The High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged on Thursday that addressing the violent legacy of inter-community relations in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s was “extremely complex and sensitive“.
‘Conditional immunity’
However, he warned against plans for conditional investigation and prosecution immunity for people accused of serious human rights abuses and other international crimes, in addition to sex crimes.
Such an amendment to Northern Ireland’s Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill would be incompatible with the UK’s international human rights obligationsthis requires accountability, explains Mr. Türk.
There are also concerns about whether the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Recovery of Information, which the Bill would establish, will be able to act independently and conduct human rights compliance investigations and assessments. .
Essential Justice
In an appeal for the rights of victims, survivors and their families to be respected, High Commissioner (OHCHR) emphasizes that Their search for justice and redress is “essential to reconciliation“.
The draft Bill risks obstructing these rights, he said, noting that the text was only published a week before it was examined in the upper house of Congress, the House of Representatives.
“This gives the public and stakeholders, including victims and survivors, not enough time to scrutinize amendments and meaningfully participate in this critically important legislative process,” said the High Commissioner.
risk of clogging
“There are still concerns that the Bill would impede the rights of victims, survivors and their families to effective judicial remedies and redress, including ban most criminal prosecutions and civil actions for Trouble-related offenses, he added.
The bill is set for further consideration at the House of Lords committee stage on January 24 and 31.
The head of OHCHR called on the UK to “reconsider its approach and engage in more meaningful and comprehensive consultations about how best to promote a human rights-focused way to address the legacy of the Troubles.”
