Two independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday expressed serious concern over a United Kingdom plan to end prosecutions for grave violations committed during the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland, long known as “the Troubles”.
The move was announced by Brandon Lewis, UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in July, and would ban all conflict-related prosecutions through the introduction of a statute of limitations to apply equally to all Troubles-related incidents.
This “would effectively institute a de-facto amnesty and blanket impunity for the grave human rights violations committed during that period,” according to the experts.
Flagrant violation
“We express grave concern that the plan outlined in July’s statement forecloses the pursuit of justice and accountability for the serious human rights violations committed during the troubles, and thwarts victims’ rights to truth and to an effective remedy for the harm suffered, placing the United Kingdom in flagrant violation of its international obligations,” they said in a statement.
The experts recalled that in presenting the plan, Mr. Lewis justified the measures by stating criminal justice can impede truth, information recovery and reconciliation.
They were concerned that this justification “conflates reconciliation with impunity”, noting that criminal justice is an essential pillar of transitional justice processes.
“The essential components of a transitional justice approach – truth, justice, reparation, memorialization and guarantees of non-recurrence – cannot be traded off against one another in a ‘pick and choose’ exercise,” they stressed.
Oral history initiative
More than 3,500 people were killed, and another 40,000 injured, during the Troubles, which began in the late 1960s.
Fighting between British forces and the self-styled Irish Republican Army (IRA), and between other paramilitary groups across the Catholic-Protestant sectarian divide in Northern Ireland, ended, for the most part, with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998.
The UK Government proposal foresees the establishment of a new independent body where people will be able to receive information about their loved ones who died or were injured in the conflict. It also calls for adoption of an oral history initiative.
The full truth
“The proposed plan does not seem to include measures for establishing the full extent of the truth about the human rights violations perpetrated during the Troubles and about the circumstances, reasons and responsibilities that led to them,” said the experts.
They added that the proposal also does not seem to ensure that this truth is accessible to all victims, and to society as a whole, with due consideration of the needs and safety of victims and with their full consent.
They further noted the insufficient clarification surrounding the proposed statements of acknowledgement by the various actors in the Troubles, and how this would comply with international standards regarding the provision of public apologies.
Independent voices
The two experts who issued the statement are Fabián Salvioli, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence, and Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
They were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council and are neither UN staff, nor are they paid by the Organization.
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As a human rights advocate, I strongly oppose the UK plan to end prosecutions for grave violations committed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. It is crucial to uphold justice and accountability for the victims, and this proposed statute of limitations would only serve to sweep these crimes under the rug, denying victims their rights to truth and remedy. The UK must honor its international obligations and prioritize the pursuit of justice over sweeping these atrocities under the carpet.
As a human rights advocate, I strongly oppose the UK’s plan to end prosecutions for grave violations committed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This move is a blatant attempt to sweep important issues under the rug and deny justice to the victims of past atrocities. The government must prioritize accountability and ensure that those responsible are held to account for their actions.
Does this mean that the UK government is prioritizing peace over justice in dealing with the historical atrocities committed during the Troubles in Northern Ireland?
Indeed, it appears that the UK government is prioritizing peace over justice in handling the historical atrocities from the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This decision could potentially hinder the pursuit of accountability for grave human rights violations, raising concerns about upholding international obligations.
As a human rights advocate, I find the UK’s plan deeply concerning. Granting amnesty and impunity for grave violations undermines justice and accountability for victims. It is crucial to uphold international obligations and ensure truth and effective remedies for those affected.
Does this mean that perpetrators of grave violations during the Troubles will never be held accountable for their actions?
Perpetrators of grave violations during the Troubles appear to evade accountability under the UK’s proposed plan, raising serious concerns about justice and victims’ rights.
As a long-time follower of human rights issues, I am deeply troubled by the UK’s plan to end prosecutions for grave violations during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. This decision effectively grants amnesty and immunity for past atrocities, denying victims the justice they deserve. It is a blatant disregard for human rights and international obligations.
Does the UK government truly believe that ending prosecutions for grave violations from the Troubles will promote truth and reconciliation in Northern Ireland?
Ending prosecutions for grave violations from the Troubles could hinder the pursuit of justice and impede accountability, denying victims their rights to truth and effective remedy. Such actions risk perpetuating impunity and violating international obligations.
As an advocate for human rights, I strongly believe that justice should not be compromised for the sake of peace. The UK’s plan to end prosecutions for grave violations in Northern Ireland sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the pursuit of truth and accountability for victims.
Do you think the UK’s plan to end prosecutions for grave violations during the Troubles is a step towards reconciliation or a setback for justice and accountability?
I believe the UK’s plan to end prosecutions for grave violations during the Troubles is a significant setback for justice and accountability. Denying victims the right to seek justice for the atrocities committed during that period only perpetuates a culture of impunity and hinders true reconciliation.