Legacy and Reconciliation: The Pursuit of Justice and Peace in Northern Ireland, a Post Conflict Society
Summary
The Government of the United Kingdom has introduced the controversial 'Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023', which purports to encourage reconcilliation in the region as it relates to the violent time period commonly referred to as 'The Troubles'. It seeks to cease criminal judicial proceedings, replacing these functions with an independent investigatory panel, who may offer immunity to perpetrators of violent crimes if they cooperate. The legislation has been opposed by victims and their families, international human rights organisations and political parties in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Irish Government filed an application to the European Court of Human rights, challenging the compatibility of the new act with established legal standards, with this thesis focusing especially on whether the United Kingdom has breached rights related to Article 2 of the Convention, regarding the Right to Life.