Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC)’s Post

❗❗ Big day today for #internationalcriminaljustice and the fight against #impunity. It's the signing ceremony of the  #MLAT treaty, the first major international treaty on international criminal law since the #ICC’s 1998 Rome Statue. With a particular focus on #victims’ rights, the treaty aims to fill a #gap in international law by obliging states to assist each other in cases involving #genocide, #crimesagainsthumanity and #warcrimes. 👇 More on the convention the Ljubljana - The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes.

The Dominican Republic: An Expanding Economic Giant and the Top Investment Destination in the Region The Dominican Republic, renowned for its rich culture, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, is emerging as an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean region. With a consistently expanding and growing economy, the country is becoming an attractive destination for investors worldwide. Impressive Economic Growth According to the International Monetary Fund, the Dominican Republic's economy is expected to grow by 4.5% this year, outpacing the average regional expansion of 1.7%. In 2021, the country recorded one of the highest growth rates in Latin America, with a significant expansion of its economy. Attractive for Investment The Dominican Republic offers investment opportunities in major industries to investors from all over the world[3]. Wall Street investors are drawn to Dominican bonds, demonstrating confidence in the country's economy. Moreover, the Dominican Republic has the largest economy in the Caribbean, and its business opportunities are increasing foreign investment. The Role of Law and Consulting Firms Law and consulting firms like Pellerano Nadal play a crucial role in this economic growth. Providing essential legal and business advice to protect the investments and interests of the actors involved in this economic growth. The firm assist businesses in navigating the legal and regulatory environment, ensuring that investments are protected, and businesses can operate effectively and efficiently. Under industry leaders like Luis Rafael Pellerano P , Gustavo José Mena García , Marielle Garrigó, Caroline Bono and Urania Paulino Peña is achieved a highly-effective high-quality legal service. A Bright Future The creation of new jobs, the improvement of infrastructure, and the increase in productive activity demonstrate that the Dominican Republic has a healthy and clear economy. Growth has led to an increase in the middle class and a reduction in poverty. The Dominican Republic is much more than tourism and beaches. It is a country with significant economic potential and an attractive destination for investment. If you're looking to invest in a growing economy, the Dominican Republic should be on your radar. --- Sources: presidencia.gob.do: https://presidencia.gob.do eldinero.com.do: https://eldinero.com.do prodominicana.gob.do: https://lnkd.in/egUaBad2 bancomundial.org: https://lnkd.in/eGbQq6wm Pellerano Nadal: https://www.pellerano.com/ Latin Lawyer: https://lnkd.in/ewnREyGg

As a Panamanian lawyer educated in Europe, specialising in the EU-Panama/LATAM business corridor, I have a unique insight into the complexities of differing legal and economic systems. Sharing this perspective is vital as we embrace the European Union's strategic decision to set its Latin American and Caribbean headquarters in Panama—a move that heralds a new epoch in EU-Latin American relations and one that resonates deeply with my professional ethos. Herein, I offer an analysis rooted in my humble legal expertise and understanding of the multifaceted relationship between Panama, LATAM and the EU. Strategic Synergy: Panama in the EU's Latin American Vision The EU's choice of Panama for its regional headquarters reflects Panama’s geopolitical and economic importance, leveraging its logistical prowess, political stability, and strategic location. Geographical and Logistical Significance Panama's position, highlighted by the Panama Canal, is central to global trade. Its advanced infrastructure, including top-tier port facilities and the Colón Free Trade Zone, aligns well with the EU's trade strategies. Democratic Principles and Legal Framework Panama's democratic values and legal system, in sync with EU standards, provide a stable environment for bilateral relations and business, essential for the EU’s regional operations. Commitment to Sustainable Development Panama's focus on education and sustainable growth mirrors the EU's future-oriented vision, indicating a shared path towards progress. The establishment of the EU's headquarters in Panama marks a strategic alignment that promises to foster a collaborative future. This move is a testament to Panama's rising role in the global arena and underscores the intricate yet robust relationship that my clients and I navigate daily. As we look ahead, this development not only brings new opportunities but also affirms Panama's place as a central actor in international diplomacy and global trade. https://lnkd.in/dTW3q3aN.

Agencia EFE #Washington : On Monday, the #Organization of #American States (OAS) condemned the "#fascist" #nature of the Law for the Defense of Essequibo, spearheaded by the #government of #Nicolás #Maduro. This law #aims to provide a legal basis for #Venezuela's ambitions to annex the oil-rich area of #Guyana.#OAS #NicolásMaduro #Essequibo #Venezuela #Guyana #OilRich #TerritorialDispute #InternationalRelations #LatinAmerica #PoliticalNews

I thank the Iuris Dictio Law Review of the University of San Francisco, Ecuador, for the publication of my article "The limits of a peace agreement (the Havana Accords)". Originally presented in Bogotá in June 2023 at the Latin American Seminar on Constitutional and Political Theory (SELA), the work studies point 5 of the Havana Accords Agreement, which specifically refers to the “Agreement on the Victims of the Conflict: “Comprehensive System of Truth, Justice, Reparation and Non-Repetition” including the Special Jurisdiction for Peace; and Commitment to Human Rights.” In the paper I maintain that the negotiators made an important effort to ensure that the commitments assumed were in line with international standards of respect for human rights in the area of what is known as “transitional justice” processes. The main question that this paper aims to answer is, did they achieve it? I conclude that, unless there is some important change, especially in the jurisprudence of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, if some victims turn to the inter-American human rights system, there is a risk that the Agreement itself will be challenged in the future by the Court. The complete article in Spanish is at https://lnkd.in/deNHJUAj

Mexico seems to have forgotten how important is to lobby the US Congress. One of the key elements that made possible the approval of #NAFTA was the pro-Mexico coalition built throughout 1991 and 1992 in Capitol Hill with the help of several lobbyist hired by the Salinas Administration. That coalition was no longer a priority for President Zedillo, nor for any other Mexican president ever since, thus it should be no surprise that nobody answers or questions the outrageous statements made by several Republican members of Congress against Mexico. Lobbying Congress is nowadays even more importat as the amount of funds to control illegal immigration and drug trafficking at the US-Mexico border is a key issue of the 2024 US federal budget, which should be decided by 2 February 2024. If the Republicans consider the amount finally approved is not high enough, it is likely new obstacles against Mexican exports will be implemented, and other problems will develop shortly. https://lnkd.in/gstRyv8a

It is utterly appalling to reverse and cancel all legal actions against Azerbaijan simply due to the possibility of a peace agreement. The legal teams involved have traversed a long and arduous path to secure achievements in both the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), seeking justice and accountability for egregious violations. Armenia's accession as the 124th state to adhere to the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court (ICC) signifies a commitment to international justice and the rule of law. To nullify these efforts in the pursuit of a peace agreement undermines the principles of justice and sets a dangerous precedent, essentially condoning impunity for human rights abuses. It not only devalues the hard work of legal experts but also risks perpetuating cycles of violence and injustice. Such a decision disregards the fundamental rights of victims and erodes trust in international legal mechanisms, ultimately hindering the prospects for genuine and lasting peace in the region.

I post here a couple of my answers to the interview that I did for ESdiario on the prospective #Amnesty law in Spain following the #VeniceCommission’s view on the matter:  🎙️ It is understood that all parties in a democratic state like ours respect democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Why do you claim that the government looks in a different direction? This week, discussing with other professors at CEU San Pablo, we remembered how when Mr. Marcelino Oreja Aguirre, from whom we have all had the fortune to learn from during his time as President of the Royal Institute for European Studies, signed the accession of Spain to the Council of Europe in 1977. On that same trip to Strasbourg he was accompanied by figures such as Felipe González and Santiago Carrillo. This means that, as stands to reason, at that time there was an absolute consensus between the different political colors on the protection of the rule of law, democracy and human rights. Today, unfortunately, this consensus is no longer observable, not even within the Socialist Party itself. There is a huge socialist sector that does not agree at all with the contempt for the rule of law showed by its secretary general. Proof that the “Sanchismo” exists, and the Spanish Socialist Party must renew itself to be the party of dialogue that we knew after the transition. 🎙️Speaking of dialogue, the Venice Commission says that sufficient time is needed for meaningful dialogue. Do you think there is a lack of dialogue? There is an absolute lack of dialogue. Of course. Here the “communication” channel is fully unidirectional. The independence movement is the one who demands and the central government nods along. In exchange for what? In exchange for everything that is necessary to remain in power. Even if we have to give away the supreme norm of our legal order. I should also say that if there is no dialogue, this is not due to a lack of will on the part of the Partido Popular. Without going any further, we can see this in the failed attempts at renewing the General Council of the Judiciary. In this sense, I remember what Esteban González Pons claimed a few weeks ago, when highlighting the difficulty in reaching an agreement on the renewal of the General Council of the Judiciary with someone who is breaking the division of powers. There is a will, but Sánchez and his “BFF”, Bolaños, must choose between siding with the judges or going against them. And as far as the amnesty is concerned, I would say the same, otherwise the Venice Commission would not be calling to put an end to the emergency procedure and its processing as a bill. Europe is puzzled by this, which is why the final report calls for these types of rules to be adopted by a large, qualified majority. 📍(If anyone wishes to read the whole interview in English, feel free to drop me a line and I’ll be pleased to send it to you). #Europa #España #ComunitatValenciana #Valencia #Valenciano #Español #Europeísta #Inconformista #pp

Article 23: Hong Kong’s controversial national security law, a very interesting topic to analyze in the field of International Security, Human Rights and also geopolitics, as China is seeking to ensure its power by this phenomenon. I share with you this article I wrote for CEMERI, I hope you find it interesting 🇨🇳🌏🪪