Overcoming harm resulting from sexual and gender-based violence, under the ICC TFV assistance mandate

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The treaty-based International Criminal Court (ICC) and Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) were established by the Rome Statute that entered into force in 2002. The TFV provides support to victims of crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the ICC, as well as their families. These crimes include genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The TFV fulfills two mandates: it implements reparations ordered by the ICC and provides assistance to victims and their families. Through its assistance mandate the TFV finances its partner organizations which implement assistance programmes at the local level. The practical means of assistance include i.a. physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation and material support. The countries where the TFV has provided assistance have been Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and Côte d'Ivoire. In 2022, the TFV will start its work in Kenya. One of the thematic activity areas for the fund is support to victim survivors of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). In addition to the support for SGBV victims provided through the assistance programmes, the TFV will also begin to implement the first reparations orders by the ICC to these victims. It is possible to earmark voluntary contributions to the trust fund to support SGBV-victims. The objective of the projects is to help victims and their families to overcome the harm resulting from the ICC crimes as well as to help them lead a dignified life and to contribute towards reconciliation and peace-building. The projects funded by the TFV are targeted to both individual and collective levels: they contribute to individual rehabilitation and empowerment as well as community stability and reconciliation. The TFV receives voluntary contributions from several states. Sweden, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and Finland have been the biggest donors in recent years. Altogether almost 50 State Parties to the Rome Statute have made contributions to the TFV. Finland is also one of the most consistent supporters. The contribution of Finland during years 2021-2024 (all together 1 200 000 euros) will be used to the TFV's assistance mandate programs with a thematic focus on the victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Regionally the assistance will be directed to Sub-Saharan Africa.