This week International Criminal Court Judges awarded $30 million (25.3 million euros) to crime victims. The money would go to the individuals as reparations for crimes against them by a Congolese warlord.
International Criminal Court Judges Sentence Bosco Ntaganda to 30 Years Imprisonment
Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda, also known as “The Terminator,” was convicted in 2019, including child soldiers and rape and sexual slavery victims. The warlord was charged with 18 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. The judges hearing the case during the time sentenced Bosco to 30 years imprisonment. The international court found that he was guilty of participating in violence during a bloody ethnic clash in a mineral-rich area of Congo in 2002-2003. Since the ruling, Bosco Ntaganda has appealed his convictions and sentence.
This week Bosco Ntaganda appeared in court again since his sentencing to 30 years imprisonment. The judges at the court made the ruling that Bosco’s surviving victims should receive reparations for their sufferings. The judges decided that those eligible for reparations included direct and indirect victims. The victims would consist of those who suffered crimes against child soldiers, children born out of rape and sexual slavery, and rape and sexual slavery victims. The judges said there would be collective reparations with individual components for the victims. Around 100,000 victims would be eligible for the $30 million reparations.
Trust Fund for Victims to complement the reparations awards for Victims
The International Criminal Court panel of judges said Mr.Bosco Ntaganda would be liable for the reparations. They, however, added that Ntaganda is indigent for reparations. Due to this, the court` judges urged a Trust Fund for Victims to help victims. The court’s Assembly of States Parties set up the organization meant for the war victims. The judges asked the Trust to complement the reparations awards for the Victims using their own funds and additional fundraising efforts.
Mr. Ntaganda to remain Liable for Reparations.
Through the efforts of the Trust Fund for Victims, most of those who suffered would receive reparations. The International Criminal Court said the Trust Fund would only provide a temporary solution before assessing Ntaganda’s assets. The court still maintains that Ntaganda would remain liable for the provision of the victim reparations. As this is still the case, the court continues to undertake an exploration as to whether Mr. Ntaganda posses any undiscovered assets. Any assets discovered will go to the market for resale, and any profits after sales will go to victims.
Additionally, the International Criminal Court said it would monitor Mr. Ntaganda’s financial situation and uncover any undiscovered bank accounts. Funds recovered from Ntaganda’s accounts would also go to some of the victims of crimes he allegedly committed.
The Trust Fund for Victims, in a written statement, praised the international Criminal Court for making its ruling concerning reparations for victims. The Trust said the court’s ruling was an essential step in responding to the long-lasting harm that victims in the case suffered.
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