Japan continues its support for the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC, bolstering efforts to assist survivors of sexual and gender-based violence

Japan, a State Party to the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 1 October 2007, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 31,360 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute. Japan's voluntary contribution is specifically directed towards the benefit of victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and will reinforce TFV programmes that provide education, socio-economic support, medical treatment, and trauma counselling as well as addressing new masculinities to enhance familial and societal reconciliation.

Mr Andres Parmas, Chair of the Board of Directors of the TFV stated, "Japan's voluntary contribution is essential in recognising and responding to the harms suffered by SGBV victims. As the Court's largest financial supporter, Japan's steadfast support is of critical importance to the work of the Trust Fund for Victims. I applaud the Government of Japan for continuing to champion efforts to help rebuild the lives of the survivors of the most serious crimes of international concern."

H.E. Rokuichiro Michii, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of The Netherlands stated, "Japan stands strong in support of victims of the most serious international crimes. The Trust Fund for Victims plays an essential role in delivering critical assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and Japan is proud to continue to support its mission. This includes making the important work of the TFV more widely understood, and we look forward to working with all partners to explore sustainable and increased funding sources for the TFV."

Japan has been a contributor to the TFV since 2014, and has, to date, provided over 1 million euros to the TFV through voluntary contributions.

For more information about the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC, please contact [email protected] or visit www.trustfundforvictims.org. You can also follow TFV's activities on X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, and Facebook.

Background information about the Trust Fund for Victims

Voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims ensure the delivery of the reparative mandate of the International Criminal Court by funding services and activities that provide recognition, commemoration and material support through rehabilitative programmes.

The TFV appeals to States Parties and other entities to contribute to the delivery of reparations to victims in dire need, particularly in relation to the Ntaganda and Ongwen cases. The annual programme funding target of the TFV is set at a minimum of EUR 10 million.

Contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims qualify as Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible. TFV programmes for the benefit of victims of crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC contribute to the broader impact of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16), poverty reduction (SDG 1), 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).