Finland has become the first country in the world to support the compensation programme for Dominic Ongwen, a former Lord’s Resistance Army commander reinforcing global efforts to deliver justice to victims of war crimes.
The Government of Finland, a long-standing member of the International Criminal Court since 2000, has contributed 400,000 Euros (1.7 billion shillings) to the Trust Fund for Victims and the voluntary contribution is aimed at strengthening court-ordered compensation and expanding assistance to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Part of the funding has been specifically earmarked for compensation in the Ongwen case, making Finland the first State Party to directly finance the programme.
Dominic Ongwen was convicted by the ICC for crimes committed during the conflict in northern Uganda.
The remaining funds will support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in the Central African Republic, providing medical treatment, mental health and psychosocial care, as well as economic empowerment initiatives.
A portion will also go toward reparations for former child soldiers in the Lubanga and Ntaganda cases.
Kevin Kelly, a member of the TFV Board of Directors, welcomes the contribution, describing it as a generous donation that will strengthen efforts to restore hope and dignity among affected communities.
By Okello Jesus Ojara
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