 Dear visitor,
Welcome at the website of the Netherlands Embassy in Skopje, Macedonia. Macedonia might be a small country, but the Netherlands is very active. We have longstanding and special relations.
Together with twelve other countries, Macedonia forms part of the Dutch World Bank Constituency. Also, till 2011 Macedonia is still a Partner Country in the context of Dutch Development Co-operation. And of course Macedonia is an EU candidate country on its way to future EU membership. The Dutch pre-accession instruments are open for Macedonia, trying from the pre-accession angle to contribute to effective transformation and reform processes and bringing people together from all strands of life. And last but not least, the books of the Dutch writer A. den Doolaard, locating his stories in Macedonia including Ohrid, have attracted large amounts of Dutch tourists to Macedonia in the past. They are rediscovering Macedonia’s beauties now!
This Embassy's activities reflect these relations, Macedonia's priorities and Dutch added value. We concentrate on improving the - what we call - enabling environment, with a focus on strengthening the capacities of the country in the fields of private sector development and financial accountability. We also work on strengthening the education system. The same goes for the quality of the Macedonian democracy by contributing to the rule of law, multi-party democracy and human rights. Helping to build a strong and effective civil society is a consistent part of any effort. The promotion of people-to-people contacts is part of the objectives of the MATRA programme, our special pre-accession programme.
Our embassy aims at substantially increasing the presence of Dutch companies in Macedonia and boosting the trade and investment figures in the coming years. To this end we work together with many relevant organisations. Effectively joining hands with all relevant stakeholders will enable us to become more successful to attract Dutch traders and investors to Macedonia, a young country with great potential in a number of sectors, interesting for Dutch entrepreneurs.
And we cherish our Alumni, our natural ‘co-ambassadors’ in presenting the Netherlands’ strengths and added value to relevant Macedonian partners.
If you want to know more about our activities, please visit our website regularly. We are updating it constantly and trying to make it as user-friendly as possible. Your suggestions for further improvements, however, are most welcome.
We are an enthusiastic team, ready to assist you and serious about our open-door-policy ! Please feel free to get in touch with us with any questions, queries or suggestions you have ( sko@minbuza.nl)!
Simone Filippini
Ambassador |
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 | 2009 - European Year of Creativity and Innovation
The European Commission proclaimed 2009 the 'European Year for Creativity & Innovation'. SICA/Cultural ContactPoint (CCP) coordinates the Dutch series of events within this year. CCP is part of SICA, the Dutch institute for international culture policies and activities, and provides information about the European Cultural Programme and other European subsidy programmes for culture.The European Year of Creativity and Innovation aims to raise awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation for personal, social and economic development, to disseminate good practices, to stimulate education and research, and to promote policy debate on related issues. The key message of of the initiative is that creativity and innovation contribute to economic prosperity as well as to social and individual wellbeing. Read more... |
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 | Improving Media Literacy Education in Macedonia
On the 15th of June, the project “Improving Media Literacy In Macedonia” was kicked off by a two-day ‘train-the-trainer’ conference. This project, which is sponsored by the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the MATRA program, aims to elevate the knowledge of the youth for the role and the function of the media in democratic societies, in order to be able to critically approach them, to analyze them and evaluate media content and messages at all the different types of media, which will lead them to be more engaged in the democratic processes. The concept media literacy is designed to become a part of the educational programs of the subjects Sociology in secondary school, and Civil Society in primary school. Read More… |
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 | 14th Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean - Skopje 2009
The XIV edition of the Biennial of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean will take place in Skopje from 3-12 September 2009. The event will be promoted by BJCEM association ( www.bjcem.org) is organised by the Association for International Youth Cooperation ( www.amms.com.mk) (AMMS), and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia and the City of Skopje. Read more... |
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 | PSI Grant for Small and Medium Sized Companies
Dutch Agency for international business and cooperation EVD launches second PSI tender 2009 for Dutch entrepreneurs creating new joint ventures with companies in Albania, Bosnia, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia and Moldova. New knowledge transfer to a country is a must. PSI has two granting procedures per year. The closing date for the second PSI Tender 2009 is on 24 August 2009, at 17.00 PM. The EVD must have received the original proposal by then. PSI subsidies are available for Dutch and foreign companies entering into long-term cooperation with local partners in developing countries. Read more... |
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 | Winners of the Competition "I Like to Bike! But Where Shall I Park My BIke?!?" Announced
On 15 June the winners of the competition for best ideas for bicycle racks entitled ““I Like To Bike! But Where Shall I Park MY Bike?!?” were announced at the official ceremony organised in the Municipality of Karpos. The participants of the creative workshop organised by the Coalition for Sustainable Development CSD Skopje and the Municipality of Karpos submitted their ideas on creative bicycle racks to be installed in the City of Skopje and the jury consisted of representatives from the Municipality of Karpos, the City of Skopje, the Faculty of Architecture, American College and CSD and headed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Simone Filippini, presented three groups of awards to the winners. Read more... |
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 | Symposium on Children’s Rights in the Framework of the Education for Democratic Citizenship
Ambassador of the Netherlands Simone Filippini, Minister of Education and Sciences Pero Stojanovski and Director of IOCE Skopje Gjorgji Jovanovski opened the Symposium on Children’s Rights in the Framework of the Education for Democratic Citizenship, which takes place from 15 to 16 June 2009 in the premises of the EU Info Centre.The seminar is part of a project entitled "Exploring Children's Rights to strengthen Sustainable Education on the Rights of the Child". Read more... |
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| "Mavrovo Tour" Promotes Mavrovo as an Ideal Tourist Destination 12 Months a Year
The walking and cycling tour around the Mavrovo Lake - "Mavrovo Tour 2009" organised by the Municipality of Mavrovo and Rostuse, National Park Mavrovo, Macedonian Bicycle Federation and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands attracted hundreds of people to spend a fantastic out in the nature and enjoy the untouched beauties of the Mavrovo region. One day before, the organisers were busy with the clean-up action in which they collected two trucks of garbage from the picnic places around the lake. Go here to see photos of the event. |
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| | New Information for Dutch Citizens Residing in Macedonia
New information on passport applications, H1N1 influenza and requirements for entering into Macedonia are now available on the NL version of the website. Click here for more information. |
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 | Public Bidding - Construction Land in Ohrid
The Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Macedonia would like to inform all interested parties for the ongoing procedure for public bidding of land which is not constructed, covering total area of 15.877.00 m2, in ownership of the Government of Macedonia. This land is foreseen in the urban plan intended for building for a five star hotel at the Ohrid lake. Read more... |
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| | Public Bidding - Construction Land in the Municipality of Makedonski Brod
The Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Macedonia would like to inform all interested parties for the ongoing procedure for public bidding of land which is not constructed, intended for building a hotel at the municipality of Makedonski Brod. As enclosed you can find the attachment for the international open call for the sale of undeveloped land reserved for construction of a hotel. Read more... |
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 | Tender Procedure for Procurement of Labaratory Equipment
The Secretariat for European Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia would like to inform all interested parties for the ongoing procedure for procurement of laboratory equipment for the state is in process. The calls for submission of offers are open until 15 July 2009. The notice for public contract award for laboratory equipment are on the following link: http://sep.gov.mk/Default.aspx?ContentlD=42&ControllD=Tenderi.ascx. Read more... |
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 | HOW TO OPERATE IN BRUSSELS (13 – 26 September 2009)
Apply now online www.cross-agency.nl Deadline 16 June 2009!!
They say: If there's no solution, there's no problem. Thus, the art of lobbing and negotiating is to find a solution of the problem. The training “How to operate in Brussels” organised by the Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ from June 16th to June 27th 2008 in Den Haag fulfilled its aim. It taught us to find solutions and to resolve problems systematically. Read more... |
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 | Public Hearing on Gender Responsive Budgeting
On 27 May 2009, a Public Hearing on Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) took place at the premises of the Parliament of Macedonia. Members of Parliament and representatives of civil society involved in GRB matters throughout Macedonia participated at this hearing. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Simone Filippini, welcomed this initiative as an important step in the process of strengthening Parliament's role in the field of GRB. Read more... |
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 | The Netherlands Strongly Supports Cadastre Reforms in Former Yugoslavia Countries
The Second Regional Conference for Cadastre and Land Administration was held between 25-27 May, 2009 in Ohrid, with around 80 participants from cadastre institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovenia and Kosovo. Representatives from the major bilateral donors which support cadastre reforms in the region such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway as well as the World Bank also attended the conference. The objective of the conference was to exchange experience among the countries from the region for development of an efficient and reliable real estate cadastres. Read more... |
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 | A First Conference on Women Entrepreneurship Held in Macedonia
“A women entrepreneur is as any other entrepreneur, generating income and employment for the others. However, women face more obstacles than man would when starting and running a business”, it was emphasized at the Conference on Women Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Macedonia, a first of this kind. The conference was organized by SNV Macedonia, The Netherlands Development Organization on the 20th of May 2009. Read more... |
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 | Europe Day 9 May 2009 – Tetovo
The City square of Tetovo hosted a central event on Saturday, 9th of May, on the occasion of ‘Europe Day’. Students from about 30 school from Tetovo, presented the European Union, the Member-States and the European spirit to the local citizens. The event was organized by the EU Mission to Macedonia, the European Movement of Macedonia, the Secretariat for European Affairs and the City of Tetovo. Read more... |
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 | Via Egnatia Caravan Tour Entered Macedonia
On 7 May at 1:00 pm, the Ambassador Simone Filippini and a team from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands welcomed the Via Egnatia caravan that arrived from Albania at the Macedonian border crossing of Qafasan. The TOUR ON FOOT, accompanied by donkeys to carry the luggage, has been organised by Via Egnatia Foundation (www.viaegnatiafoundation.eu), along the track of the ancient Roman road of Via Egnatia, like an old Caravan. To see photos of the Caravan go here. To read more about the initiative go here. |
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 | Queen’s Day Celebration in Skopje – a Festival for All
Together with its partners and friends, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands shared a piece of the Dutch spirit of creativity, environmental awareness, cultural diversity and unity with the Macedonian citizens on the occasion of the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. The month of April was coloured in orange from the very beginning with the exquisite performance of the Rotterdam Dance Academy at Dance Fest Skopje and continued with the unique exhibition of Dutch designer Sacha Lannoye in Public Room and a flower arrangement contest in Floraskop. The Minister of Environment Nexhati Jakupi, Mayors of Skopje and Aerodrom, Koce Trajanovski and Ivica Konevski, Ambassador Simone Filippini, members of the Macedonian Bicycle Federation and students from primary and secondary schools in Skopje called on the citizens of the Macedonian capital to use the bicycle as means of transport more often and cycled to the City Park where they opened the Dutch Children’s Labyrinth, the first one of this kind in Macedonia. During the evening reception the guests enjoyed in a dance performance and a fashion show inspired by the Netherlands. Go here to see photos and press articles. To read more about the Queen's Day Celebration go here...
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 | The Netherlands Ties the Knot with Albanian Armed Forces
Vlore (Albania), 19 April 2009 – A friendly Easter sun shines over Pashaliman Naval Base, home port of the Albanian Navy’s Southern Flotilla. Today the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Commander of the Albanian Naval Brigade, the Netherlands’ ambassador to Albania and many other dignitaries found their way to Vlore. The ‘DV Day’ (military jargon for a ‘Distinguished Visitors Day’) marks the end of a series of joint combined bi-lateral Dutch-Albanian training exercises. The week long presence of Her Netherlands Majesty Ship Rotterdam in the bay of Vlore was received as another confirmation of Albania’s NATO membership. Read more... |
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 | The Netherlands Government Provides Grants for Support of Public Private Partnerships in Macedonia
ORIO (Facility for Infrastructure Development) is a new grant facility funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the responsibility of the Minister of Development Cooperation for support of public private partnerships in developing countries. The Facility wishes to encourage involvement of international private businesses in the development and realisation of public infrastructure projects in order to utilise the knowledge, skills and developing power of the private sector. ORIO provides grant funding throughout the entire project cycle including development, implementation (construction and/or renovation), operation and maintenance of the public infrastructure projects. Total budget for ORIO is EUR 180 million per year. Read more... |
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 | New Website launched by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs
A new Dutch website has been launched by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands and private sector organisations to promote doing business abroad by Dutch companies. Visit www.internationaalondernemen.nl/dtb/campagne.asp for more information or write an e-mail to internationaalondernemen@info.evd.nl. |
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 | The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Skopje becomes NATO Contact Point Embassy
As of January 2009 the Netherlands will act as the NATO Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Just before the end of 2008 NATO finalized the decision making process on the CPE’s in partner countries. The mandate is two years, from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2010. Read more... |
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 | Netherlands Embassy Funds Bicycle Lane in Skopje
On 26 January, an MoU for a reconstruction of a bicycle lane in Skopje was signed by Mr. Trifun Kostovski, mayor of the City of Skopje, d-r. Nexhati Jakupi, Minister of Environment, and Mr. Vladimir Karcicki, President of the NGO Proaktiva, at the premises of the City of Skopje. The Netherlands Embassy in Macedonia is co-funding this activity, which is a follow-up of the Bicycle Master Plan for the City of Skopje, prepared in 2008, also with Dutch funds. Read more... |
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 | "Lucht voor Prespa" - Continuous Support for the Region of Otesevo
The couple Kees and Johanna Baars from Bedum, the Netherlands, are since 1991 active with humanitarian donations in the Prespa region in Macedonia. They have been visiting Macedonia since 1967 and fell in love with the beautiful country and the region of Prespa. In 1991 they established “Lucht voor Prespa” (Air for Prespa) foundation. A symbolic name because through the medicines they provide they actually provide air to the patients. Read more... |
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 | MHNA Alumni Reunion
On December 3rd, 2008 upon the occasion of 3 years anniversary of the MHNA (Mak Holl Nuffic Alumni) association the Ambassador H.E. Mrs. Simone Filippini hosted a cocktail reception in the Residence. At this alumni reunion the majority of the Dutch alumni fellows in Macedonia were present (NFP, MTEC fellows, Fontys alumni and others). Read more... |
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 | The Netherlands - Number One in Development Co-operation
"The Netherlands is number one in the world when it comes to quality of development cooperation ." This was said by Nancy Birdsall, director of the Center For Global Development (CGD) Monday 8 December at the presentation of the 2008 Commitment to Development Index to Minister Koenders of the Netherlands. The research of CGD shows that the Netherlands scores best in a list of 22 developed countries in seven policy areas that are important for developing countries: aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security and technology. CGD is an independent U.S. think tank in the area of development , which presents an annual index. Read the full message: http://www.cgdev.org/content/article/detail/1387273/
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 | Request for Expression of Interest announced by the Directorate of the Technological Industrial Development Zones of the Republic of Macedonia
Directorate of the Technological Industrial Development Zones of the Republic of Macedonia on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, and in cooperation with the Agency for Foreign Investments of the Republic of Macedonia and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Macedonia announces a request for expression of interest for participating in a procedure to obtain land under the ownership of the Republic of Macedonia for usage within a period of ninety nine (99) years with the purpose of establishing the Technological Industrial Development Zone (Free Economic Zone) TIDZ Shtip and TIDZ Tetovo. Download the official request for expression of interest  here (63 KB). |
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 | The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Invites Companies to Purchase the Surplus of Agricultural Products
The Government of the Republic of Macedonia, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy intends to invite companies to purchase the surplus of agricultural products and to merchandise them on the international markets. Macedonia is the largest regional producer of fresh fruit and vegetables, with vast amounts of seasonal products specific for each region. Download the full text of the invitation for expressions of interest  here (26 KB). |
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 | CBI: Dutch Programme for Promotion of Export of Fruit, Vegetables and Wine Now Open for Applications from Macedonia
Dutch Centre for Promotion of Import from Developing Countries ( CBI) opened its programmes for support of export of fresh fruit and vegetables and wine to Macedonian companies. As part of these programmes, CBI offers the companies with trainings on export possibilities and contacts with potential buyers, sharing of experience with representatives of the business communities in the EU member countries and presentation at international fairs. Read more... |
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 | Macedonia Invited to Become Member of UPOV
The International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) opened the doors for the Macedonian agricultural varieties. The Macedonian Law on Protection of Selectors Rights and Varieties was positively assessed in Geneva, hence Macedonia was officially invited to become a UPOV member. The membership and the Law, adjusted to the European regulative, guarantee the farmers a high-quality seed material and higher quantities of crops. Macedonia is the sole country from the region which was invited to be a UPOV member. Apart from the guaranteed import of quality seeds, the membership offers Macedonia the opportunity to increase the production of seed material and new varieties, as was the case in the 1990’s, and to export the Macedonian varieties on European markets without any obstacles. |
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 | SBW Journaal Publishes an Article on the Dutch Trade Mission to Macedonia
In its October issue of SBW Journaal SBW International publishes an article on the trade mission of 20-23 May this year and evaluates it as a good example of co-operation between the Netherlands and Macedonia. Download the SBW Journaal in Dutch here (478 KB). SBW International is one of the leading companies in the field of plant-tissue-culture services provision to the horticultural industry. Visit there website for more information. |
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 | Changes in Law on Foreigners Enter into Force
The Ministry of Interior began Wednesday with the application of changes in the Law on Foreigners and the Government's decision on facilitation of entry in Macedonia by nationals of EU member-states and Schengen Treaty signatories, countries on EU's White List, as well as foreigners possessing a valid Schengen C Visa.According to the Government's decision, nationals of EU member-states and Schengen Treaty signatories can realize their right of entry with a valid ID issued by competent bodies in the home country. Go here to read the full article published by MIA. |
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| | Match Making Fund (MMF)
The Matchmaking Facility assists private businesses in emerging markets to establish links with Dutch companies with a view to the establishment of a lasting business relationship. The Match Making Fund stimulates business relations through which the private sector in developing countries will be strenghtened while it provides great opportunities for the Netherlands business sector. The closure date for the next round will be in October 15th. Download the intake forms: EVD Instructions MMF (91KB); EVD Intake Form MMF (229KB); EVD Embassy Screening Form (110KB) |
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 | Macedonia Now also Eligible for Public Bilateral Co-operation with the Netherlands under the MATRA Programme
Under guidance of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a Memorandum of Understanding for bilateral co-operation between the Dutch and the Macedonian government is currently being drafted. This Memorandum will mention that Macedonia will be eligible for both the MATRA programmes for government co-operation (MPAP and MATRA Flex) and the MATRA civil society projects programme. The MTEC courses programme has already been opened in 2007. The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs will open the MATRA G2G programme soon. To read more about the MATRA programme go here. Download the full text in Dutch here (70KB) |
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 | Visa facilitation for the Balkans
Visa facilitation will make travelling to the EU easier for citizens of Western Balkan countries, thus rendering the European perspective more tangible. It is a first step towards the establishment of a visa-free regime. Read the latest on the website of the Mssion of the European Union |
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 | www.studychoice.nl - compare all bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is an increasingly popular study destination for students from around the world who are looking to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The www.studychoice.nl website provides detailed information on English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes available in the Netherlands. Transparency is an important aspect of the education system in the Netherlands, and that’s why the website also allows visitors to compare the quality of the various study programmes. Continue reading..... |
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 | VI5IONS
The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked five people from other countries for their perceptions about the Netherlands. Five people who have lived and worked here for a while. How do they see the Netherlands?
On this website you can meet an Egyptian hydraulic engineer, an Australian violinist, an Indian student, a Chinese architect and a Rwandan spokesman for an international organisation. Take a look into the Dutch organisations and companies where they are working. |
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 | International Criminal Court
The Netherlands is the host country for the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community - war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent, permanent court that tries persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ICC is based on a treaty, joined by 100 countries. Read on about the ICC |
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sko@minbuza.nl