Statement: 26 March 2020
During these unprecedented difficult times of heightened safety risks and physical isolation, the Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court (ICC) sincerely hopes that you, our supporters, partners and communities are taking care of yourselves and coping with this stressful situation.
The Trust Fund for Victims is entrusted to implement reparations and provide assistance to victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC – and to do so safely and responsibly. As the world comes to terms with an unprecedented health scare of COVID-19, these values remain to be of tremendous importance to us.
Like many in our global community, the Trust Fund for Victims has adapted to new routines in an effort to contain the virus. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, life will go on, and so will the needs of victim survivors. We want to assure you that it is our priority and commitment to continue to bring support and relief to the thousands of victim survivors under our mandates. We are aware of local disruptions and stringent measures to contain the virus in places where we work, which may result in limiting movements and interactions.
Together with our implementing partners, we are adjusting operational engagement in the interest of the victims and continue to be in close coordination and consultation within the ICC, with national and local Government authorities, and with United Nations missions.
It may be that in certain locations, service delivery to individuals needs to be organised differently or slows down. We will publicly notify significant developments in this regard.
The Trust Fund for Victims is made up of a highly dedicated Board of Directors and of a small, multidisciplinary and incredibly committed team of professionals, both in The Hague and in situation countries. With the help of our supporters and stakeholders, we keep victims’ rights and needs at the heart of our activities. We continue striving to make the delivery of reparative justice to victims a reality, despite the magnitude of the challenge before us.
Pieter de Baan
Executive Director, Trust Fund for Victims
For further information on the Trust Fund for Victims, please e-mail to: trustfundforvictims@icc-cpi.