ICRIR commits to Human Rights convention 

At its first full Board meeting earlier today, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) resolved that all of its work must follow the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR).

In addition to following its principal objective to promote reconciliation, [the Board agreed three essential principles to the Commission’s approach:

• Compliance with the ECHR;
• Respect for the principles of the 1998 Belfast Good Friday Agreement; and
• Focus on providing useful information to those affected by the Troubles.

The Board considered the paper about required elements of Article 2 compliant investigations that was published last month, which endorsed the need for these elements to be developed further and embedded in its information recovery processes.

Chairing his first Board meeting as ICRIR Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan stressed the need to put the traumas experienced by victims and family members at the forefront of the Commission’s work. 

Sir Declan Morgan said: 

“This is an important step in beginning the work of ICRIR and ensuring that we are able to deliver for victims and their families. 

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

It also began the next phase of work to establish the Commission so that it is able to investigate cases from the summer of next year. Central to this approach was ongoing engagement with all who wanted to input to the Commission’s design. 

Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan said: 

“As an independent body it is important that we are open about how we will be working and that we give people the chance to share their views with us. We must put a trauma informed approach at the heart of our work.”

The Commission will begin hiring for roles to support victims, investigators, legal advisers and other key staff. The Board will also begin the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer to sit as a Commissioner and lead the organisation’s people, resourcing and strategy.