Does NI Troubles Bill protect the human rights of victims, survivors and veterans?
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill would make major changes to how the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles is addressed in the UK.
Meeting details
The Bill would set up a reformed Legacy Commission to investigate Troubles-related deaths and serious injuries. It would also establish a new Independent Commission for Information Retrieval to be a repository for information about deaths during the Troubles.
The Government has stated that the Bill would introduce new protections for veterans who served in Northern Ireland taking part in investigations relating to the Troubles. This would include the right to seek anonymity and protection from repeated investigations. Veterans would be able to take part in investigatory proceedings remotely, have protection in old age and be safeguarded against cold calling or unexpected letters.
The Bill would also establish a Victims and Survivors Advisory Group to provide advice to the Legacy Commission and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on how the application of the new powers in the Bill is affecting the rights and interests of victims and survivors. The Group’s membership would comprise representatives of the different communities in Northern Ireland and could also include members of the armed forces and police force.
The session will explore the human rights implications of the Bill and consider if the legislation could be improved. This will include whether it provides adequate safeguards for those under investigation and adequate avenues of redress for victims and survivors. It will also explore if the reforms to the operations of the Legacy Commission will ensure effective and efficient investigations are able to take place.