The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes great pleasure in announcing that in 2021, the Government of Iceland made its first ever voluntary contribution of €10,000 to the TFV with an aim to do so for three consecutive years. Iceland’s recognition of the TFV’s mandate and activities demonstrates its support and commitment to making reparative justice a significant reality for survivors of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

Speaking on Iceland’s contribution to the Trust Fund, H.E. Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Cooperation said: “Every atrocity crime includes victims and survivors whose human rights have been violated in the worst ways possible. The Trust Fund for Victims was established for assistance and reparations to these victims and their families. We are proud to make our first voluntary contribution to the Fund, underlining Iceland´s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court.“

Welcoming the donation, the TFV Executive Director Pieter de Baan thanked the Government of Iceland saying “The TFV expresses its sincere appreciation to Iceland for this first voluntary contribution and for Iceland’s trust in our efforts and commitment to the victims of the most serious crimes.” De Baan emphasized the pivotal importance of voluntary contributions, and of new donors coming on board, to enable the Trust Fund to work on its mandate. He added: “Iceland’s first contribution is sending a powerful message to other countries to support our mission, in any possible manner. We look forward to build on continuous engagement and partnership with Iceland.”

Voluntary contributions enable the Trust Fund for Victims to provide reparative value to victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC through reparations awards and assistance activities.

To date, the TFV is implementing four reparations ordered by the ICC, the Lubanga, Katanga, Al Mahdi and Ntaganda cases. The convicted persons in these cases were all found to be indigent and the TFV has responded to the ICC's requests to consider complementing the payment of the reparations awards. The TFV has also engaged in the fifth reparations proceeding in Ongwen since the beginning of 2021.

Under its assistance mandate, the TFV provides medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, education, income-generating activities, and livelihood support. The TFV is continuing with its programmes in Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire,  Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The TFV will soon launch new assistance programmes in Georgia, Kenya and Mali early 2022.

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