Germany (Day 2): Elyx celebrates the 25th anniversary of German reunification

After Elyx has spent the night in Bremen, the digital ambassador continues the Germany tour – rested and curious to learn more. Before celebrating the 25^th anniversary of German reunification in Berlin, Elyx visits another Hanseatic City – Hamburg which is only a stone’s throw from Bremen.

Hamburg is the seat of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. Elyx is warmly welcomed by the staff there. The UN digital ambassador learns that the Tribunal was established in 1996 by a UN Convention, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 21 Judges from all over the world work for the Tribunal. They adjudicate in a wide range of matters connected to the sea.

Elyx meets with the interns of the International Tribunal for the Law of the sea, all students of international law who will spend the next three months with the Legal Office (Photo Credit: ITLOS / Benjamin Benirschke)

When Elyx meets up with the interns of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, they told the digital ambassador some examples of their work. The Tribunal deals with disputes relating to the delimitation of maritime zones between States, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea and much more. Elyx is glad to hear that the Tribunal plays an important role in assisting states to find a peaceful resolution to their disputes – either by a binding decision or through its advisory jurisdiction.

Elyx and the wall: Elyx is impressed by the paintings on the wall (Photo Credit: United Nations / Gina Lacroix)

With lots of new impressions, Elyx heads to the final destination in Germany: the capital city of Berlin. At the Potsdamer Platz, Elyx discovers some remains of the Berlin wall that divided the city until 1989. Even if Elyx likes the paintings the digital ambassador is relieved that the division of Berlin, Germany and Europe is history.

Elyx celebrates unification day in Berlin (Photo Credit: United Nations / Gina Lacroix) 

Next, Elyx stops at the Brandenburg Gate. The digital ambassador enjoys walking through the beautiful monument. Something that was actually not possible while the wall existed since it was in the restricted area. Today the former symbol of separation is a place of happiness. 25 years after the reunification the people in Berlin celebrate this important event.

In spite of all the concerts and activities, Elyx does not forget that at the moment ten thousands of people arrive in Germany who often fled from terrible war and violence. Therefore, Elyx welcomes that UNHCR has a representation in Berlin that especially focuses on legal protection for asylum seekers and recognized refugees. Elyx also learns that WFP, ILO and World Bank have offices in Berlin as well.

Elyx hangs out at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin (Photo Credit: United Nations / Gina Lacroix) 

After this day packed with information, Elyx is happy to rest a little bit and enjoy the sunset at the Brandenburg gate before he heads to Myanmar in the beginning of next week. 

More Photos of Elyx in Germany (Full Flickr Gallery)