Sinn Féin seeks closure for victims of the Troubles

SINN FÉIN yesterday set up a point of contact for victims’ organisations, as party leader Gerry Adams launched a document entitled ‘Truth’ aimed at encouraging debate on how society could address past events during the Troubles.

The party has appointed North Antrim councillor Philip McGuigan to be its main victims’ contact.

The six-page document identifies countries which have at one time set up commissions to deal with the past, including South Africa, Haiti, Ecuador, Chile, Germany, El Salvador, Bosnia, Chad, Uganda, Argentine and Sri Lanka. However it argues there is “inconclusive evidence” that the truth commissions such as those set up in South Africa or Guatemala have been successful in what they set out to achieve.

The document suggests that in addressing the conflict, there should be a number of general principles and values underpinning that process. It identifies these as:

lThe need for any process to be “victim-centred”, acknowledging the pain of those who have lost loved ones and their right to contribute to changes in society.

lFull co-operation and disclosure by everyone involved in the conflict in any truth process.

lThere should be no attempt to place greater emphasis or a greater sense of worth on some victims over others.

lPolitical neutrality in any process.

lAny panel or commission established should be independent and recruited internationally.

lA focus on the need to heal society as well as victims.

lConsideration to be given to South Africa’s claims that the purpose of any truth commission is to examine the cause, nature and extent of the conflict.

lThe need to ensure all processes are fuelled by a desire to learn from the mistakes of the past.

lA focus not just on combatant groups but also the involvement of the media, judiciary, state institutions, civic society in the Troubles.

lProcesses should not set out to humiliate any sides, but should treat everyone with humility and generosity.

lThe organisers should make it their aim to ensure the process helps society to “build the peace”.

Mr Adams said: “Sinn Féin accept that there are genuine fears and doubts around the whole issue of truth and truth recovery processes. However, it is clear that many victims and survivors of the conflict believe that some formal collective examination of the past is necessary for them to find closure.

“This document will be distributed to the two governments, other political parties, campaigning groups, non-governmental organisations and the community and voluntary sector. We are mindful of the many difficulties a truth recovery process will hold for all sections of our society as we attempt to move from conflict.”

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble called for the truth about republican violence during the Troubles to be told.

“Unionists note that Sinn Féin and other republicans have been to the fore in pushing for inquiries such as Saville, Stephens and others but now the time has arrived for the innocents to obtain justice,” Mr Trimble said. “This can only be achieved by paramilitaries revealing everything they did over the past three decades of our Troubles.

“There must be a meaningful apology for the terrible evil inflicted on all of us, so we can look to the future with a real hope of peace and continue to work towards making our society a better place for future generations.”