Today, the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, Minou Tavárez Mirabal and the Executive Director, Deborah Ruiz Verduzco met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares and signed an agreement to formalise this landmark contribution of EUR 2 million euros to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
EUR 1.000.000 from this contribution will be dedicated to the Lubanga Reparation Programme and will ensure that all of the remaining former child soldiers in this case of 2471 eligible beneficiaries receive the reparations ordered by the ICC in this case about the enlistment, conscription and use of child soldiers under the age of 15 years.
This contribution is consistent with the priority that Spain gives to the protection of children in armed conflicts and with its commitment to justice, reparation and reintegration of all victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.
A total amount of EUR 750.000 will be used to finance a future assistance programme for victims of the war in Ukraine, including consultations with key stakeholders in designing such activities.
In addition, EUR 250.000 from the contribution will be used to finance future assistance programmes for victims, including consultations with key stakeholders in designing such programmes, in situations where the ICC has jurisdiction but TFV is not yet active. These situations are Afghanistan, Bangladesh/Myanmar, Burundi, Darfur (Sudan), Libya, State of Palestine, Republic of the Philippines and Venezuela.
"More necessary than ever before"
Speaking on this contribution to the TFV, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, José Manuel Albares Bueno, said, "Spain strongly supports the work of the Trust Fund for Victims, which is more necessary than ever in light of escalating conflicts and increasing humanitarian needs. This contribution aims to provide reparation and reintegration of all victims of international crimes, including vulnerable groups such as children in armed conflict. Victim's assistance has always been at the forefront of our foreign policy."
In welcoming this contribution, Minou Tavárez Mirabal, Chair of the TFV Board of Directors stated, "We extend our deepest gratitude to Spain for significantly increasing their support to the Trust Fund for Victims this year. This generous contribution demonstrates a commitment to redressing harm suffered by victims of Rome Statute crimes and sets a remarkable example for other States. It demonstrates a victim-driven policy which allows the implementation of programmes for victims in cases in which convictions have been issued by the ICC, as well as in situations where there are investigations or judicial proceedings. "
