Title: Bosco Ntaganda’s liability assessed at $31,300,000: Towards reparations for victims of war crimes in the DRC
Introduction :
In a recent ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Bosco Ntaganda’s liability for reparations in his related case was assessed at $31,300,000. This decision follows his conviction for 18 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between 2002 and 2003. This assessment aims to ensure that the victims of these crimes receive the reparations to which they are entitled.
The details of the decision:
ICC Trial Chamber II devoted part of its decision to assessing Bosco Ntaganda’s liability for reparations. The presiding judge, during the hearing in which Ntaganda participated remotely via video link, revealed that of the 171 victims analyzed, 132 were able to establish their eligibility as victims of the crimes for which Ntaganda was convicted. This means that these victims will be eligible to receive reparations.
With regard to the remaining victims, who could not establish their eligibility, the ICC left the door open by giving them the opportunity to complete their files and clarify their accounts as the implementation of reparations progresses.
The ICC decision also underscored the importance of transgenerational harm. She estimated that the approximate number of direct and indirect victims of the crimes committed against child soldiers would be around 3,000 people, while the approximate number of direct and indirect victims of the attacks would be around 7,500 people.
A key question remains unresolved, that of Ntaganda’s assets. The ICC has requested the assistance of the presidency, with the support of the registry, to continue to search for possible undiscovered assets and continuously monitor Ntaganda’s financial situation.
Conclusion :
The ICC’s decision assessing Bosco Ntaganda’s liability for reparations at $31,300,000 marks an important milestone in the fight for justice in the DRC. It will allow victims of Ntaganda’s crimes to receive reparations and begin to rebuild their lives. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all victims are taken into account and that the necessary funds for reparations are collected