In July of 2021, the UK government released a sweeping Command Paper that would establish a “red line” that would effectively prevent any further investigations of legacy cases arising from the Troubles. This initiative would basically nullify the hard-won compromise of the New Decade, New Approach (NDNA) and prevent over 1,700 civil cases from proceeding. Human rights leaders viewed this proposal as a template for future authoritarian regimes around the world; a “get out of jail card” for dictatorships and regimes unwilling to uphold basic human rights. The proposal was rejected by all the political parties in Northern Ireland and all the major victims groups as well.
In response, the Ad Hoc Committee met with the Victims and Survivors Commission in Northern Ireland and sent a letter to Prime Minister Johnson announcing our opposition. In the months that followed the Ad Hoc Committee met with the U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya, Assistant Secretary Karen Donfried and in December we held an in-person meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis.
The Ad Hoc Committee is fortunate to have several members of the Committee who have a long-established record of working on human rights issues in Northern Ireland, led by Professor Martin Flaherty at Fordham University.
Below are items related to this issue.
Statement on the Sean Brown Case
The British government has once again sought to delay and deter justice in its recent decision to appeal the Sean Brown case. This unfortunately is a well-worn path that has been used time and time again to cover-up British state collusion in the case of a tragic, sectarian murder.
Keep readingLetter to NSC Director Amanda Sloat
Urging the Administration to promptly and publicly oppose passage of the so-called “Legacy and Reconciliation Act” by the UK Parliament. Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement June 12, 2023 Ms. Amanda SloatSpecial Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Europe National Security Council The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Director Sloat: We…
Keep readingLetter to Secretary Blinken
Writing to express our urgent and unequivocal opposition to the United Kingdom’s so-called “Legacy and Reconciliation” Bill pending before Parliament. In our view, the proposed legislation violates both the Good Friday Agreement and international law, and undermines the Northern Ireland peace process that the U.S. government has played a critical role in fostering for two decades. Ad Hoc…
Keep readingLetter to Assistant Secretary Donfried
Seeking a meeting to discuss the Administration’s overall policy regarding the Agreement and the ongoing economic and political instability in Northern Ireland.
Keep readingIrishCentral.com: Irish American political leaders double down on support for Northern Ireland peace
IrishCentral.com reported on the Ad Hoc Committee’s meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis in Washington DC.
Keep readingRTE.ie: US group has ‘cordial and candid’ talks with NI Secretary
RTE has reported on the Ad Hoc Committee’s meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis in Washington.
Keep readingBBC.com: US group writes to PM over Troubles legacy plan
The BBC has covered the Ad Hoc Committee’s letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the proposals to prevent further investigation of cases related to the Troubles.
Keep readingStatement on the UK Amnesty Proposal
“We urge the Prime Minister to withdraw the current proposal, to remain true to the commitments and spirit reflected in the GFA and to build on the compromises reached in the Stormont House Agreement and NDNA.”
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AdHocGFA.org 