Annually, on 21st September, different parts of the world come together to commemorate the International Day of Peace in The Hague-the city portrayed as a global symbol of PEACE and JUSTICE. On this day, international organizations open their doors to the interconnectedness of various international organizations, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ), hosting all-over-the-world professionals and peace advocates, highlighting great commitment for humanitarian values and international law.
My name is Jessica Pincotan, a 2nd year International Studies BA student at Leiden University, and I am privileged to have participated in this year’s “Just Peace Open Day” initiative. My involvement in this initiative hosted an opportunity to recharge my knowledge on global humanitarian endeavors, as it greatly sculpted my academic voyage.
My journey has its origin in The Hague Humanity Hub-a collaborative workspace and community center-a year ago, with the occasion of “Just Peace Open Day”. The Hub intertwines initiatives between international institutions, NGOs and peace and justice advocates, connecting them in the field of human rights and more. Regarding my first time volunteering, I was honored to be a part of the reception of “Stories from the Streets of Myanmar” visual exhibition, which highlighted humanitarian challenges from the Far East, which I also study as a region at my Bachelor’s programme. This “stop” in my travel pierced a passion in me to continue immersing myself in humanitarian efforts for both my personal and academic growth.
As I continued engaging with the Humanity Hub’s projects, and experiencing other roles within the institution, my experience reached it’s peak in 2024. This year’s involvement was especially unique, as I was assigned with the role of a Front Desk Volunteer at the International Criminal Court (ICC)-perhaps, the institution of utmost importance in The Hague. In greater detail, the ICC’s critical role is in tackling genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.
After the application process involving an interview and a written application, I eagerly received the news of my new role within “Just Peace Open Day” at the ICC. I was welcomed warmly and professionally by the court staff, which reflected immaculately through the institution's well-organized and culturally diverse nurture. It was a real honor to host and guide visitors from diverse backgrounds in the gigantic maze of information and history the institution has been withholding for the past 22 years. Furthermore, I was intrigued to find myself present in this institution of utmost importance, as a young student passer-by who idealizes and values International Law, whose perspective on the world is to be fructified.
Following-up, I was offered the opportunity to visit the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals-the institution that shelters precious archives and historical records within the field of international criminal justice. Furthermore, I was also bestowed the occasion to attend live presentations on the legal history of the ICC, held at the Public Gallery, ICC, conducted by peace and justice professionals along with a Q and A focused on legal and historical matters. My volunteering experience has been materially awarded by The Hague mayor, Jan van Zanen, in an official letter.
I shall address my most profound gratitude towards the generosity and hospitality of the International Criminal Court and The Humanity Hub for making my journey prosper furtherly. The interconnectedness and collaborations between highly regarded institutions in The Hague shall inspire us as individuals to collaborate at micro levels, as society is built in small steps towards each other in longer periods of time.
As a Humanities student, I encourage greater humanitarian engagement within the academic community, as it is crucial for the youth to take space in global initiatives continuously expanding. With soaring complexity within diversity, one must embrace that peace and justice are not merely pure ideals, but values to be materialized to drive our actions towards harmonious lives.
Jessica Pincotan
International Studies BA
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