Trust Fund for Victims launches ten new assistance projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

On July 16, 2020, on the eve of the International Day of Criminal Justice, the Fund for Victims (“the Fund”) of the International Criminal Court celebrated the launch of ten new projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) . 

The Fund has been present in the DRC since 2008 and will mainly carry out these projects in the provinces of Ituri as well as in North Kivu and South Kivu, as part of the new cycle of its assistance program. This initiative is a testament to the renewed energy and commitment of the Fund, which intends to provide long-awaited assistance to the victims and survivors of the most serious crimes committed on the territory of the DRC since July 1, 2002. 

These ten new projects will be implemented in collaboration with national and international service providers working in the DRC. They are expected to last five years, but may be extended each year depending on their results and the availability of funds. These projects will revolve around several areas, including providing medical support and psychological rehabilitation, supporting socio-economic activities and facilitating the consolidation of peace in communities. 

More than 20,000 people should be able to benefit directly from this program. On the occasion of the launch of these projects, the President of the Board of Directors of the Fund, Mama Koité Doumbia, declared: “It is a day of celebration, but also a day to be marked with a milestone, because it too long that the victims and survivors of the most heinous crimes suffer without justice being done. I take this opportunity to salute those whose efforts and hard work have brought us to this point where we can continue to work together to ensure that the rights and needs of victims are respected, as provided for in the system established by the Rome Statute. "

At the launch meeting of the new program, the Executive Director of the Fund, Pieter de Baan, told partners: “Despite the COVID-19 situation and the challenges it poses, we have moved forward. to launch these projects. Together, we adapt the planned activities in order to stay by the side of the victims and their community during this difficult time. Together, we ensure that restorative justice becomes a reality for surviving victims so that they can regain their dignity and take the path to recovery. " 

The Fund was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute to assist in the process of recovery and resilience of victims of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The mission of the Fund is to take charge of the damages resulting from crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC while ensuring respect for the rights of victims and their families. 

To do this, it implements reparation and assistance programs that allow victims to regain their dignity and participate in community life.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor