This kind of amendment to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill would be incompatible with the UK’s worldwide human rights obligations , which calls for accountability, Mr. Türk explained.
‘Conditional immunity’
But this individual warned against plans to give conditional immunity from investigation and prosecution to those charged of serious human rights violations and other international criminal offenses, other than sexual offences. In an appeal for the legal rights of victims, survivors and their families to be respected, benefit Commissioner ( OHCHR ) insisted that their search for justice and reparations had been “essential for reconciliation ”. “Concerns remain that this Bill would obstruct the particular rights of victims, survivors and their families to efficient judicial remedy and reparations, including by prohibiting most criminal prosecutions and civil actions for Troubles-related accidents, ” he added.
Justice essential
The OHCHR chief urged the UK to “ reconsider its approach and engage in further meaningful and inclusive consultations on how best to advance the human rights-centred way to tackle the legacy of the Troubles”. The particular Bill is set for further evaluation at the House of Lords committee stage on 24 and 31 January. The draft Bill risked obstructing these rights, he said, furthermore noting that the text experienced only been made public 1 week before it was because of be examined in the Top House of Parliament, the home of Lords.
Obstruction danger
“This gives the public and relevant stakeholders, including victims and survivors, insufficient time for you to scrutinize the amendments and participate meaningfully in this hugely significant legislative process, ” the High Office said. The High Office for Human Rights acknowledged on Thurs that addressing the violent legacy of intercommunal relationships in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s has been “ hugely complicated and sensitive ”. There are also problems about whether the Independent Commission payment for Reconciliation and Details Recovery, which the Bill might establish, would be able to function independently and undertake human rights-compliant reviews and investigations.
