Press Release: 21 December 2020

 

Netherlands reaffirms its support for victim-survivors and the Trust Fund for Victims

 

Photo: Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have benefitted from the Trust Fund for Victims’ assistance programme

 

The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is grateful to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its this year’s voluntary contribution of €200,000 to the work of the TFV. This contribution by the Netherlands constitutes the final instalment of its three-year multiannual agreement (2018 – 2020) with a total value of  €800,000.

The Netherlands has been a regular donor to the TFV since 2006 and these unrestricted funds illustrate the country’s longstanding solidarity with the victims of atrocity crimes. This year’s contribution is, furthermore  absolutely vital to providing tangible acts of reparative justice to victims. Since 2006 the Netherlands has provided contributions of over €4 million to the TFV.

Speaking on the Dutch Government’s contribution to the TFV, H.E Paul Van den IJssel, Permanent Representative to the ICC and the OPCW at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affair, said “Accountability and the fight against impunity are top priorities in Dutch foreign policy. As such the Dutch Government views its support of the TFV as an integral element in upholding these values. Justice is both about ensuring that perpetrators are held to account and that the victims are heard, seen and given the tools to try to rebuild their lives and communities”.

Speaking on the Netherlands support for the TFV, Chair of the TFV Board of Directors Mama Koité Doumbia said “The Trust Fund knows it can count on the Netherlands to support our work and meet words with deeds and for this we are very grateful. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic the work of the TFV is being further challenged and our ability to reach the most vulnerable is put to the test. We are determined, however to meet this challenge and this donation from the Netherlands helps us to do so”. 

TFV Executive Director Pieter De Baan thanked the Dutch Government saying “the TFV extends its sincere gratitude to the Netherlands for their ongoing commitment to victims of the most heinous crimes. Their continued engagement with the work of the TFV and the ICC shows they are true champions of the Rome Statue and the concept of reparative justice. More practically - on the ground - for victim survivors this means we can continue or increase our endeavours such as providing medical and psychological support and funding income-generating and educational activities. This donation is, therefore twofold in its provision;  displaying both moral support and commitment as well as material support to victim-survivors”.

For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims, please contact: trustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.int or visit: www.trustfundforvictims.org