Report Reveals State Impunity in Northern Ireland Conflict

"Bitter Legacy: State Impunity in the Northern Ireland Conflict," written by a panel of international human rights experts is launched in Belfast 29 April 2024. The report concludes that the British government operated a "widespread, systematic, and systemic" practice of impunity that protected security forces from sanction during the conflict in Northern Ireland.

The International Expert Panel on Impunity was convened by the Norwegian Center for Human Rights at the request of the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) and the Pat Finucane Centre (PFC). The panel of experts, consisting of academics, lawyers, human rights activists, and former police officers, conducted seven study visits, gathering testimonies, meeting families, lawyers, NGOs, and officials, and examining official documentary evidence.

Key findings of the report include the revelation that the British government not only engaged in collusion but also blocked proper police investigations into conflict-related killings to protect implicated security force members and agents. The report also highlights the impact of the upcoming Legacy Act, which the panel calls for its repeal, warning it will damage Britain's worldwide reputation.

The report documents much wider evidence of security force torture and ill-treatment than previously reported and dismisses state claims that only rogue security force personnel were involved in collusion. It also found that the Irish Government failed to carry out effective investigations, damaging victims' right to justice.

Report launch events across the UK and Ireland

The launch event in Belfast is only the first of three scheduled events, with subsequent events taking place in Dublin and London. The report can be downloaded to understand the panel's detailed analysis and the steps needed for justice and accountability to be achieved.

“This groundbreaking report serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice and accountability remains a vital aspect of healing the wounds of Northern Ireland's troubled past. The revelations and recommendations in this report will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping future discussions and actions surrounding the conflict's legacy.” Says Mr. Gisle Kvanvig Director of multilateral cooperation at International department, NCHR

Download the report here