On the 9th March 2021, the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill 2019-2021 enters its Committee Stage at the House of Lords. Today RSI advocates to ensure that the Bill is compliant with the 1998 Belfast Agreement.
The Belfast Agreement, often referred to as the Good Friday Agreement, requires incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) into Northern Irish law. This further requires "direct access to the courts, and remedies for breach[es]".
RSI asserts that the Overseas Operations Bill, in introducing limitations on criminal prosecutions and civil proceedings against serving officers and the Ministry of Defence, risks putting the UK in breach of its obligations under the Belfast Agreement, by restricting access to the courts for legitimate claims.
RSI nonetheless remains concerned about the overall impact of the Bill, in particular its restrictions on legitimate civil claimants - both military and civilians - who have become victims of human rights abuses or have suffered personal injury as a result of UK actions.
For further information, please see the below document.
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