Independent inspectors find that more needs to be done to ensure the independence, effectiveness, oversight and accountability of legacy investigations in Northern Ireland.
Today’s report1 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary highlights Rights Watch (UK)’s continuing concerns about legacy investigations in Northern Ireland. Those leading the Legacy Investigation Branch must respond to these concerns, and those responsible for setting up the Historical Investigations Unit must ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Yasmine Ahmed, Director states that:
“Independence, access to information and accountability are the foundations of effective human rights compliant legacy investigations. The failings in these important areas have not been adequately addressed, and have been exacerbated by the formation of the Legacy Investigations Branch. For too long the victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland and their families have been let down by an inadequate system that has not provided them with justice. We would therefore urge those currently working to set up the Historical Investigations Unit to read this report carefully, and to ensure that this new body does not suffer from the same failings and weaknesses as the existing system.”
ENDS
For further information contact info@rightsandsecurity.org
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