ICC - Director of the Trust Fund met with victims’ communities in Uganda

Director of the Trust Fund met with victims’ communities in Uganda

ICC-CPI-070613-223

 

The Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) of the International Criminal Court, André Laperrière, visited Uganda from 3rd to 10th June 2007, to promote awareness about its mandate and activities. Mr. Laperrière also conducted an initial assessment of the assistance being provided to victims that have suffered from the effects of the conflict in Northern Uganda. He consulted and discussed with key stakeholders and laid concrete foundations for funding of the first projects of the TFV in the region. 

The TFV is an independent body created by the Rome Statute and established by the Assembly of States Parties in order to complement the work of the International Criminal Court on reparations for victims of the crimes that fall under its jurisdiction (genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes). The TFV can also use the contributions it receives to finance projects for the benefit of victims and their families. The TFV has a Board of Directors, with Archbishop Desmond Tutu representing the African region.

Throughout the visit, Mr. Laperrière met with representatives of victims’ communities in Adjumani, Gulu, Lira, Oyam and Pader districts. He also met with religious and traditional leaders, government officials, civil society organisations, representatives of donors and international organisations.

In the ICC, victims have the right to participate in all stages of the proceedings by putting their views and concerns to the judges. If a case proceeds to trial and the accused person is convicted, victims may ask the Court to make an order of reparations for the harm they have suffered. The judges may order individual or collective reparations. The type of reparations will also be decided by the judges and may include compensation, restitution, rehabilitation and symbolic measures such as public apology or a commemoration or memorial. Victims’ participation in proceedings is entirely different from a victim’s possible role as a witness called to testify before the Court for the Prosecution or the Defence.

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For further information please contact:

In The Hague: Ms Claudia Perdomo, Head of the Outreach Unit +31 70 515-8514 or [email protected]
In Kampala: Mr Charles-Martin Jjuuko, Field Outreach Coordinator for Uganda, Tel: +256 31 2261879 or [email protected]

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