The conference aimed to encourage an informed discussion around how tangible measures could be used to improve the quality of life for victims and survivors of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. The keynote speech was delivered by Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade, a Brazilian judge at the International Court of Justice, former President and judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and a professor of international law.
The conference was jointly organised by the School of Law, Human Rights Centre, and Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice (Queen's University Belfast); Transitional Justice Institute (Ulster University); Commission for Victims and Survivors; and Healing Through Remembering.
The School of Law, Human Rights Centre and Institute for the Study of Conflict Transformation and Social Justice from Queen’s University Belfast partnered with the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster University, Commission for Victims and Survivors and Healing through Remembering to host a conference on 3rd October 2014 in the Great Hall, Queens University. Belfast.
The conference aimed to encourage an informed discussion around remedying the past. Given the limitations in criminal trials and truth processes, reparations can offer tangible measures to improve the quality of life and dignity of victims and survivors. In light of the fallout around the ‘recognition payment’ in the Consultative Group of the Past’s report, reparations have been a neglected issue in dealing with the past. This conference drew upon the experience of Judge Cançado Trindade, academics and local practitioners to evaluate how the past can be more effectively remedied in Northern Ireland and how other countries have used reparations as more victim-centred means to address the past.
The keynote speech was delivered by Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade, a Brazilian judge at the International Court of Justice, former President and judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and a professor of international law. During his time at the Inter-American Court, Judge Cançado Trindade was involved in deciding numerous cases on gross human rights violations committed by state and non-state actors, such as disappearances, torture, and state collusion.
Through this case law, Judge Cançado Trindade played a key role in developing the Court’s extensive reparation regime, as well as tackling issues of amnesties and prosecution of historical crimes. At the International Court of Justice, he continues to contribute to the development of international norms on remedying gross violations of human rights.
Subsequent conference panels brought together academics and local practitioners to discuss appropriate remedies in dealing with the past in Northern Ireland. A workshop in the morning session allowed conference participants to share their thoughts and views on remedies. This discussion informed the debate after lunch, where conference attendees were able to engage in a conversation with academics on the experiences of remedies in other situations and their applicability to Northern Ireland.
The conference was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
Introduction - Oliver Wilkinson (Healing through Remembering) and Dr Luke Moffett
Dr Luke Moffett Presentation
Keynote address - Judge Cançado Trindade (International Court of Justice)
Panel one – The Northern Ireland Perspective
Panel one – Questions
Address by Stephen White former ACC RUC/PSNI.
Closing Session – Final thoughts and what to do next - Professor Brandon Hamber and Dr Luke Moffett.
The Commission for Victims and Survivors Conference Report
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