In 2007/08, the Trust Fund for Victims received 42 proposals for consideration. Thirty four of these projects (16 projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo and 18 projects in northern Uganda) were submitted to the respective ICC Chambers for approval, which was granted in April 2008. Currently, 31 of these 34 are active, reaching victims of crimes of war and crimes against humanity in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In total, about 42,300 are benefiting directly from the TFV’s general assistance. The TFV estimates that an additional 182,000 of their family members are benefiting indirectly through the improved wellbeing and reduced stigma that our assistance promotes.
To meet the special needs of victims of crimes against humanity and war crimes, the TFV provides assistance in four major categories. Many projects combine more than one strategy:
Most of our projects have incorporated both gender-specific and child-specific interventions to support the special vulnerability of women, girls, and boys. You can read more about our work in these four areas on our success stories page. You can also download our most recent Programme Progress Report here.
Assistance to help victims rebuild their communities
The Northeast Chili Producers Association (NECPA) has been working with the TFV since 2008 in the Lira and Teso sub-regions of northern Uganda, supporting an estimated 2,700 victims from communities who suffered deeply from displacement, massacre, torture, abduction and more. According to an initial baseline carried out in early 2009, three-quarters of the project's beneficiaries rely on agriculture as their primary means of livelihood and 40% tend to livestock. Almost all (90%) felt the war had negatively impacted their livelihood.
The TFV is working with one international NGO to help manage seven Ugandan sub-grantees implanting a broad range of services for about 950 victims through northern Uganda
These seven projects combine a variety of activities, including micro-credit, village savings and loan associations, vocational training, counselling, and more.
“Healing of Memory” sessions for about 50 victims of torture and mutilation to express their trauma in small groups and help each other reach a point of forgiveness and reconciliation
Vocational training and school fees for about 100 victims of torture or mutilation
Referrals to healthcare services for victims who are still in need of physical rehabilitation
Prosthetic limbs and orthopaedic support for about 140 amputees and other victims of torture or mutilation
Construction of ramps at health centres to allow access for disabled victims
Sensitization and information sessions to inform around 115 community leaders about disability and the rights of disabled people as laid out in Uganda’s national law
Peace and reconciliation activities for about 1,600 children abducted into armed forces, orphaned, or otherwise made vulnerable by war
Activities are organized into a two-day “Peace School” where children collectively express their trauma, construct messages of hope, and share them with the community through drawings, drama, and other forms of artwork
Accelerated education for 67 girls abducted by armed forces who bore children while in captivity
Day care centre integrated into the school to promote the bond between girls and their babies, provide basic healthcare, and reduce the stigma of being a student and a mother