Northern Ireland: UN human rights commissioner urges Troubles Bill rethink

In reaction to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s call on the UK government to reconsider its approach on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Deputy Director for Northern Ireland, said:

“This is a significant, timely and welcome call from the UN Human Rights chief which the UK government must not ignore.

“The Government must recognise and understand the scale of international concern about this bill, which betrays victims of the Troubles and also diminishes any claims by the Government that they stand for human rights. In light of this latest intervention, we call again for the UK government to pause the legislative process, drop the bill and meaningfully commit to a way forward which puts victims at its centre.”

Returning to Parliament

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is expected to return to the House of Lords next week on 24 January for committee stage.