House of Commons Papers : Interim Report: Victims and Survivors: Tenth Report of Session 2004-05

This is an interim report offering preliminary observations and comments on the subject of reconciliation within the communities of Northern Ireland. The Committee commends the efforts of many individuals and organisations with ongoing inter-community projects, which need the continuing encouragement of both civil society and Government. Another consideration is the definition of what it is to be a "victim" and how reconciliation can be effective, where the threat of sectarian violence still exists, but the Committee believes that the "Healing Through Remembering" initiative offers a possible road towards a more peaceful society. The Committee also feels that it is not time for a formal and official process of "truth recovery", which would need a broad consensus across the different communities of Northern Ireland to be a success, though an option for such a process should be kept under review. The Committee also supports the Government on the consultation procedure for the Victims' and Survivors' Commissioner, but believes the measures could be taken further, offering a positive opportunity, where an acknowledgement of the experiences of the victims can be a platform for rebuilding Northern Ireland society.