Switzerland contributes to the Trust Fund for Victims to strenghten the victim-centered mandate of the ICC

The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is pleased to announce that Switzerland, a State Party to the ICC since 2001, has renewed its support to the TFV through a voluntary contribution of over EURO 50,000 this year. This unrestricted contribution will be used to redress the harm suffered by victims of Rome Statute crimes through reparations awards ordered by the ICC and other programmes designed for their benefit.

H.E. Kevin Kelly, member of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC, stated, “Switzerland’s consistent contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims since 2006 reflect its strong commitment to the principles of reparative justice and the values enshrined in the Rome Statute. By helping address the harm endured by victims of mass atrocities, Switzerland fosters healing, dignity, and resilience. This commitment stands as a powerful example of solidarity and shared responsibility, reminding all States Parties of their collective obligation to support victims. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Switzerland for its continued support and encourage others to follow its lead in advancing justice and humanity”.

H.E. Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands stated, “One of the biggest achievements of the Rome Statute system is that it places the victims of the most serious crimes at the centre of the justice process, granting them access to assistance, rehabilitation, reparations and the opportunity to have their voices heard. The Trust Fund for Victims makes this possible. By supporting the Trust Fund, Switzerland continues to stand by the side of those affected most by conflict, fostering reconciliation and long-term peace”.

For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims, please contact trustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.int or visit www.trustfundforvictims.org. You can also follow TFV’s activities on X, LinkedIn, Bluesky and Facebook.

Background information

Voluntary funding received by the Trust Fund for Victims ensured the completion of the first ever reparation programme for victims in the Katanga case in October 2023. Ongoing reparations are also being implemented in the Lubanga and Al Mahdi cases. Additionally, the TFV is actively implementing reparations for one group of victims in the Ntaganda case, who are also part of the Lubanga programme for former child soldiers and preparing the reparations programme for a second group of victims of attacks in the Ntaganda case. 

In June 2024, the TFV launched its First Funding Appeal of EUR 5 million in the Ongwen case to enable the implementation of the Trial Chamber’s EUR 52.4 million Reparations Order of 28 February 2024, which aims to benefit more than 40,000 victims. The Trust Fund for Victims seeks to mobilise at least EUR 5 million annually to progressively implement the Ongwen Reparations Order.

For 2024-2025, the TFV is also implementing other programmes for the benefit of victims in seven situations under the jurisdiction of the ICC, namely in the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Georgia, Kenya, Mali and Uganda. These programmes provide medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, socio-economic support, education, peacebuilding, and commemoration activities in collaboration with local authorities and communities.

TFV Programmes for the benefit of victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC contribute to the broader impact of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), poverty reduction (SDG 1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), climate action (SDG 13), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).

The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC contributes to fulfil the principles of reparative justice established in the Rome Statute by implementing measures that recognise and redress the harm caused by genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression on victims and their families.