Portugal Contributes EUR 15,000 to ICC Trust Fund for Victims

Portugal strengthens its voluntary contribution in 2026 and upholds its long-standing commitment to the Trust Fund for Victims Press Release: 22 April 2026

Portugal strengthens its voluntary contribution in 2026 and upholds its long-standing commitment to the Trust Fund for Victims

Photo: H.E. Ms Clara Nunes dos Santos, Ambassador of Portugal to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Dr. Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC on behalf of the Board of Directors, at the ICC Headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands, in March 2026. Portugal, a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2002, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 15,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.

This unrestricted contribution will support the TFV’s dual mandate: implementing ICC ordered reparations and delivering assistance programmes that address the physical, psychological, and material needs of victims and affected communities.

H.E. Kevin Kelly, member of the Board of Directors of the TFV, stated: “Portugal’s renewed support reflects its strong commitment to the victims of Rome Statute crimes. This contribution strengthens the Trust Fund for Victims’ ability to deliver meaningful, survivor centred assistance and to advance reparative justice in communities that have endured profound harm. It helps ensure that victims receive the recognition, support, and dignity they deserve.”

H.E. Clara Nunes dos Santos, Ambassador of Portugal to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, stated: “Portugal reaffirms its unwavering support to the International Criminal Court and the Trust Fund for Victims assistance mandate. Portugal recognises in the Trust Fund for Victims one of the essential pillars of restorative justice under the Rome Statute and is honoured to support the Trust Fund for Victims through its contribution, reinforcing the important assistance programs focused to help the Victims of the most serious crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and the affected communities. These communities are at the heart of the Trust Fund for Victims work for which we are pleased to actively contribute to promote resilience, reconstruction, and tangible outcomes for victims. The ICC’s role in preventing conflicts as well as protecting human rights is undeniable and must be safeguarded. Portugal remains a strong supporter and defender of the ICC and of international justice to end impunity and deliver justice to victims.”

Portugal has been providing regular support to the TFV through voluntary contributions since 2017.

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 the 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).

Source: Trust Fund for Victims