Press release, Kampala, 22 February 2018

From 19 – 23 February 2018, the Government of Ireland and Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) led a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda.

The monitoring visit, initiated by the Government of Ireland, was aimed at reviewing the implementation of TFV projects in northern Uganda, meeting with victim survivors and affected communities who have been receiving the support from the TFV, and hearing how the assistance has made positive impacts to them.

Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands, Kevin Kelly, said, “In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, we have seen the results of the international justice system not only through the conviction of persons who have committed the gravest crimes, but also through the work of Trust Fund for Victims, providing assistance to survivors, remedies that they need to heal and rebuild their lives”.

 

Participating delegates came to better appreciate the long term harm persisting in northern Uganda more than 10 years after the LRA conflict. Many more victim survivors are in need of assistance. Delegates committed to advocate for increased international awareness and support in order to allow the TFV to continue its programmes in northern Uganda, complementing the efforts of the Government of Uganda.

 

Recalling the commitment to victims and affected communities, President of the Assembly of States Parties, O-Gon Kwon called on States Parties of the Rome Statute to step up providing assistance to victim survivors. “States Parties should ensure perpetrators of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC are brought to justice, and guarantee the rights and needs of victim survivors are provided. During my mandate I will do my utmost to promote the important work of the Trust Fund for victims and the need for sufficient funding to carry out its mandates”.

 

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