Why is The Hague Known as the International City of Peace and Justice?
The Hague began to develop during the 13th century when Count Floris of Holland founded het Binnenhof palace. This gothic complex eventually became the administrative centre of Holland and was converted into the Dutch houses of parliament after the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands was established in 1581.
Even after the Dutch Republic collapsed and was replaced by the Batavian Republic, then the Kingdom of Holland and finally the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Dutch lawmakers continued to mainly convene in the Hague. Although Amsterdam is currently recognised as the capital of the Netherlands the Hague accommodates the country’s parliament, supreme court and council of state. Furthermore, the Dutch Royal family possess two palaces in the city and traditionally live or work in either of these estates.
In 1899 and 1907 a series of international treaties were devised and sanctioned in the Hague that formally outlined the laws of war. These agreements were created in order to establish a binding set of legal protocols that deterred against excessive violence during wartime and re-categorised certain military actions as war crimes.
Although many participants at these conferences believed that it was necessary to establish an international court to mediate these laws, their efforts ultimately failed. Nevertheless, another legal body was founded in 1899, called Permanent Court of Arbitration, that has since become the main source of international jurisprudence.
In order to accommodate this new important organisation several diplomats including Andrew Dickson White appealed to British-American steel Magnate for funds and soon obtained enough money to construct a permanent administrative centre in the Hague which was christened the Peace Palace. This Neo-Renassaince masterpiece now houses several other important organisations such as the Permanent Court of International Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law.
After the Peace Palace officially opened in 1913 many other international legal institutions have since been established elsewhere in the Hague including the Iran–United States Claims Tribunal and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
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2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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