Belgium reaffirms support for ICC trust fund for victims with new voluntary contribution

Gulu City | Belgium has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to international justice and the rights of victims by announcing a new voluntary contribution of EUR 60,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2025.

As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Belgium’s contribution underscores its continued support for accountability and reparations for victims of the gravest crimes under international law.

The contribution, which is unrestricted, will bolster the TFV’s efforts to redress the harm suffered by victims of Rome Statute crimes.

Unrestricted funding allows the TFV to direct resources where they are most urgently needed, including the implementation of reparations awards ordered by the ICC and the delivery of programmes focused on victims’ rehabilitation, recovery, and overall well-being.

The Trust Fund for Victims plays a unique role within the ICC system, providing both court-ordered reparations and broader assistance to victims and their families. Its work includes medical care, psychological support, and material assistance aimed at restoring dignity and fostering long-term recovery in communities affected by mass atrocities.

Welcoming Belgium’s latest contribution, H.E. Kevin Kelly, member of the Board of Directors of the TFV, praised the country’s consistent engagement with the Fund’s mandate.

“Belgium has been a resolute supporter of the TFV’s mandate, and its steadfast commitment to providing redress to victims is exemplified by the unrestricted voluntary contributions it has made since 2005,” he said. “I commend Belgium’s continued support and encourage other States to follow its example.”

Belgium’s Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in The Hague, H.E. Olivier Belle, emphasized that the decision reflects a deeply held national priority.

“Belgium has always been particularly sensitive to the fate reserved for victims of the most serious crimes and has made this one of its priorities. The Trust Fund for Victims does a unique job of providing reparation to victims and their families, including through medical, psychological and material support. Supporting the TFV is directly in line with this,” Belle noted.

He further stated that Belgium is proud to be able to announce its decision to make a voluntary contribution of €60,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims in 2025.

Since 2005, Belgium has been a regular contributor to the Trust Fund for Victims and consistently ranks among its top ten donor states. This sustained support has helped ensure continuity in assistance programmes and the delivery of reparations in some of the ICC’s most significant cases.

Voluntary contributions are essential to the TFV’s ability to fulfil its reparative mandate. They fund services and activities that provide recognition, commemoration, and material support to victims through rehabilitative programmes.

The TFV has issued a particular appeal for contributions to meet the needs arising from cases such as those of Bosco Ntaganda and Dominic Ongwen, where reparations orders are being implemented.

The Fund’s annual programme funding target is set at a minimum of EUR 10 million, highlighting the scale of need and the importance of sustained international support.

Contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims are also eligible as Official Development Assistance (ODA). Beyond individual reparations, TFV programmes contribute to broader development and peace building objectives, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

These include peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16), poverty reduction (SDG1), good health and well-being (SDG 3), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and climate action (SDG 13).

Through its latest contribution, Belgium once again signals its belief that justice for victims is a cornerstone of sustainable peace and international rule of law, reinforcing the vital role of the ICC and its Trust Fund in addressing the lasting impact of serious international crimes.