Lithuania makes first voluntary contribution to the TFV, in support of the assistance programme in Georgia
The Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that the Government of Lithuania made its first ever voluntary contribution of €20,000 to the TFV in 2021. This contribution is earmarked to the TFV’s assistance programme in Georgia which will be launched early this year. Lithuania’s support to the TFV’s work and assistance mandate is a true testament to the country’s commitment to making reparative justice a reality for victim-survivors of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC.
Speaking on Lithuania’s support to the work of the TFV, H.E. Mr. Vidmantas Purlys, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Netherlands, said «Lithuania fully understands that the Trust Fund for Victims is essential for the work of the International Criminal Court. Its activities make reparative justice a meaningful reality. That is exactly what we expect with a voluntary contribution to support the very start of the TFV programme in Georgia. Victims in Georgia continue to endure injuries from the conflict of 2008, they are still in need for psychological rehabilitation and counselling services, medical treatment and material support.»
TFV Executive Director Pieter de Baan welcomed the donation and thanked the Government of Lithuania saying “The TFV expresses its sincere gratitude to Lithuania for its first voluntary contribution and for this act of recognition to the TFV’s assistance mandate. This contribution will help the TFV strengthen its efforts to support victims, particularly in Georgia where they continue to suffer as a result of conflict. With a range of assistance activities including material support and livelihood initiatives, psychological rehabilitation and counselling services, as well as a component of medical treatment and referral, the TFV aims to help survivors move forward, rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. The TFV looks forward to continuous engagement and partnership with Lithuania in the future.”
Voluntary contributions enable the Trust Fund for Victims to provide reparative value to victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC through reparations awards and assistance activities.
To date, the TFV is implementing four reparations ordered by the ICC the Lubanga, Katanga, Al Mahdi and Ntaganda cases. The convicted persons in these cases were all found to be indigent and the TFV has responded to the ICC’s requests to consider complementing the payment of the reparations awards. The TFV has also engaged in the fifth reparations proceeding in Ongwen since the beginning of 2021.
Under its assistance mandate, the TFV provides medical treatment, psychological rehabilitation, education, income-generating activities, and livelihood support. The TFV is continuing with its programmes in Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. The TFV is launching new assistance programmes in Georgia, Kenya and Mali in early 2022.
