cancel EditEdit Recent news News: CAMPAIGN FOR RECOGNITION (for those injured or bereaved in the troubles of Northern Ireland) Background The ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland claimed the lives of around 3,700 people with many thousands of people injured, the exact number of those injured is unknown as little research has been carried out in this regard. To date some work has been done to meet the needs of those that suffer and this is to be welcomed. That said, there have been gaps which has left some victims and survivors being better looked after than others. The Campaign for Recognition believes this to be unfair and seeks to have the situation rectified by actively campaigning for recognition for all victims and survivors of the ‘Troubles’. The Campaign for Recognition is the initiative of the Injured Group that meets at the WAVE Trauma Centre in Belfast, but those supporting the campaign come from all over Northern Ireland and is not limited to those that attend WAVE. Principles The 2 principles underpinned in the Campaign for Recognition are, 1. The process must be inclusive, equal recognition for those that suffered injury and those bereaved through the ‘Troubles’. 2. Future Recognition Payments or benefits in kind must be linked to need. The campaign is non political and therefore takes no formal position on the question of ‘definition of a victim’. The Campaign for Recognition recognises that this may well be an issue when determining future Recognition Payments or benefits in kind, but takes the view that this is a matter for politicians to address. Campaigning Demands The Campaign for Recognition seeks redress for victims and survivors of the Northern Irish ‘Troubles’. This redress must be financial in part and practical in terms of support services that can be put in place to help improve the quality of life for all those affected. The following demands should be considered; • Comprehensive Needs Assessment – this should be carried out with immediate effect. The campaign believes there has been too much dithering on this issue and takes the view that the Comprehensive Needs Assessment is pivotal to the provision of Recognition Payments or benefits in kind. Once this process is complete the following suggestions should be taken on board. • Recognition Payments / Benefits in Kind – Lump Sums, Troubles Pensions and other benefits in kind, such as non payment of rates, television licences and tuition fees should be considered. These benefits should be ring fenced and not offset against other benefits. • Interim Payment – Special provision must be made for people aged 65 and over, also for those with terminal injury, in relation to pensions and benefits in kind. Many people cannot wait for the Campaign for Recognition to be complete before accessing this help. • Free access to health care, including psychotherapy, medication, pain relief, limb fitting, etc for all Victims and Survivors. The Campaign for Recognition takes the view that victims and survivors bore the brunt of the violence during the ‘Troubles’ and therefore should be well looked after in the new society that is emerging. This also applies to their immediate families and those that took on a caring role. Obviously some thought will have to be given to time periods, but it would be the thinking of the Campaign for Recognition that these benefits