Judge Sang-Hyun Song addressed  the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in his capacity as President of the International Criminal Court (ICC). In delivering the Court’s annual report to the UN, President Song acknowledged the fundamental partnership that exists between the UN and the ICC, as both organizations are “based on the ideals of peace, security and respect for human rights, and the realisation that these goals can only be attained through the rule of law and international cooperation”. He called upon all States to join the ICC, stressing that “the values of the Rome Statute reflect global solidarity and commitment to peace, security and international law”. President Song detailed developments at the Court over the past year, including the first final judgment, an unprecedented six cases at the trial stage, a new State referral and a ninth investigation, the first proceedings concerning allegations of witness interference, and the acceptance of the ICC’s jurisdiction by Ukraine. Along with its judicial work, the Court is evolving institutionally, undertaking reforms and streamlining processes. President Song reminded the Assembly that the strength of the ICC depends on the cooperation and support of States. He acknowledged the significant contributions of many States to the work of the Court, but regretted that requests for the arrest and surrender of 13 persons remained outstanding, some since 2005. “Nine years at large is an affront to justice, to victims, and to the global community which wants to see those suspected of the most atrocious crimes face the charges against them. But the suspects should not think that they have evaded justice. We have seen fugitives from international tribunals arrested after much longer periods of time”, President Song said. The President highlighted the Court’s focus on victims, including the assistance provided by the Trust Fund for Victims. He thanked States that have provided donations for the Trust Fund’s important work and encouraged contributions from those that have not done so. President Song noted that international justice has an impact not only through the deterrence of future crimes, but also by helping spread a culture of accountability throughout the world. “Instead of being a rare exception, accountability for international crimes has become something that communities, victims and societies around the world expect and demand, in keeping with that resolve which this Assembly expressed four decades ago in its Resolution 3074”, he said, adding that “the perpetrators of mass killings, deportation, attacks on civilians and rape as a weapon of war can no longer count on impunity”. Although challenges lie ahead, President Song maintained that the rule of law is the key to the protection of human rights and the assurance of sustainable peace. He asked all States to consider joining the Rome Statute – ICC’s founding treaty – urging them to “give the gift of hope to the children, men and women of tomorrow”.

President Michael Chilufya Sata passed away in London By Baron Henri Estramant. Just a few days after the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Zambia’s independence, which took place on 24 October 1954, the country is in national sorrow; President Michael Chilufya Sata (77) passed away in London, where he was hospitalised for an unknown condition, on 28 October 2014.  Michael Sata (6 July 1937 – 28 October 2014) was Zambia’s fifth president from 23 September 2011 to 28 October 2014. The Zambian constitution requires presidential elections to take place 90 days after the office becomes vacant. In the meantime, Vice-President Guy Scott makes history by becoming the first Caucasian state leader in Sub-Saharan African since the end of apartheid. Accurately he is “Acting President” rather than the formal president. Africa’s hitherto last actual Caucasian president was South Africa’s Frederik de Klerk who lost elections to Nelson Mandela in 1994. Zambia is a multi-party presidential republic wherein the President is both, Head of State and of Government. Before independence the country was known as Northern Rhodesia by the British colonial administration.    

By Baron Henri Estramant. Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Netherlands have embarked on a State Visit to Japan at the invitation of the Nipponese Government between 29 and 31 October 2014. The Dutch royals were welcomed upon arrival in Tokyo by Their Imperial Highness The Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan. This is the first time in five years that Crown Princess Masako partakes in a welcoming ceremony of foreign dignitaries. Likewise she is scheduled to attend the State Banquet offered at the Imperial Palace by His Imperial Majesty The Emperor, a first one in eleven years. The relations between the Netherlands royal couple and the Japanese Crown Princely Couple are very warm. Back in 2006, Queen Beatrix offered them a home in The Netherlands to facilitate the recovery of the ailing crown princess. The Japanese heirs also attended the investiture of King Willem-Alexander in Amsterdam in 2013. This is the first overseas trip for The Crown Princess in eleven years.

By Baron Henri Estramant. Canada’s Viceroy and Personal Representative of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada, HE the Right Honourable David Johnston and her wife HE Mrs Sharon Johnston have just paid a two-day visit to The Netherlands. During their brief stay, Their Excellencies called upon Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Netherlands at Noordeinde Palace on 27 October 2014. The vice-regals’ visit was to attend the 70th anniversary of the battle of the Schelde River. Later that day, the Dutch King’s cousin and Aide-de-camp, His Highness Prince Maurits van Oranje-Nassau escorted Their Excellencies to the Canadian war cemetery in Bergen op Zoom. After departing from The Netherlands the viceregal couple headed south to neighbouring Belgium where they were welcomed by Her Canadian Majesty’s Ambassador to HM The King of the Belgians, M Denis Robert.    Representing Canada’s monarch and Her government the vice-regals attended the National Commemorative Ceremony for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Ypres at Menin Gate. Before the commemoration, and after a full day of activities in The Netherlands, Governor General Johnston, his spouse and Ambassador Denis Robert attended a dinner hosted in their honour at Laeken Castle by Their Majesties The King and Queen of the Belgians. David Lloyd Johnston is Canada’s 28th Governor General since the foundation of the Confederation in 1867. He assumed office on 1 October 2010 after being appointed by Canada’s Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, at the recommendation of incumbent Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The Governor General carries out the ceremonial and protocolary duties of the constitutional monarch on a daily basis pursuant to the Letters Patent Constituting the Office of Governor General of Canada issued by King George VI in 1947.

Credits picture:  http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14006&lan=eng