Side-Event: Evaluating the Impact of the Katanga Reparations 

At a side event organised by the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC during the 23rd Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, experts and key stakeholders reflected on the Katanga Reparations Programme, offering valuable insights into its successes, challenges, and implications for reparative justice. 

The event was co-sponsored by the Embassies of Estonia, Germany, Ireland, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of The Netherlands. 

Event Highlights 

The side event began with opening remarks by Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou, ICC Second Vice-President, who emphasised the critical role of justice for victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). She highlighted the importance of the ICC’s work in acknowledging the suffering of victims and addressing the ongoing cases in the region. Adding to this, Professor Taylor Lubanga, DRC Focal Point to the ICC, spoke on behalf of the DRC Ambassador. He stressed the severity of the crimes committed and the collaboration between the Trust Fund for Victims, the ICC, and Fonds National des Réparations des Victimes - FONAREV. He also underscored the broader political dimensions linked to reparations in the DRC, including the interconnected nature of these efforts. 

The presentation of the evaluation was led by Dr. Jean-Benoit Falisse from the University of Edinburgh. Dr. Falisse shared the findings of an independent evaluation of the Katanga Reparations Programme, which revealed significant improvements in victims’ mental health, wellbeing, and sense of justice, as well as economic resilience. However, he pointed out key challenges, such as delays in implementation and the need for stronger trust-building measures. 

During the panel discussion, Judge Prost of ICC Trial Chamber II reflected on the ICC’s pioneering role in reparations. She underscored the importance of ongoing refinement to ensure the reparations system continues to meet victims’ needs effectively. Adding a different perspective, Dr. Julien Seroussi and Franck Leibovici explored innovative approaches to evidence visualisation, which have enhanced victims’ understanding and engagement during trial processes.  
 
Professor Dr. Mijke Fenna de Waardt from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam highlighted the significance of procedural justice and the necessity of engaging with victims early in the reparations process. This, she argued, would ensure that their needs and expectations are adequately addressed. Finally, Dr. Wiebke Rückert, Head of the German Delegation to the ASP, discussed reparations as part of international development efforts and their role in fostering trust in justice institutions. 

Conclusion 

The discussions reinforced the transformative potential of reparations in acknowledging harm, restoring dignity, and building trust among victims. The Katanga Reparations Programme stands as a powerful example of the ICC’s commitment to delivering meaningful reparative justice, while also highlighting areas for continued learning and improvement. 


See flyer of the event: English


Other useful links:

The Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC announces the Submission of its Final Report in the case of The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga (English and French)
Press release: "Symbolic Ceremony Marks End of ICC-Ordered Reparations for Victims in the case of The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo," 24 April 2024 in English and French.
Photos from the ceremony can be accessed on the TFV's Flickr account.


To learn about the Katanga Case, you can visit the ICC Website and TFV Katanga page.
For more information about the TFV work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, click here.