ICRIR: legacy body's pledge to follow European Convention of Human Rights

By Mark Rainey
Published 14th Dec 2023, 17:55 BST
ICRIR chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan. Photo: David Young/PA WireICRIR chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan. Photo: David Young/PA Wire
ICRIR chief commissioner Sir Declan Morgan. Photo: David Young/PA Wire
The new information recovery body set up help ‘draw a line’ under the Troubles will adhere to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), its chief commissioner has said.

At the first board meeting of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), Sir Declan Morgan also stressed the need to “put the traumas experienced by victims and family members at the forefront of the Commission’s work”.

When the formation of the new body was announced, the UK Government said it is “being set up to provide information to families, victims and survivors of Troubles-related deaths and serious injury, and to work towards reconciliation for all parties”.

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At Thursday’s board meeting, the commission said that in addition to following the ECHR, it will “respect for the principles of the 1998 Belfast Good Friday Agreement,” and “focus on providing useful information to those affected by the Troubles”.

It was reported in the national media last week that several Conservative MPs are making a renewed push for the UK to leave the ECHR – particularly as such a move would allow for a much harsher crackdown on illegal immigration.

Sir Declan said: “We have a duty to find answers to the many unanswered questions that so many people have about the troubles and to gain their trust. And we must undertake this recognising the importance of a trauma-informed approach.”

He added: “To this end it is essential that the Commission develops an approach that meets the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights.”