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Rome Statute 20 / ICC Trust Fund and states visit victim projects in Uganda

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Editors
On the 23rd of February, a joint monitoring visit on the ICC Trust Fund for Victims concluded in northern Uganda. The visit, initiated by the government of Ireland , was aimed at reviewing TFV projects in the region in the lead up to the Rome Statute 20th anniversary stock taking. Ten states parties and the ASP president participated in the visit.

The visit consisted of meeting with victim survivors and affected communities. There were also visits to partners in Lira, Gulu and Kampala to witness and discuss the support given through the Trust Fund for Victims.  

Ten states parties participated in the visit, including representatives from the government of Canada, Chile, Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Uganda, United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Ambassador of Ireland to the Netherlands, Kevin Kelly, said, "In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, we have seen the results of the international justice system not only through the conviction of persons who have committed the gravest crimes, but also through the work of Trust Fund for Victims, providing assistance to survivors, remedies that they need to heal and rebuild their lives".

Ugandan Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mirjam Blaak, reaffirmed the governments committment to the TFV and the ICC, "I have seen tremendous progress made in providing assistance to victims through the TFV projects. The government of Uganda has a long standing cooperation with the ICC and TFV, and made the first referral to the ICC. The government commits to continue its support to the TFV in assisting many more victims, their families and local partners, to sustain lasting impact in the country." 

The TFV has been implementing the assistance programme in northern Uganda for 10 years and helps victims of war time violence with psychological and physical rehabilitation, and material support.  More than 45,000 people have directly benefitted from the programme.

More on the Trust Fund for Victims