Press Release
Paris, 7 March 2024
Continuing our commitment to philanthropy and to our mission, Jus Mundi is proud to announce a donation of 2,500 Euros to a distinguished non-profit organization (NGO) for the year 2023.
Jus Mundi’s CEO, Jean-Rémi de Maistre, said of the donation:
“Cultivating compassion and championing human rights are not just ideals but obligations. We are proud to support this year the International Federation for Human Rights and the incredible work of its International Justice Office. Together, we affirm our belief in a world where dignity and justice prevail.”
The recipient, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), is an esteemed global NGO with a rich history of over a century. Representing 188 organizations across 116 countries, FIDH is dedicated to the promotion and protection of all human rights as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Their mission is pivotal in ensuring that those responsible for international crimes are held accountable within the international criminal justice system.
The International Justice Office of FIDH plays a crucial role in combating impunity for the most heinous offenses, including genocides, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, and enforced disappearances. Their work involves meticulous documentation of these grave crimes, providing support to victims in national, hybrid, and international courts, and tirelessly advocating for the establishment and enforcement of independent judicial procedures and mechanisms. This donation underscores Jus Mundi’s dedication to supporting organizations that make a significant impact in the field of human rights and international justice.
FIDH’s CEO, Eléonore Morel, said of the donation:
“We are extremely grateful to Jus Mundi for this donation. This contributes to our enduring fight for international justice and against impunity, to hold war criminals to account and make the world a fairer place. It shows that inspiring companies, such as Jus Mundi, have the power to change things and be part of the solution.”
Our donation will be used by the International Justice Desk. See why we donated to them:
We interviewed Delphine Carlens, Head of the International Justice Desk, for her insights on the NGO.
How is the International Justice Desk trying to make a difference today?
The International Justice Desk is dedicated to addressing two key challenges at the forefront of today’s international justice landscape: the lack of enforcement of international law and the weaknesses of many accountability mechanisms, and the existing gap between justice initiatives and the victims and communities they aim to serve. Despite established laws and regulations designed to prevent and address serious human rights violations and international crimes, many states fall short in their adherence. Our team is committed to fighting for accountability of perpetrators of such crimes while prioritizing victim-centered, trauma-responsive, and gender-sensitive approaches. Through fact-finding missions, strategic litigation, strengthening of the capacity of FIDH member and partner organisations, and advocacy efforts, we continually strive to bridge the gap and enhance victims’ access to justice at national, regional, and international levels. Engaging with institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC), we stand with victims, advocating for their rights and their meaningful participation in accountability mechanisms.
Can you tell us about recent accomplishments you are proud of?
After nearly ten years of working with our Ukrainian and Russian member and partner organisations on documenting, advocating for meaningful justice, and transmitting joint submissions to the ICC on war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict and the full-scale invasion by Russia, we welcomed the international arrest warrants issued by the ICC against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for “illegal deportation” of Ukrainian children.
Additionally, we were happy to see that many recommendations we conveyed to the ICC to make its legal aid policy more adapted to victims and their legal representatives were included in the policy adopted at the last Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the ICC Statute of December 2023. Effective legal representation for victims is indeed a cornerstone of meaningful participation of victims in ICC proceedings. FIDH makes sure that the voices of survivors, who are active right-holders, and their counsel are heard. During a well-attended side-event we organised at the ASP in December 2023 in New York, we reminded, along with our member and partner organisations present, the need for the ICC to enhance its accessibility and responsiveness to victims’ needs, advocating throughout this important gathering of States for better communication and engagement strategies with civil society and affected communities.
What plans do you have for 2024?
In the framework of FIDH’s 2024-2030 strategy, international justice continues to be at the heart of FIDH’s priorities. In 2024, the International Justice Desk remains committed to FIDH’s core objectives of promoting accountability and making justice work for victims of serious human rights violations, including from forgotten situations that are not making the headlines. We plan to intensify our advocacy towards states for them to effectively prioritise justice for victims of serious human rights violations and implement meaningful formal and informal justice mechanisms in conflict-affected regions and beyond. We’ll continue to support victims to restore their rights to truth, justice, and reparations, to bring international justice situations to the attention of national, regional, and international justice mechanisms, and to enhance our capacity-building initiatives.
How are donations helping the desk?
Today, FIDH, like many human rights NGOs, sees its activities financed by donors on a “project” basis. Its day-to-day activities, particularly with its members, or any urgent action, sometimes fall outside the scope of projects financed by our donors. Donations such as that from Jus Mundi enable our desks to be flexible and responsive.
How can people help FIDH?
FIDH needs the support of all those who want to build a more equitable and fair world, a world where the rights of all are respected, whatever their faith, origin, political opinions, or gender. There are several ways individuals can support FIDH and the International Justice Desk’s mission:
- Make a donation: Financial contributions enable us to continue our work in promoting human rights and seeking justice for victims of abuse;
- Spread awareness: Share information about our campaigns, reports, and advocacy initiatives on social media and in your communities to raise awareness about human rights issues; and
- Advocate: Write to policymakers, government officials, and international institutions urging them to prioritize human rights and accountability, and take concrete actions to address impunity and uphold the rule of law.
