Hague Talks

Diversity is a precious value for humanity. We can not lose it. Unfortunately, some communities remain in isolated geography like a barrier against knowledge. Some countries are launching satellites or having a #metoo movement, and at the same time, others are punishing women for sorcery. Is it this diversity under humankind protection rights?

If Yes, then we will continue to assist at violence for religious reasons, if Not then we need to support an international organization like IDLO in their work.

IDLO – International Development Law Organization, made an event on 09 October 2019 in Den Haag focused through the idea of justice access for women accused by sorcery, indecent behavior, religious disrespect, refusing to be married to the rapist, showing no obedience to the male representatives, or only looking for protection of law diversity from Elders Council until Sharia Court. Three Guests: Jemimah Aluda (Kenya), Laisa Masuhud Alamia (Philippines), Fiona Hukula (Papua New Guinea), talks about cases, sad stories, improvements, and hope.

International intervention requires cultural attention. Ms. Fiona Hukula, the anthropologist from Papua New Guinea, mentioned the avoidance of “white man savior,” which can create a wrong perception on both sides.

Women and girls are in danger. Abused and with limited access to social position or economic decision. Countries that don’t pay attention to gender equality. And a weak woman means an affected mother with a reflection on the children. If your state has a children camp where isolation is a form of protection against Devil possession accusations, then something is profoundly wrong.

What can we do?

Question your authorities relating the intervention on cases, vote for legal improvement of the judicial system, follow the appeal of NGO-s, donate time or money demanding results, pay your taxes. More money in the budget means not only better infrastructure or administration but means also financing the institutions and association of people who can intervene where the government is limited. Now regarding the corruption in your country: you voted those leaders, and if you didn’t, then deserve it for civic lack of implication.

I asked Ms. Fiona Hukula about solutions. She said: education. Here you can watch a BBC investigation in Africa:

Thank you to Ms. Rea Abada Chiongson, IDLO’s Senior Legal Adviser on Gender for patient moderation of the event. A registration without Q&A is available also here:

I am closing this article with an example of failure in the most democratic and justice advance country: the Netherland.