Greater focus needs to be put on building confidence in processes being established by the Government’s new legislation to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles, Joe McVey, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors has said.
MPs will begin a debate on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill this week.
Members of the Victims and Survivors Forum in Northern Ireland will be at Westminster on Monday.
The Bill was first introduced to Parliament last year following agreement on a joint framework with the Irish government.
Last week, the Government proposed 156 amendments to the Bill.
Amendments put forward include one giving the UK Attorney General the final say on whether Troubles-related prosecutions should go ahead.
The UK Government said there was “precedent” for the approach, including on national security matters.
The Northern Ireland Office said it would reduce the chances of “rinse and repeat” duplicate investigations.
The Bill overhauls the previous Conservative government’s Legacy Act, which aimed to draw a line under the conflict and legal cases which have followed.
Sir Chris Bryant, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said the legislation is needed to allow families who lost loved ones in the Troubles to get answers.
Mr McVey said: “Victims and survivors have waited a long time for meaningful progress in addressing the past.
“Independence and impartiality are essential to building confidence in the processes being established, and people need to know that their different experiences and needs will be recognised.
“Behind every investigation, inquest or information recovery process are people and families whose lives have been changed by the Troubles/conflict.
“Their voices and experiences must remain central to the decisions being made.”
The commissioner said the forum members attending Monday’s debate represent “different backgrounds and lived experiences”, including some who lost loved ones or were injured during the Troubles.
He added: “These decisions are about people, not just processes.
“What Parliament decides will have a real impact on victims and survivors and their families, potentially for generations to come.
That is why we are at Westminster today.
“We want parliamentarians to hear directly from victims and survivors, understand their different experiences and consider what the legislation will mean for them.
“The Bill still has further parliamentary stages ahead, and if the provisions within it are to help victims and their families, we need to ensure that it delivers for those seeking answers, acknowledgement, accountability or information. Victims and survivors must remain at the heart of those debates and amendments.”
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