Publications

Relocation following paramilitary intimidation

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) welcomes the inquiry being conducted by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee into the practice of paramilitary organisations intimidating residents into relocating within, or leaving, Northern Ireland.

Since it was established in March 1999 the NIHRC has not been approached by anyone claiming to be a recent victim of this kind of intimidation. We have, however, been approached by a small number of individuals who have complained to us that they were forced to leave their homes many years ago because of paramilitary threats. They have asked us about the chances of getting enhanced compensation for the disruption and fear they suffered at the time. We have advised them as best we can, although in every instance we have had to conclude that the chances of mounting a successful legal challenge to the amount of compensation paid, given the lapse of time since the incident, are very small.

The NIHRC wishes to place on record its abhorrence of intimidation.

relocation-following-paramilitary-intimidation-january-2001.pdf