Understanding the International Criminal Court

79. What is the role of the Trust Fund for Victims?

The  Rome  Statute  created  two  independent  institutions:  the  International  Criminal  Court  and  the

Trust Fund for Victims.

While it is impossible to fully undo the harm caused by genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity

and the crime of aggression, it is possible to help survivors, in particular, the most vulnerable among

them,  rebuild  their  lives  and  regain  their  dignity  and  status  as  fully-functioning  members  of  their

societies.

The Trust Fund for Victims advocates for victims and mobilises individuals, institutions with resources,

and the goodwill of those in power for the benefit of victims and their communities. It funds or sets

up innovative projects to meet victims’ physical, material, or psychological needs. It may also directly

undertake activities as and when requested by the Court.

The Trust Fund for Victims can act for the benefit of victims of crimes, regardless of whether there

is a conviction by the ICC. It cooperates with the Court to avoid any interference with ongoing legal

proceedings.

80.  Do  victims  have  to  first  participate  in  the  proceedings  before  they  are  entitled  to 

reparations?

No. A victim who has not participated in the proceedings may make an application for reparations.

The two applications are independent of each other. The Court may even decide on its own to make

an award for reparations.

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Understanding the International Criminal Court