RSI submits evidence to JCHR on Northern Ireland legacy legislation
21st June 2022
Today, RSI submitted its evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights outlining its concerns with the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.
In summary, RSI argues that the planned legislation:
- Will likely violate the procedural obligations under Articles 2 and 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which require effective investigations into potentially unlawful deaths, torture, and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The proposed Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) will lack sufficient scrutiny powers, and requires family members to instigate investigations that otherwise may not occur.
- Will also likely violate Article 8 of the ECHR, which protects the right to private and family life. RSI believes that the Bill may authorise the collection of biometric and other personal data unnecessarily, and for a vague and possibly indefinite period.
- May violate the Article 6 right to a fair trial, which also requires access to a court. RSI believes that the government has misinterpreted the law in seeking to justify the cessation of civil and criminal justice processes.