Switzerland reaffirms its support to the Trust Fund for Victims through voluntary contribution
The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is pleased to announce that it has received an unrestricted voluntary contribution of CHF 50,000 by Switzerland, a state party to the International Criminal Court. This contribution will be used to redress the harm suffered by victims of Rome Statute crimes, through reparation awards ordered by the ICC and other programmes for their benefit.
“In the fight against impunity, a victim-centred approach has always been a priority for Switzerland. It therefore renews its unwavering support for the ICC Trust Fund for Victims and welcomes the fundamental role it plays in administrating justice to redress the harm suffered by victims of the most serious crimes. Switzerland is committed to an effective International Criminal Court, to defend the principles and values at the heart of the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity,” stated H.E. Corinne Cicéron Bühler, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Ambassador Kevin Kelly, a Board Member of the Trust Fund for Victims, noted “Switzerland's contribution exemplifies our mutual commitment to building a more just world for these victims. The Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court would like to express its appreciation for the consistent support it has received thus far from States Parties.”
Since 2004, the TFV has received over EUR 53 million from 51 States Parties and private individuals. In 2023, the TFV received EUR 5,3 million, which is the highest since 2004 when the TFV started receiving voluntary contributions. Switzerland, a state party to the Rome Statute since 12 October 2001, has provided voluntary contributions to the TFV regularly since 2006.
Voluntary funding received by the Trust Fund for Victims has allowed the completion of the first judicial cycle of the ICC, with the finalisation of the reparation programme for victims in the Katanga case. The TFV continues implementing reparation programmes for victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the cases of Lubanga, Al Mahdi, and Ntaganda, while being involved in reparation proceedings in the Ongwencase.
The TFV is also implementing other programs for the benefit of victims through the provision of medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, socio-economic support, education, peacebuilding, and commemoration activities with collaboration from local authorities and local communities. These programs are currently being implemented in seven situations under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court in the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Georgia, Kenya, Mali, and Uganda.
The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC is one of the pillars of reparative justice of the Rome Statute which contributes to realising the right of reparations for victims—encompassing restitution, compensation, and rehabilitation. Initiatives extend to victims and families within the Court's jurisdiction. TFV plays a crucial role in conveying recognition and redress to the harm caused by the crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC.
For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims, please contact [email protected] or visit: www.trustfundforvictims.org