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Governments should explore talks with paramilitary groups, report recommends
Overview
A new report commissioned by the British and Irish governments recommends exploring direct engagement with paramilitary groups to achieve their disbandment, provided strict conditions are met, including no financial rewards. Report author Fleur Ravensbergen conducted a year-long scoping exercise meeting stakeholders, including illegal loyalist and republican groups. Both governments have stated they will carefully consider the recommendations.
Key points
- A report by conflict resolution expert Fleur Ravensbergen advises the British and Irish governments to explore direct engagement with paramilitary groups.
- The report recommends setting up an independent, time-bound transition mechanism without delay.
- Conditions for engagement include no financial rewards, credible monitoring, and robust law enforcement.
- The author noted that none of the paramilitary groups engaged with requested direct financial payments or early prison release.
- Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant and Irish Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan both stated they will carefully consider the findings.
- Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the report but noted that groups causing harm could choose to disband immediately if they were serious.