Victims and Survivors Commissioner overdue

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Jul 2005

Alliance Victims Spokesperson, Eileen Bell MLA, has expressed her hope for the establishment of a Northern Ireland Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, as outlined in a consultation document published by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

In submitting the Alliance Party's response to the OFMDFM consultation, Mrs Bell said:

"The Alliance Party has for some time supported the appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

"Our support for such a commissioner came after our consultation with victims' groups and individuals, who have felt that there is a need for a specific focus on this issue.

Alliance states that the Commissioner should be independent of both Government and any other statutory authority, yet appointed after consultation with victims and survivors themselves. The Commissioner's office must also be adequately furnished, to be fully able to deal with the many needs of victims and survivors.

Mrs Bell continued, "As someone who initiated the proposal and subsequent appointment for the Commissioner for Children and Young People, the appointment of a Commissioner for Victims and Survivors should be similar, as regards independence and authority, and should have the ability to undertake, commission, or provide financial support for research into all matters relating to victims and survivors."

The full response can be read at: http://www.allianceparty.org/showconsultation.asp?id=35

ENDS