Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - Press Releases - Initial Response to Consultative Group on the Past

06 July 2009

Duncan Morrow, CRC’s Chief Executive, says: ‘Northern Ireland is a deeply divided society and the conflict which we have come through has created much suffering and hurt which will not be quickly or easily overcome. The Community Relations Council believes that in order for society to move forward in building a shared, inclusive and peaceful society we must deal effectively with our past. We propose that peace building is properly recognised as a process which allows communities to work through and beyond the legacies of the past. This will involve investing time and resources in building relationships which acknowledge both differences and interdependence.’

Duncan Morrow, CRC’s Chief Executive, says:

‘Northern Ireland is a deeply divided society and the conflict which we have come through has created much suffering and hurt which will not be quickly or easily overcome. The Community Relations Council believes that in order for society to move forward in building a shared, inclusive and peaceful society we must deal effectively with our past. We propose that peace building is properly recognised as a process which allows communities to work through and beyond the legacies of the past. This will involve investing time and resources in building relationships which acknowledge both differences and interdependence.’

The Council’s response to the Eames Bradley Report includes 36 comments. The full response can be read here

These include:

In principle Council is supportive of the development of a ‘Legacy Commission’ but this body would have to be totally independent from any political interference.

The creation of a Legacy Commission should complement and not undermine current work being done by other organisations, including CRC.

The Council welcomes the emphasis in the Report on healing and reconciliation as a critical element of dealing with the past. However it remains seriously concerned about the potential for overlap and duplication in the current proposal, not least with the work of CRC.

The Council recommends the inclusion of statutory agencies and relevant Government Departments in the Reconciliation Forum to ensure sharing of knowledge.

The Council does not have a fixed view on the appropriateness of a Recognition Payment but acknowledges the spirit in which it was conceived. The needs of those facing real hardship should be addressed and enhanced individual support should be considered through mechanisms such as the Memorial Fund.

Regardless of the development of a Legacy Commission or a Reconciliation Forum the Commission for Victims and Survivors need to consider the long-term vision for individuals and groups and articulate this.

All sectors, organisations and individuals need to embark on a process of reflection during the legacy period. CRC recommend the setting up of themed community fora for public debate.

The work of the Historical Enquiries team and the Police Ombudsman must continue as vehicles to attaining truth & justice; it is important supporting mechanisms continue to bring closure.

The Council believes that processes and vehicles that seek to address injustice must adhere to Human Rights standards.

The Council believes that Community Memorials need to be debated within the context of ‘shared space’ and would like detailed guidance to be produced on this.

The Council supports Healing Through Remembering’s Private Day of Reflection and the process for making this a Public Day.

Specific proposals need to be developed in relation to the role of education in dealing with the legacy of the past. More thought should be given to how the school curriculum and youth provision could involve young people in story telling as part of Remembering.

The Council does not feel that the timeframe for the delivery of dealing with the past is realistic. This process will not be completed in a planned moment but will require continuing attention and sensitive handling over a longer period.

The Council wishes to see a proper debate on all the proposals in the report and not have it focussed narrowly on the issue of recognition payments.

For further information

Contact Ray Mullan

the Community Relations Council

tel 90-227500 or email info@nicrc.org.uk