Publications

Submission to the Committee for Justice's Call for Evidence on the Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill

Summary of Recommendations

The NIHRC recommends that:

2.13 the Committee for Justice refers to the NIHRC’s previous advice on the Criminal Justice (Sentencing etc) Bill which should be read together with this advice, noting that the two legislative frameworks are directed at similar harms.

2.17 the Hate Crime Advocacy Service be established on a statutory footing. Specialised advocates to support victims with any or all protected characteristics, including those that might be included, should be available.

3.10  the impact of the amendments [relating to preventing persons charged with an offence involving aggravation by hostility from cross examining complainants, in person] if enacted are monitored closely. Thereafter, the data relating to the use of the power should be reported publicly.

4.16 the Committee for Justice seeks clarification from the Department of Justice on arrangements for the appointment and funding of legal representatives in proceedings related to Clause 26. In addition, the Committee should explore with the Department how the effectiveness of the procedures will be monitored and whether the views of victims will be sought to determine if the procedure is meeting its stated objectives.

4.17 the Committee for Justice seeks clarity from the Department of Justice regarding how it intends to ensure that all complainants are made aware of their ability to avail of the provisions under Clause 26 of the Bill once it is enacted.