Fatshimetrie recently covered a major event in Ituri: the launch by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of an information campaign on reparations for victims in the Bosco Ntaganda case. This initiative aims to inform those eligible for reparations of the rights they have in this case.
The ICC’s Public Information Officer, Margot Telesco, stressed the importance of raising awareness among the population, particularly victims, about their right to receive reparations. This campaign seeks to explain the eligibility criteria, the process of identifying and requesting reparations to the victims concerned.
To reach a wider audience, the ICC relies on the collaboration of local media, of which around twenty journalists were involved in this process. Journalists in Ituri play a key role in disseminating information about reparations, thus reaching as many people as possible who are eligible for these compensations.
Bosco Ntaganda’s liability was assessed at US$31 million by Trial Chamber II, an amount intended to compensate for the harm caused during the 2002-2003 inter-ethnic conflicts in Ituri. A trust fund for victims was set up to compensate for the suffering endured during this dark period in history.
This step by the ICC in favour of victims underlines the importance of justice and reparation for the harm caused by atrocities committed during armed conflicts. It demonstrates the commitment of the international community to combat impunity and ensure that victims obtain some form of reparation for the suffering endured.