Nieuwsbericht | 04-01-2013

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated the city of The Hague and the Government of The Netherlands on the 100-year anniversary of the Peace Palace.

The Secretary-General conveyed his sentiments in a video message aired during The Hague’s New Year’s reception on 2 January. In the video Ban Ki-moon stressed that the city is recognised worldwide as a beacon for international law. He complimented The Hague on its important role as an international city of peace and justice. Ban Ki-moon seized the 100-year anniversary of the Peace Palace on 28 August 2013 to call upon the international community to work even harder towards a future in which all people can live in freedom, justice and peace.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the 100th anniversary of the Hague Peace Palace, first aired on 2 January:

“Jozias van Aartsen, Mayor of The Hague, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to convey my congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the Peace Palace – the home of the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The Hague is recognized globally as the home of international justice and accountability. The United Nations greatly appreciates the hospitality offered by the Government of the Netherlands and the City of The Hague to the many courts and tribunals established by or with the assistance of the United Nations. These bodies, and the many other organizations working in The Hague, play a central role in the peaceful resolution of international disputes. They are integral to realizing the promise of the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I commend The Hague’s strong commitment to their work. As we mark the centennial of the Peace Palace, let us pledge to work even harder to build a future where all members of the human family can enjoy their inalienable rights to freedom, justice and peace.”