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Reparations

Rehabilitating victims of serious human rights violations

Reparations in justice include financial compensation for victims of international crimes and serious human rights violations. As well as non-financial, collective or symbolic measures. They represent a key tool in restoring the dignity of victims and promoting reconciliation and social justice. From the workings of the International Criminal Court Trust Fund to the restitution of cultural assets stolen during colonization to the recognition of victims of the "Genocost" in the Democratic Republic of Congo or victims of sexual violence in the Catholic Church,, read the latest news on reparations, documented by our experts.

In Switzerland, crimes committed against nomadic peoples (Yenish, Sinti and Manouche) have been recognised by the government as ‘crimes against humanity’. Photo: Yenish children play the schwyzerörgeli, a small accordion, in front of a vehicle parked in an encampment.
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This was a “dark chapter in Swiss history”

On February 19, Switzerland admitted it committed a “crime against humanity” in removing thousands of Traveller children from their families over a period of 50 years. Adult Yenish and Sinti people were also victimized. This is the first time Switzerland has admitted commission of an international crime.
By Julia Crawford (Justice Info)
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Reparations for victims of sexual violence in the French Church: what assessment can be made of the Commission for Recognition and Reparation? Photo: Gargoyles at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris (France)

Repairing violence within the Church: “It’s going to take time”

Antoine Garapon, French magistrate and head of the Commission for Recognition and Reparation for sexual crimes committed in the Church, advocates restorative justice. illustration: portrait of Garapon.

“Restorative justice is the very soul of justice”

80 years on, remembrance starts for France’s “Nomads”

What justice for the victims in Afghanistan? An Afghan girl stands at the entrance of her house near a destroyed compound, in the old part of Kabul, on April 10, 2010.

Why Afghan victims still wait for Australian compensations

In villages in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), survivors of attacks by Ugandan soldiers are waiting to receive reparations. Photo: Three survivors of massacres (seen from behind) in front of a mass grave (not shown) where their relatives are buried.

DRC: with the forgotten people of North Kivu

Political treaty on the future of the Chagos Islands between the United Kingdom and Mauritius. Photo: The island of Diego Garcia seen from a satellite.

Will the Chagos treaty address the wrongs of the past?

Indigenous rights in Australia: the role of King Charles III of the United Kingdom and the imprint of the Commonwealth. Photo: King Charles observes a performance by an Aboriginal group.

Indigenous rights in Australia: the rôle of the Crown

Reparations (financial compensation) from the Special Criminal Court (CPS) in the Central African Republic. Photo: A boy pulls two oxen carrying bags of peanuts in Paoua.

Central African Republic reparations: what victims say about first payments

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the aid fund for victims of the ‘6-day war’ (often called ‘Genocost’ in the DRC) is struggling to fulfil its mission. Frivao is suspected of embezzlement and needs to be overhauled. Photo: Kisangani cemetery.

DRC: Victims’ fund overhauled  amid embezzlement suspicions

Chiquita trial - Photo: a promotional stand featuring only Chiquita bananas. At the very top, the brand's mascot. At the front of the booth, a large button and a sign reading “Push to start the show”.

Lessons from the Chiquita Trial (2): The Battle of Experts

Chiquita trial in Florida - Photo: an employee of banana multinational Chiquita works in a factory in Colombia (Uruba).

Insights from the Chiquita trial (1): 25 years of struggle

Victim of militias in 2003 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ruth Biangire was able to benefit from the help of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Photo: Ruth Biangire poses in her store, where she sells petrol in cans and bottles.

ICC/DRC: Reparations leave victims feeling sore (2/2)

International Criminal Court (ICC) reparations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Farmer Kiza Nzungu Bwanafasi with his cows in Ituri province (DRC).

ICC/DRC: Reparations leave Bogoro victims feeling sore (1/2)

Georgia's 2008 war against Russia: who will pay compensation for the victims? Photo: Elderly civilian victims near their burnt-down home following the Russian invasion.

Georgia 2008 war: when Russia won’t pay victims, solutions still exist

War in Ukraine and repairs to civilian targets: the case of companies. Photo: The Hotel Ukraine in Chernihiv destroyed by a Russian missile.

Is a war-ruined business in Ukraine entitled to compensation?

International Central Securities Depositories (ICSDs): an option for financing Ukraine with Russian money. Image: photo montage of a rouble coin, a Ukrainian flag and frost.

Finding money for Ukraine: the return of a Cold War financial tool

In Ukraine, a claim for reparation (compensation) for damages and destructions is launched. Photos: several images of Ukrainians in front of civilian buildings (often homes) destroyed by Russian missiles.

Register of Damages for Ukraine: “The biggest claims program in history”

In Chad, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, President of the transition, relaunches the issue of reparations for the victims of Hissène Habré's dictatorship. Photo: Idriss Deby, under escort, raises his hand to greet the crowd.

Chad: coup de théâtre for Habré's victims