Guyana / Venezuela: Brasil propone mediaciĂłn

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Guyana / Venezuela: Brasil propone mediaciĂłn

Por Dr. Nicolas Boeglin

El pasado 10 de diciembre, se indicó en distintos medios de prensa que Brasil propuso formalmente a Venezuela y a Guyana una mediación, bajo los auspicios de la Comunidad de Estados de América Latina y el Caribe (CELAC): véase nota de prensa de ElPaís (España).  

El malestar del CARICOM

Este anuncio se da unos pocos dĂ­as despuĂ©s de una declaraciĂłn conjunta de los 15 Estados pertencientes al CARICOM, en la que se lee (vĂ©ase texto completo) que: 

“CARICOM firmly supports Guyana in pursuance of the resolution of its border controversy with Venezuela through the process of the ICJ.

Further, CARICOM urges Venezuela to respect the conservatory measures determined by the ICJ in its recent ruling until a final resolution“.

Una reuniĂłn pactada para el 14 de diciembre entre los Jefes de Estado de Venezuela y de Guyana en San Vicente y las Granadinas, Estado que ejerce la Presidencia Pro Tempore de la CELAC, deberĂ­a de materializarse (vĂ©ase nota de France24) en aras de crear condiciones propicias para el diĂĄlogo entre Guyana y Venezuela. El pasado 6 de diciembre, los jefes de los aparatos diplomĂĄticos de Guyana y Venezuela sostuvieron una conversaciĂłn telefĂłnica (vĂ©ase comunicado oficial de Venezuela).

Es de notar que el Consejo de Seguridad  de Naciones Unidas tuvo una reuniĂłn a puertas cerradas, la cual fue solicitada por Guyana, el pasado 8 de diciembre (vĂ©ase nota de prensa de St. Vincent Times): en la misiva enviada el dĂ­a anterior por Guyana, se hacia ver el contenido de declaraciones pĂșblicas hechas por el Ministro de Defensa de Venezuela (vĂ©ase documento S/2023/971 del Consejo de Seguridad).

Breve puesta en perspectiva

La tensiĂłn ha recrudecido en la frontera en los Ășltimos dĂ­as, debido a las acciones anunciadas por Venezuela luego de realizarse una consulta pĂșblica el pasado 3 de diciembre sobre lo que Venezuela denomina la “Guayana Esequiba“. 

A raĂ­z de los diversos anuncios hechos por Venezuela (vĂ©ase comunicado oficial de Venezuela difundido el 8 de diciembre), Estados Unidos y Guyana anunciaron la realizaciĂłn de ejercicios militares conjuntos (vĂ©ase nota de France24).

Esta consulta pĂșblica realizada el pasado 3 de diciembre, en nuestra opiniĂłn innecesaria, arrojĂł resultados previsibles superiores con mĂĄs de un 95% de respuestas favorables (vĂ©ase el texto completo del cuestionario compuesto de 5 preguntas). Si bien las autoridades venezolanas celebraron los resultados obtenidos, es muy probable que en La Haya, esta iniciativa haya indispuesto a los 15 jueces que integran el mĂĄximo Ăłrgano jurisdiccional de Naciones Unidas: la pregunta tres en particular, la cual desautoriza decisiones tomadas por la CIJ en el 2020 y 2023 declarĂĄndose competente, asĂ­ como la quinta que pareciera hacer a un lado lo que dictamine la CIJ en el futuro.

Al respecto, Guyana habĂ­a solicitado desde el 30 de octubre  a la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ) que se supendiera esta consulta venezolana: en una ordenanza dada a conocer 1ero de diciembre del 2023, la CIJ ordenĂł medidas provisionales, sin exigir a Venezuela que suspenda dicha consulta. Al respecto, remitimos nuestros estimables lectores a  nuestra nota titulada “Guyana / Venezuela: a propĂłsito de las medidades provisionales ordenadas por la Corte Internacional de Justicia (CIJ)“.

A modo de conclusiĂłn

Esta prĂłxima reuniĂłn al mĂĄs alto nivel entre Guyana y Venezuela tambiĂ©n puede entenderse como una consecuencia indirecta de la Ășltima decisiĂłn de la CIJ tendiente a “apaciguar” los ĂĄnimos entre ambos Estados, a la que nos referimos en la precitada nota nuestra: un momento que hay que saber aprovechar y que Guyana y Venezuela parecieran dispuestas a no desperdiciar, ayudados por Brasil. 

Una salida polĂ­tica entre dos Estados que litigan ante la CIJ siempre es factible, en la medida en que ninguna regla prohibe a los Estados negociar mientras estĂĄn enfrentados en una contienda legal ante el juez internacional de La Haya: es asĂ­ como, en lo que respecta a AmĂ©rica Latina, Colombia y Ecuador lograron un acuerdo (vĂ©ase texto) en el 2013 a cambio del retiro de la demanda por parte de Ecuador contra Colombia interpuesta en marzo del 2008 por fumigaciones quĂ­micas colombianas afectando su territorio (vĂ©ase texto de la demanda ecuatoriana en francĂ©s y en inglĂ©s). Resulta de interĂ©s señalar que al obtener el retiro de la demanda planteada por Ecuador ante la CIJ, Colombia se comprometiĂł a depositarle a Ecuador la coqueta suma de 15 millones de US$, que incluye, entre otros, los gastos de Ecuador en el procedimiento ante la CIJ (vĂ©ase el punto 9 del precitado  acuerdo entre Colombia y Ecuador del 9/09/2013).

Autor:

Dr. Nicolas Boeglin.

Nicolas Boeglin, Profesor de Derecho Internacional PĂșblico, Facultad de Derecho, Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Contacto: nboeglin@gmail.com

The ICC President on Human Rights Day

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The ICC President on Human Rights Day

Statement of ICC President, Judge Piotr HofmaƄski, for Human Rights Day

Today, the International Criminal Court joins the world in marking Human Rights Day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day by the United Nations in 1948, turns 75 this year. It is an important milestone in the protection of human rights worldwide.

This year’s theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All,” resonates particularly with the Court’s mandate. The ICC seeks accountability for those who have perpetrated the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Victims are at the heart of the Court’s proceedings and deserve justice. Through its work, the Court can help protect and uphold the rights of people to live in peace, equality and dignity.

“This cause… is the cause of all humanity.” These words were spoken by former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, when this Court was created, when the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, took effect. That feeling still resonates today. In these troubled times, both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Rome Statute are needed more than ever.

The ICC will continue its work for the cause of justice with determination and resilience. For all people of the world to benefit equally from the protection of the law, I encourage all States to accede to the Rome Statute, so we can work together towards a more just world.

Navigating Challenges – Ambassador Modi Ephraim on Israel-Netherlands Relations

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Navigating Challenges – Ambassador Modi Ephraim on Israel-Netherlands Relations

Embarking on an insightful dialogue with Ambassador Modi Ephraim, with a focus on recent events, the Ambassador shares his perspectives on the response of the Dutch government and people, the resilience of the Jewish community, and the potential avenues for strengthened collaboration in the face of challenges.

DM – In light of the recent unprecedented attack from Hamas, how would you describe the response of the people of the Netherlands and the Dutch government?

Immediately after the Hamas attack, I was met by an outpour of support. Solidarity events organized by people of all sorts of walks and religions, demonstrations for Israel, and the raising of the Israeli flag by countless people who were shocked by the brutal attack on innocent Israelis by Hamas terrorists on October 7th.

Following the attack, the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte showed solidarity with Israel by raising the flag in front of his office and he was clear in his stance that Israel has the right to self-defense. There was a moment of silence in Parliament to honor the victims of the brutal attack that took place on October 7th which I was honored to attend, and I received messages of solidarity and support from countless Parliamentarians.

In Israel, I accompanied the Dutch minister of Foreign Affairs of Hanke Bruins Slot in a visit to Kfar Aza, one of the villages that was brutally attacked by Hamas terrorists on October 7th. The devastation the minister saw and the stories she heard made a big impact on her. I think anyone who bears witness to the atrocities, understands that the Hamas terror organization needs to be destroyed.

The Prime Minister made multiple visits to Israel and took ample time to meet with the family of Ofir Engel, an Israeli boy with also Dutch nationality who was abducted by Hamas terrorists to Gaza. After the meeting, I spoke with Ofir’s grandfather and he was so appreciative of the kindness and support PM Rutte showed.

In the Netherlands we have seen many demonstrations and solidarity actions, demanding the release of all hostages. Because of his Dutch background, there was particular attention for Ofir, and we are all so happy that he is now released and back with his loved ones. I appreciate the role of the Dutch government and all citizens who called for the release of him and all other hostages.

There are still 137 hostages kept by terrorists in Gaza. It is important that everyone continues to ask attention for this urgent matter, and I am appreciative to see that demonstrations and creative actions continue to be organized to shine a light on the plight of the hostages.

DM – Given the increase in anti-Semitic incidents you mentioned earlier, how has the Jewish local community in the Netherlands responded to the recent events?

There is great concern about the alarming increase of 818% of anti-Semitic incidents in the Netherlands. I find it dreadful that 80 years after the Holocaust, some people in the Netherlands have to hide the mezuza on their door or the yarmulke on their head out of fear. We work with the leadership of the Jewish community, the Dutch government and Parliament to ensure that Jewish life can continue. It is appalling that Jewish events are being cancelled and that Jewish schools had to close because of safety concerns. Just like any other people, the Jewish community must be able to live safely and freely in the Netherlands.

DM – As the Ambassador, how do you see the role of the Dutch government in fostering stronger ties and cooperation between Israel and the Netherlands during this challenging time?

In 2024 we mark 75 years of bilateral ties between Israel and the Netherlands. A diamond jubilee. Throughout these years our two countries have enjoyed a close friendship and ever-growing trade, as we continuously work together in various fields to enhance cooperation. We cherish our shared values that serve as a basis to this close friendship.

We appreciate the friendship of the Dutch government in the past few months since the brutal October 7th attack. As I mentioned earlier, PM Rutte made clear that Israel has the right to self-defense. The role of the Dutch government in getting hostages released, including Ofir Engel, cannot be underestimated and we are very grateful.

To ensure the eradication of the Hamas terror organization, it is important that this is part of the international agenda. Just like an international coalition was formed to fight Islamic State, the same must be done against Hamas to ensure that their terror will not reach Europe.

DM – In your experience as Israel’s top representative in The Hague, how has the recent situation impacted people-to-people exchanges, especially in the field or arts, between Israel and the Netherlands?

In the many demonstrations and actions in support of Israel, artists use their talents to ask attention. For example, recently in Amsterdam I attended the making of a painting on a wall by Israeli graffiti artist Benzi Brofman. His artwork shines light on sexual war violence against women and calls to speak up for our sisters. Brutal rapes were broadcast live by Hamas on social media and the hostage women experienced terrible things. This deserves more attention, and I am grateful for the efforts by Brofman and other artists who use their art as a wake-up call.

At the same time, we also see demonstrations that show support for the Hamas terror. Anti-Semitic chants are being shouted and the state of Israel is being denied the right to exist. It is important that we stand against terror and those who seek the destruction of the Jewish state.

DM – Looking forward, what are your expectations or hopes regarding the ongoing collaboration between Israel and the Netherlands, considering the recent events?

This month we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. Both serve as a symbol of optimism in dark times.  I am optimistic that we will have victory in the war against terror and that we will have peace in the region. We will continue to grow ties with our neighbors, and together with the Netherlands we can grow multilateral projects that are of benefit to Israel, its neighbors and the Netherlands. 

The Seven Beauties Music Group Concert

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The Seven Beauties Music Group Concert

By Roy Lie Atjam

The President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Mrs Gunay Afandiyeva, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Askar Zhumagaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of TĂŒrkiye to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Selçuk Ünal, invited friends, colleagues and others at the concert by the Seven Beauties Music Group, at the Chancellery of Azerbaijan on 24 October 2023. 

Turan Manafzadeh from Azerbaijan, conductor and pianist. Sevent Beauties Musical Group.

The Ambassadors: Rahman Mustafayev, Askar Zhumagaliyev, Selçuk Ünal and Mrs Gunay Afandiyeva, President of the International Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, each welcome the guests.

The “Seven Beauties” music group is a testament to the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Turkic world. The ensemble comprised exceptionally talented female musicians representing seven member states of the Organisation of Turkic States (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, TĂŒrkiye, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Hungary (observer). The concert was a celebration of the music, harmony and diversity of the Turkic culture.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Rahman Mustafayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Askar Zhumagaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of TĂŒrkiye to the Netherlands H.E. Mr Selçuk Ünal together with the musical group Seven Beauties.

The title Seven Beauties doesn’t only refer to the seven young ladies or the seven countries, but after the poem Seven Beauties by genius philosopher and poet Nizami Ganjavi (Azerbaijan). The concert de facto paid homage to this genius of the Turkic World Nizami Ganjavi.

The repertoire consisted of pieces by:

  • “Arazbarı” – Uzeyir Hajibeyli 
  • “Kozimnin Karası” – Аbay Кunanbaev (Kazakistan)
  • “TĂŒrkiye 100” – Turan Manafzade 
  • “Ok Lolalar” – Uzbek folk song (Uzbekistan)
  • “Hungarian Dance” no.5 – Johannes Brahms (Hungary)
  • “Men seni araram” – Fikrat Аmirov 
  • “бurkmen Dance” – Radjab Radjabov (Turkmenistan)
  • “Paxtacı kızdın biyi” – Seydaly Madatov (Kırgızstan)
  • “Nazende Sevgilim” – Azerbaijani song
  • “Sarı Gelin” – Azerbaijani folk song
  • “Lachin” – Azerbaijani folk song 
  • “Libertango” – Astor Piazzola
  • “Turkish March” – Wolfgang Amadeus ĐœĐŸzart (arr. by Fazıl Say)
Turan Manafzadeh from Azerbaijan, conductor and pianist, Maiya Medetbek from Kazakhstan violin, Kanysh Nurdi from Kyrgyzstan violin, Gökce Bahar Oytun from Turkiye on cello, Vlada Guseynpva from Uzbekistan violin, Selbi Kadirova from Turkmenistan violin and Paulovits Boglårka also on violin.

The ensemble included: Turan Manafzadeh from Azerbaijan as the conductor and pianist, Maiya Medetbek from Kazakhstan violin, Kanysh Nurdi from Kyrgyzstan violin, Gökce Bahar Oytun from Turkiye on cello, Vlada Guseynpva from Uzbekistan violin, Selbi Kadirova from Turkmenistan violin and Paulovits Boglårka also on violin.

Part of the public attending the presentation of Seven Beauties at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in The Hague.

The “Seven Beauties” music group concert was astonishing, their creativity, performativity and musicality captivated the audience for the entire duration of the concert. Everyone left the concert in high spirits.

ICC President meets with United Nations Secretary-General

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ICC President meets with United Nations Secretary-General

On Wednesday December 6, 2023, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Piotr HofmaƄski, met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, AntĂłnio Guterres, at the seat of the United Nations in New York. The meeting took place in the margins of the 22nd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute , the Court’s founding treaty.

During the meeting, President HofmaƄski conveyed to the Secretary-General his deep sense of gratitude for the strong support and cooperation of the United Nations, which is particularly important as the Court is facing pressures and attacks on account of its independent work in addressing the most serious crimes under international law. Secretary-General Guterres expressed his strong support for the Court as a fundamental tool of accountability and assured President HofmaƄski that the cooperation of the United Nations will continue, in line with the Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the Court and with full respect for the Court’s independence. The discussion also touched upon the importance of strengthening the capacity of national jurisdictions to investigate and adjudicate core international crimes in accordance with the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute.

International Criminal Court publishes new Policy on Children

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International Criminal Court publishes new Policy on Children

Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court publishes new Policy on Children: Statement by ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC

As we witness the suffering of children globally, my Office has launched a new Policy on Children to help remedy their historic underrepresentation and lack of engagement in international criminal justice processes. This Policy represents a critical step to realising my consistent pledge to take a child-sensitive approach to investigations and prosecutions by articulating how we can proactively and explicitly consider their experiences in all our cases.

Children have the right to participate in justice processes that involve them. It is the position of this Office that children’s voices will be heard in every case, every situation. Interaction with an individual child will of course depend on that child’s abilities, consent, and best interests. But at the case level, my Office will actively and affirmatively seek to engage with children so that we can better understand the ways they are targeted for and impacted by crimes under the Rome Statute.

This Policy emphasises our view that allRome Statute crimes may be committed against or affect children. Conflicts affect children in various ways depending on personal characteristics, including age, gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, where they live and their level of education. Countering a traditionally homogenous view of children, the Policy aims to actively reflect and adapt to issues related to intersectionality, children’s different developmental stages and their evolving capacities.

Building on the 2016 OTP Policy on Children, this Policy incorporates recent research about children’s development, memory, and abilities to engage in judicial processes, as well as the emergence of new technologies to support their safe participation.

To ensure that we engage children as victims, survivors and witnesses, the Policy emphasises my commitment to establish an institutional environment that facilitates effective investigation and prosecution of crimes against and affecting children– including through recruitment, training, external collaboration, and meaningful implementation, monitoring, and evaluation measures.

Willkommen zurĂŒck for Ambassador Akhatov

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Willkommen zurĂŒck for Ambassador Akhatov

Wednesday, 25 October 2023, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany: Ambassador Dilshod Akhatov, a distinguished diplomat from Uzbekistan, presented his credentials before German Federal President Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Bellevue Palace. Akhatov is no stranger to Germany, having had served a previous ambassadorial role in the EU’s largest economy between 2010 and 2013. 

Born on 28th June 1972 in the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan, Ambassador Akhatov has dedicated his life to serving his country in various capacities in the field of foreign affairs. 

His academic journey began at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations. He further advanced his education at the Moscow State Institute (University) of International Relations, obtaining a Master’s degree in International Law. These academic achievements laid a solid foundation for his future career in diplomacy. 

Ambassador Akhatov is multilingual, fluent in German, English, and Russian, skills that have undoubtedly been an asset in his international postings and negotiations. His diplomatic career commenced in 1995 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. He started as an intern and quickly progressed to the roles of AttachĂ© in the Department of European Countries. 

From 1999 to 2003, he served as AttachĂ© and subsequently Third Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Germany. This period marked the beginning of his long-standing connection with Germany, a country that would later see him as resident ambassador. Upon returning to Uzbekistan in 2003, he became the Head of the Division of the Department of European Countries in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, further expanding his expertise in European affairs. 

Between 2007 and 2010, Ambassador Akhatov took on the role of Head of the Department for Cooperation with European countries and NATO within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. His leadership in these roles demonstrated his capability to manage significant diplomatic responsibilities and foster international cooperation. 

His first ambassadorial role came in 2010 when he was appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Federal Republic of Germany. This position, held until 2013, was a testament to his diplomatic skills and deep understanding of German-Uzbek relations. 

Following his tenure in Germany, he returned to Uzbekistan to lead the Department of the UN and International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2016. His role here involved engaging with key international bodies and shaping Uzbekistan’s foreign policy in the global arena. 

In 2016, Ambassador Akhatov once again took charge of the Department for Cooperation with European Countries and NATO, reaffirming his expertise in European affairs. His leadership in this department was followed by his appointment as the Head of the Main Directorate for Bilateral Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2018. 

Later that year, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, a role in which he served until 2020. This position allowed him to play a pivotal role in shaping the foreign policy of Uzbekistan and managing its international relations. 

From 2020 to 2023, Ambassador Akhatov served as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India. His tenure in India further strengthened the diplomatic ties between Uzbekistan and India, paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation. 

In 2023, Ambassador Akhatov returned again to Germany, this time as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Federal Republic of Germany, a role he currently holds.  

For further information  

Embassy of Uzbekistan in Germany: https://www.uzbekistan.de

——–

Picture courtesy of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Germany

Children in armed conflicts, the UN and the EU

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Children in armed conflicts, the UN and the EU


European Times (04.12.2023) – In 2022, a total of 2,496 children, some as young as 8-years-old, were verified by the United Nations as detained for their actual or alleged association with armed groups, including groups designated as terrorists by the U.N. The highest numbers were recorded in Iraq, in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Syrian Arab Republic.

These figures were highlighted by Anne Schintgen at the European Parliament during a conference titled “Children Deprived of Liberty in World” organised on 28 November by MEP Soraya Rodriguez Ramos (Political Group Renew Europe). A number of high-level experts had been invited as panelists to speak about their respective areas of expertise:

Manfred Nowak, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and an independent expert that led the elaboration of a UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty;

Benoit van Keirsbilck, a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child;

Manu Krishan, Global Campus on Human Rights, researcher with expertise in children’s rights and best practices;

Anne Schintgen, Head of the European Liaison Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict;

Rasha Muhrez, Syria Response Director for Save the Children (online);

Marta Lorenzo, Director of the UNRWA Representative Office for Europe (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).

UN Report on Children in Armed Conflict

Manfred Nowak, former UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and an independent expert that led the elaboration of a UN Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty, was invited to the conference at the European Parliament and stressed that 7.2 million children are in various ways deprived of freedom in the world.

He referred in particular to the report of the UN Secretary General about children in armed conflict addressed to the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly Security Council (A/77/895-S/2023/363) on 5 June 2023, which was saying:

“In 2022, children continued to be disproportionately affected by armed conflict, and the number of children verified as affected by grave violations increased compared with 2021. The United Nations verified 27,180 grave violations, of which 24,300 were committed in 2022 and 2,880 were committed earlier but verified only in 2022. Violations affected 18,890 children (13,469 boys, 4,638 girls, 783 sex unknown) in 24 situations and one regional monitoring arrangement. The highest numbers of violations were the killing (2,985) and maiming (5,655) of 8,631 children, followed by the recruitment and use of 7,622 children and the abduction of 3,985 children. Children were detained for actual or alleged association with armed groups (2,496), including those designated as terrorist groups by the United Nations, or for national security reasons.”

The mandate of the UN Special Representative for Children in Armed Conflict

The Special Representative who is currently Virginia Gamba serves as the leading UN advocate for the protection and well-being of children affected by armed conflict.

The mandate was created by the General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/51/77) following the publication, in 1996, of a report by Graça Machel titled the â€œImpact of Armed Conflict on Children”. Her report highlighted the disproportionate impact of war on children and identified them as the primary victims of armed conflict.

The role of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict is to strengthen the protection of children affected by armed conflict, raise awareness, promote the collection of information about the plight of children affected by war and foster international cooperation to improve their protection.

Detention of children in Iraq, DR Congo, Libya, Myanmar Somalia

Six grave violations affecting children in times of conflict were highlighted by Anne Schintgen, a member of the conference panel: recruitment and use of children for combating, killing and maiming children, sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, abduction and denial of humanitarian access.

Additionally, the UN is monitoring the detention of children for their actual or alleged association with armed groups.

In this regard, she named a number of countries of particular concern:

In Iraq in December 2022, 936 children remained in detention on national security-related charges, including for their actual or alleged association with armed groups, primarily Da’esh.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN verified in 2022 the detention of 97 boys and 20 girls, between the ages of 9 and 17, for their alleged association with armed groups. All children have been released.

In Libya, the UN received reports of the detention of some 64 children, with their mothers, of several nationalities, for their mothers’ alleged association with Da’esh,

In Myanmar, 129 boys and girls were detained by the national armed forces.

In Somalia, a total of 176 boys, of which 104 were released and 1 was killed, were detained in 2022 for their alleged association with armed groups.

Children should be primarily considered as victims of violations or abuses of their rights rather than as perpetrators and a security threat, Anne Schintgen said, stressing that the detention of children for their alleged association with armed groups is an issue in 80% of the countries covered by the UN Children and Armed Conflict mechanism.

Deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia

During the debate following the presentations of the panelists, the issue of the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia from the Occupied Territories was raised. Both Manfred Nowak and Benoit Van Keirsblick, a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child invited as a panelist, expressed their deep concerns about this situation.

In a report titled “Ukrainian Children in Search of Way Home from Russia” published in three languages (English, Russian and Ukrainian) on 25 August 2023, Human Rights Without Frontiers stressed that the Ukrainian authorities had a nominative list of about 20,000 children deported by and to Russia who are now being russified and educated in an anti-Ukrainian mindset. However, many more have been taken away from the territories occupied by Russia.

As a reminder, on 17 March 2023, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova on their responsibility in the deportation of Ukrainian children.

A call for the EU

The experts invited to the conference encouraged the European Union to ensure that the topic of conflict affected children is systematically integrated and advanced in its wide range of external actions.

They also urged the EU to include the issue of the detention of children for their alleged association with armed groups in its Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict that are currently being revised.

Restriction of contacts and communications of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi

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Restriction of contacts and communications of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi

to address threats to integrity of proceedings

The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office (SPO) sought a series of measures restricting the contacts and communications of three accused in the Specialist Chambers Detention Centre – Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli and Rexhep Selimi. Certain of those measures have been granted by the Trial Panel.

The SPO took this step to address attempts to interfere with witnesses and obstruct their testimony, and further threats to the integrity of the proceedings in the Thaçi et al. case.

Kadri Veseli and Diplomat Magazine’s publisher during an interview in The Hague. July 2, 2018.

SPO obstruction-of-justice investigations show that the three accused used their non-privileged visits to unlawfully disseminate confidential information and, in Mr Thaçi’s case, to repeatedly instruct visitors to seek to manipulate witness testimony.

The SPO takes obstruction of justice extremely seriously and will continue to investigate and to prosecute anyone and everyone involved in every instance, including those who intimidate or interfere with witnesses or provide financial or other support to such criminal offences.

Diplomatic postcards

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Diplomatic postcards

By Alexandra Paucescu

When embarking on a lifetime diplomatic journey, you might feel confused, meaningless, disoriented or even lost. It usually happens at the beginning, when you have to leave all your life behind and rebuild parts of it from scratch in another setting, in a foreign environment and in totally unfamiliar circumstances.

Many brilliantly succeed in reinventing themselves and finding new ways of expression, rediscovering old passions and making use of talents at their true potential.

Nausheen Shaikh is certainly one of them. Born and raised in Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), India, she studied economics and was an accountant by training. She recalls having a regular 9 to 5 job, facilitating consular services for prospective travelers to the United States, at the US Consulate in Mumbai, job that she really loved.

But, as in all our diplomatic life stories, after getting married to a Foreign Service official, she had to move abroad. First stop:  Amman, Jordan in 2017.  The Hague, Netherlands and Washington DC soon followed.

When asked about how she coped with the change, she tells me: ‘in a nomadic lifestyle, you constantly have to acclimate to new circumstances. Your mindset becomes flexible and open to what’s different and unknown. As expat, you make certain choices that will allow you to have an interesting and rewarding experience. At the same time, there are challenges which may not seem real to others back home’.

She also says that she found the diplomatic community to be extremely resilient. People learn to adapt and embrace change.

Nausheen’s artwork

‘I have no regrets but there are certainly challenges, which vary from person to person and from country to country. Challenges for some may be the weather, for others safety or how expensive some countries are. However, for most it’s usually being away from family and friends. But technology helps us to remain close and I always try to build a family from my friends, wherever I go. Maintaining friendship takes work, commitment and understanding – but the payoff is HUGE!’

There is a certain wisdom in all our philosophy of life abroad, an art of navigating on foreign far away waters
 ‘For me, the most rewarding experience of living as an expat has been the opportunity to learn new things. Living overseas, learning new things becomes merely a part of daily life routine. Social customs, language and of course, art are all different from home and learning about and experiencing all those differences has been enjoyable’.

While living abroad she rediscovered her artistic nature and explored ways to address it. ‘I’ve been creatively inclined ever since I can remember but did not have the chance to passionately pursue my card-making hobby, because of work and time restraints. After moving through, the one thing I had plenty of was TIME. So there was absolutely no excuse and I was off with my paper, stamps & inks.

Right after moving to Jordan, I connected with a local association of expat women. Through that association, I met a community of people who would soon become my customers and friends. I invested many hours in my craft, while also teaching friends and participating in a number of bazaars and pop-ups’. 

Years later now and she still enjoys her art work. Gorgeous colorful and joyful cards come out of her hands. She found her unique way of expression and of bringing joy to the world.

After all, as she says herself, ‘don’t dismiss the little things! Keep a positive outlook, trust your resilience and focus your energies only on these challenges’.

About the author:

Alexandra Paucescu

Alexandra Paucescu- Author of “Just a Diplomatic Spouse” Romanian, management graduate with a Master in business, cultural diplomacy and international relations studies.

She speaks Romanian, English, French, German and Italian,  gives lectures on intercultural communication and is an active NGO volunteer.

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