping missions, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner on the international stage. Furthermore, Albania continues its efforts toward full membership in the European Union, aligning its policies with EU standards to strengthen governance, economic reforms, and human rights.

In this context, the partnership between Albania and Canada has blossomed into a relationship of mutual benefit and shared goals. The Albanian diaspora in Canada serves as a bridge, promoting cultural exchanges and contributing significantly to Canadian society. Canada’s multiculturalism, openness, and the value placed on diversity reflects the essence of Albanian beliefs.

Together, we have laid the groundwork for collaborations in education, technology, and trade, with significant potential for further development.

Economically, Albania has made remarkable strides. Its strategic location in Southeast Europe, coupled with a commitment to reforms, has attracted investment in sectors such as energy, tourism, and agriculture. Canada, as a leader in innovation and sustainable practices, can play a fundamental role in Albania’s economic transformation. Canadian expertise in clean energy aligns with Albania’s vast hydroelectric potential, while shared interests in fostering green economies present opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

Politically, Albania has been a staunch advocate for regional stability and integration. Its leadership in promoting dialogue in the Western Balkans exemplifies its dedication to a peaceful and united Europe. These efforts align closely with Canada’s foreign policy goals, which emphasize global cooperation and conflict resolution.

Albania National Day, Ottawa Canada 2024. H.E. Dr. Artemis Malo, Ambassador of Albania to Canada during her speech.

As we commemorate this Independence Day, it is essential to acknowledge the contributions of other nations and allies, like Canada, that have supported Albania’s journey. The values that underpin our diplomatic ties—freedom, equality, and a vision for a better future—are the same values that inspired Albania’s independence over a century ago.

Fellow ambassadors have often spoken of Albania’s rich cultural heritage, from the ancient ruins of Butrint to the traditions of folk music and dance. Albania is a land of unparalleled beauty, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet the rugged mountains, and its people are known for their warmth and hospitality. These qualities are the soul of our nation, shared generously with friends and allies.

Looking ahead, Albania and Canada are poised to achieve even greater milestones together. By deepening our collaboration in key sectors and embracing opportunities for cultural and economic exchange, we honor not just the spirit of Albania’s independence but also the principles of partnership and unity that guide our nations.

Ms. Julie Dabrusin

As an ambassador of Albania, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on this day. Let us continue to celebrate the strength of our people, the friendships we have forged, and the bright future that lies ahead. Together, we embody the enduring promise of independence and international cooperation, striving always for a world that values freedom and prosperity for all.

This article was written to commemorate Albania’s Independence Day on November 28, highlighting the historical significance of the day, Albania’s international partnerships, and the strong ties between Albania and Canada.

Transatlantic cocaine trafficking route by air and sea halted: 23 arrests

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Transatlantic cocaine trafficking route by air and sea halted: 23 arrests

A joint operation in Brazil and Italy has led to the arrest of 23 members of a cocaine trafficking network linked to mafia families in Italy. The three criminal groups running the drug smuggling operation used cargo ships and private aircraft to transport large quantities of cocaine to Europe. Eurojust and Europol supported the investigations and the action day on 10 December.

Following the arrest of two members of an Italian mafia family in Brazil in 2019, investigations were launched into the links between Brazilian and Italian criminal groups. The investigations revealed strong ties between the Italian mafia and Brazilian criminal organisations involved in coordinating cocaine shipments to Europe from the Port of Paranaguá. Throughout the investigations, authorities documented over 1 500 kg cocaine trafficked to Europe.

The international criminal group linked to the ‘Ndrangheta in Piedmont concealed the cocaine shipments in cargo ships destined for various European ports. Drugs were also transported by air in private aircraft. Their activities generated huge profits for the criminal organisation. The multi-million euro profits were laundered through an intricate network of individuals and companies.

Italian and Brazilian authorities worked together on the complex investigation through a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust in 2020. The JIT allowed the authorities to exchange information in real time and plan the arrests and searches, which took place simultaneously in Brazil and Italy. Europol supported the investigation by coordinating the exchange of information between EU Member States and Brazil, and providing EU authorities with intelligence packages. These files allowed affected countries to finalise their investigations. Before the action day, Europol welcomed two Brazilian experts to its headquarters in The Hague, who worked hand-in-hand with affected EU Member States.

The four-year investigation culminated in a large-scale operation on 10 December in Italy and Brazil. Italian and Brazilian authorities disrupted the activities of the criminal groups by arresting 23 suspects, 5 in Italy and 18 in Brazil. Searches were carried out at several addresses across Brazil.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Turin – District Antimafia Directorate; Italian National Antimafia Prosecutor’s Office; Carabinieri of the ROS (Special Operational Group) and of the Provincial Command of Turin; Italian Central Anti-Drug Directorate

Brazil: Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office of Brazil; Federal Police of Brazil through the Special Group for Sensitive Investigations of Paraná; Federal Police of the State of Paraíba, Authotities of the States of Curitiba and Joao Pessoa

Trust Fund for Victims Board of Directors

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Trust Fund for Victims Board of Directors

Securing Renewed Consensus in Favor of the Reparative Mandate of the ICC

On 2 December 2024, the 7th Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims delivered its annual report to the Assembly of States Parties, which held its 23rd session in The Hague, The Netherlands. Also, between 28 November and 4 December 2024, the 7th Board held its 29th and final meeting, thereby concluding its mandate.

Upon concluding its mandate, the 7th Board of Directors, called on States Parties to provide substantial contributions to finance the programs for the benefit of victims in the 17 situations under the jurisdiction of the Court, which include more than 80,000 victims awaiting to receive reparations ordered by the ICC.

On 6 December 2024, the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) elected by acclamation five members of the 8th Board of Directors, which will be integrated by:

  1. Mr Tareque Muhammad (Bangladesh)
  2. Ms Mônica Jacqueline Sifuentes (Brazil)
  3. Mr Andres Parmas (Estonia)
  4. Mr Kevin Kelly (Ireland)
  5. Mr Ibrahim Sorie Yillah (Sierra Leone)

The outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, Ms Minou Tavárez Mirabal, expressed gratitude to the members of the 7 th Board of Directors for their service to victims and the ICC, stating: “I call upon the 8 th Board to continue the ambitious program of work to revitalize the Trust Fund for Victims, initiated by the 6 th Board of Directors under the leadership of Felipe Michelini. At its core lies the renewal of consensus from States Parties to the victim-centered mandate of the International Criminal Court.”

In 2024, the TFV has supported 24,000 victims through its programs of assistance, currently operating in 7 situations under the jurisdiction of the Court. In 2024, the ICC Trust Fund for Victims engaged in five reparations proceedings in the cases of Katanga , Lubanga , Al Mahdi , Ntaganda , and Ongwen . By year-end, reparations had been delivered to nearly 4,000 victims.

The first ICC Reparations Program concluded in the Katanga case, benefiting 297 victims of the 2003 attack on Bogoro village, Democratic Republic of the Congo. In June 2024, financial compensation was delivered to 1,685 eligible victims for the Al Mahdi case. By October, ceremonial monuments and restored buildings were handed over to the Timbuktu community. The final phase of collective reparations is set to conclude in December 2025.

First Childhood House in Saarland opened by Queen Silvia 

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First Childhood House in Saarland opened by Queen Silvia 


Friday, 29 November 2024, Homburg, The Saarland, Germany: The first Childhood House of Saarland opened ceremoniously in the presence of The Saarland’s Premier Anke Rehlinger, HM Queen Silvia of Sweden and Dr. Oskar Prinz von Preussen, Grand Master of the Johanniter Order. 

The first Childhood House/Johanniter Child Protection Competence Center in Germany is located at the University Clinic of The Saarland.

“Children are not just adults of the future. They are our here and now! We must uphold their rights and support every child to the best possible way to grow up as a strong and self-determined individual”, emphasized Queen Silvia of Sweden during the opening.

The World Childhood Foundation, founded by her, is advocating for a childhood free from sexual violence and abuse worldwide. The Childhood House offers affected children after a suspicion of abuse a trauma-sensitive environment as well as professional support through medical, psychological and legal support.

Premier Rehlinger stressed: “Protecting children is a collective task. The Childhood Home provides a central point of contact for traumatized children and is an important step in improving the protection of children and young people from violence” as per a statement published by the Saarland State Chancellery on social media. 

For further information 

The Swedish Royal House: https://www.kungahuset.se/arkiv/nyheter/2024-11-29-drottningen-invigde-childhood-haus-i-saarland

José de la Mata Amaya elected new Vice-President of Eurojust

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José de la Mata Amaya elected new Vice-President of Eurojust

National Member for Spain Mr José de la Mata Amaya was elected Vice-President of Eurojust today. Mr de la Mata (62) will serve a four-year mandate and work closely with the recently elected new Eurojust President Mr Michael Schmid and fellow Vice-President Ms Margarita Šniutytė-Daugėlienė, to represent the Agency and oversee its management. The new Vice-President of Eurojust will take up his duties on 18 December.

Commenting on his election by his fellow National Members in the College of Eurojust, Mr de la Mata said: “It is a great privilege and responsibility to be elected by my peers as Vice-President of Eurojust. It will be an honour to lead together the collegial work of the Agency over the next four years. Our Agency will continue to collaborate with the judicial authorities of Member States, the European institutions and other agencies in the fight against criminal networks, which are increasingly operating on a global scale. We will also continue to develop our relations with international organisations, regional networks and judicial partners outside the EU. Through this coordinated approach, we will contribute to the common objective of guaranteeing our fellow citizens effective justice after due process, in an environment that enables security and allows the development of rights and freedoms for all.”

The new Vice-President of Eurojust is a Spanish judge. He started working for the judiciary in 1987 as an investigative judge in Algeciras and Cádiz and as a judge in criminal trials in Las Palmas. He later served as a judge in the Court of Appeals of Las Palmas and Madrid, and in the High Court of Justice in Madrid. From 2015 until becoming National Member for Spain at Eurojust in December 2020, Mr de la Mata served as judge at the Central Investigative Court No 5 of the National Court.

Furthermore, Mr de la Mata worked at the Spanish General Council of the Judiciary from 1993 to 2001, as Director of the Department for Continuing Training of Judges and later as Director of the International Relations Department. From 2003 to 2009, he was Legal Advisor at the Constitutional Court, and between 2009 and 2011 Director General of Modernisation at the Spanish Ministry of Justice and Secretary-General of the Administration of Justice.

The new Vice-President has been Contact Point for Spain in the Network of National Experts on joint investigation teams and is Contact Point for Spain in the European Judicial Network. He speaks Spanish and English.

Mr de la Mata replaces the National Member for Slovenia Mr Boštjan Škrlec, who decided not to run for a second mandate. The two Vice-Presidents of the Agency carry out duties entrusted to them by the President of the Agency and represent or replace him.

As a new Vice-President, Mr de la Mata will also be a member of the Executive Board of Eurojust, which assists the College of the Agency in its management functions and oversees the preparatory work of the Administrative Director, Mr Vincent Jamin. The College is the final body responsible for the organisation and operation of Eurojust, consisting of all National Members and a representative of the European Commission, with the exception of Denmark.

International Bust Targets Criminal Messaging Service

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International Bust Targets Criminal Messaging Service

International operation takes down another encrypted messaging service used by criminals. It is not the first time and will not be the last time that authorities are able to read criminals’ messages in real time

Authorities are staying on top of the encrypted messaging services that criminals use to undertake their activities. A joint investigation team (JIT) involving French and Dutch authorities has taken down another sophisticated encrypted messaging service, MATRIX. For three months, authorities were able to monitor the messages from possible criminals, which will now be used to support other investigations. During a coordinated operation supported by Eurojust and Europol, the messaging service was taken down by Dutch and French authorities and follow-up actions were executed by their Lithuanian and Spanish counterparts.

MATRIX, a messaging service made by criminals for criminals, was first discovered by Dutch authorities on the phone of a criminal convicted for the murder of a Dutch journalist in 2021. A large-scale investigation into the messaging service was initiated.

It was soon clear that the infrastructure of this platform was technically more complex than previous platforms such as Sky ECC and EncroChat. The founders were convinced that the service was superior and more secure than previous applications used by criminals. Users were only able to join the service if they received an invitation. The infrastructure to run MATRIX consisted of more than 40 servers in several countries with important servers found in France and Germany.

Cooperation between the Dutch and French authorities started through a JIT set up at Eurojust. By using innovative technology, the authorities were able to intercept the messaging service and monitor the activity on the service for three months. More than 2.3 million messages in 33 languages were intercepted and deciphered during the investigation.

The messages that were intercepted are linked to serious crimes such as international drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering. Actions to take down the service and pursue serious criminals happened on 3 December in four countries. In France, one suspect was arrested, and his house searched. In Spain, two suspects were arrested following a European Arrest Warrant from the Netherlands and six houses were searched. Six houses were searched in Lithuania. The main servers in France and Germany were taken down. During the operation EUR 145 000 cash was seized and EUR 500 000 in cryptocurrencies, as well as 4 cars and over 970 phones. A freezing order was put on a villa in Spain with an estimated value of EUR 15 million.

Criminals using the messaging service are alerted to the interception by the authorities through a splash page. Through legal requests, authorities will now be able to access the messages for their investigations.

The cross-border investigation into MATRIX is a clear example of the importance of international cooperation to fight serious organised crime. By working together in a JIT, Dutch and French authorities were able to exchange information and evidence swiftly and execute joint actions. To support investigations into the illegal activities enabled by this communication platform, an Operational Task Force (OTF) was established at Europol in June 2024 between the Netherlands, France, Lithuania, Italy and Spain. This taskforce played a key role in monitoring criminal activity on the platform. Europol’s OTF will also provide assistance with independent follow-up investigations stemming from intelligence gathered during the live phase of the operation. German authorities supported the operation with their technical expertise. Spanish authorities have been working with their French and Dutch counterparts since the early stages of the investigations.

The encrypted communication landscape has become more fragmented following the takedown of several services such as Sky ECC, EncroChat, Exclu and Ghost. Criminals, in response to the disruptions of their messaging services, have been turning to a variety of less-established or custom-built communication tools that offer varying degrees of security and anonymity. While the new fragmented landscape poses challenges for law enforcement, the takedown of established communication channels, shows that authorities are on top of the latest technologies that criminals use.

The following authorities were involved in the actions:

France: JUNALCO National Jurisdiction against Organised Crime; OFAC National Police Cybercrime division

Netherlands: Team High Tech Crime of the National Investigations; Special Operations (NIS) of the Netherlands Police; Netherlands Public Prosecution Service (National Office)

Germany: Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor General’s Office – ZIT; German Federal Criminal Police, Serious and Organised Crime Division

Italy: National Antimafia Directorate (D.N.A.); Central Directorate for Anti Drug Services (D.C.S.A.)

Lithuania: Prosecutor General’s Office; Lithuanian Criminal Police Bureau

Spain: Central investigative Court 1 and 5 of Audiencia Nacional; Invesigative Court 1 of Marbella; Spanish National Police

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