Two
victims arrive at Stormont for the launch of the Victims' Commission
Report, 13 May 1998
The
Good Friday Agreement recognises that if the process of reconciliation is to
succeed then it is essential to acknowledge and address the suffering of
the victims of violence. Under the Agreement the governments are committed
to "the allocation of sufficient resources, including statutory funding
as necessary, to meet the needs of victims and to provide for community-based
support programmes" which are "supportive and sensitive"
to their needs. They recognise that young people in areas affected by the
Troubles will have particular difficulties and therefore agree to "support
the development of special community-based initiatives based on international
best practice."
The
Agreement also recognises the invaluable work being done by many organisations
to foster "reconciliation and mutual understanding and respect between
and within communities and traditions" and pledges to "positively
examine the case for enhanced financial assistance" for this work.
In this regard the two governments and the political parties state in the
Agreement that they look forward to the results of the work of the Northern
Ireland Victims Commission whose remit includes victims of paramilitary
and state violence.
