What could substantive ‘root and branch’ reform of the ICRIR look like? and would it be enough?
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), established under the Conservative Government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, has faced widespread criticism for its lack of independence, the weakness of its ‘review’ function, and failures to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Despite Labour’s manifesto commitment to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, since entering government they have stated that they plan to retain the ICRIR and have committed to reforms, with specific reference to its independence. Victims, survivors, and families remain deeply skeptical of this body, however, and support for it remains minimal. The Irish Government, who maintain an inter-State case to the European Court of Human Rights against the Legacy Act, including on the question of ICRIR independence, have called for substantive ‘root and branch’ reform of the ICRIR to ensure compliance with the ECHR and win public trust.
This paper examines what substantive root and branch reform of the ICRIR might look like and whether it would be sufficient to gain public confidence and ensure compatibility with the ECHR and other international human rights standards, including duties to combat impunity. This paper was informed and shaped following a workshop discussion with representatives of CAJ, the Pat Finucane Centre, Amnesty NI, Relatives for Justice and Rights and Security International.
To read the report, click here.
To view the appendix to the report, click here.