The Hague is hoping to boost its image as the International City of Peace and Justice with the opening of a new international think tank. Princess Margriet of the Netherlands and former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright were among the high-profile guests attending a ceremony in the historic Ridderzaal to launch the Institute for Global Justice.

The Institute was set up by the Municipality of The Hague and the Hague Academic Coalition, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation.

The new Institute will become an independent knowledge centre in the field of international law, peace, security and social and economic development.

The Hague Institute for Global Justice (IGJ) aims to give concrete answers to international questions on issues where the lack of law and justice could lead to political, military, social or economic instability and inequality.

Right to justice
Madeleine Albright, who is a member of the Institute's Advisory Council, said that because the Institute will be a multi-faceted centre of expertise dealing with a range of issues including property, labour and energy law, it will mean legal empowerment for the poor.

Albright said, the most important principle in international justice today is "the fact that at we are all the same. And that people no matter where they live are entitled to have their views heard and to have the right to justice for the causes they think they have been wronged about".

Money well spent? 
Critics say the 17.45 million euros made available by the government of the Netherlands last year for the foundation of the Institute for Global Justice, could have been better invested in expanding existing institutes in the city.

But Maxine Verhagen, Minister for Economic Affairs, said the IGJ will be an authoritative top institute in the field of peace, justice, security and development, making a vital contribution to the promotion of international justice. "The aim is also to support prosecutors and to train people, so the combination of existing institutions and this new Institute can contribute to respect for human rights, fighting impunity and realising global justice", said Verhagen.

International allure
The Institute aims to synthesise the most innovative knowledge from national and international sources, by mobilising various disciplines, actors and geographic and cultural perspectives.

Mayor Jozias van Aartsen said the IGJ will provide The Hague with an institute of global importance. "The strength of the existing institutes in The Hague relating to peace, justice, security and development will be combined and reinforced through the IGJ. The Hague will become the base for new knowledge, products and services that can provide a solution to the complex problems facing the world", said van Artsen.

By assembling the best multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise that the world has to offer, The Hague Institute for Global Justice says it seeks to acquire a strong international competitive position.