Ireland contributes €1.5 million to the Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court
The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) welcomes and is deeply grateful for the announcement by the Government of Ireland to make a single voluntary contribution of €1.5 million covering the period of 2022 – 2024. This amount is earmarked to Court-ordered reparations programmes, to assistance programmes for the victims of Rome Statue crimes as well as to enhancing communication about the work of the TFV. This voluntary contribution is the largest single contribution received by the TFV to date.
The substantial increase of Ireland’s contributions is a true testament to its strong commitment to making the Rome Statute’s reparative justice system a reality for victims. In addition to this contribution, in September 2022, the Embassies of Ireland to the Netherlands and to Uganda and the TFV led a joint monitoring visit to northern Uganda with representatives from 14 states to gain insight into the ongoing TFV activities and to listen to the TFV beneficiaries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, H.E Mr Simon Coveney said, “The events of this year have brought the importance of a functional and effective system of international criminal justice to the public attention like never before. An integral part of this system, as envisaged by the Rome Statute, is vindicating the rights of victims. Ireland stands with victims and their families, no matter who the perpetrators are, or, wherever they are located. This contribution is Ireland’s largest ever to the Trust Fund for Victims and serves to underpin our commitment to a truly reparative vision of justice that has been embodied in the Rome Statute. This funding will enable victims throughout every situation before the Court to rebuild their lives with the dignity and the support they deserve. I encourage all States Parties to consider making regular contributions to this essential pillar of the Rome Statute framework.”
Voluntary contributions enable the Trust Fund for Victims to empower victims of Rome Statute crimes to overcome their harm through its programmes. As part of such transformative reparations, the TFV provides medical support, including physical rehabilitation, psychological support, as well as socio-economic support such as access to education and income generating activities.
On behalf of TFV Chair Minou Tavárez Mirabal, Kevin Kelly, member of the TFV Board of Directors representing the Western European and Other States group said, “We are tremendously encouraged to see Ireland’s continued support to the Trust Fund for Victims in its work with victims, survivors, their families and affected communities. Ireland´s strong commitment to international justice and to the reparative justice mandate of the TFV are reflected in its support in assisting survivors to rebuild their lives. The Trust Fund for Victims looks forward to continue its engagement and close partnership with Ireland in the future.”
Currently, the TFV is funding programmes in the Central African Republic, in Côte d’Ivoire, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in Mali and in Uganda. The TFV will soon expand its assistance activities to Georgia and Kenya.
For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims, please contact: trustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.int or visit: www.trustfundforvictims.org