A legal appeal challenging the independence of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is set to have judgment delivered soon. The High Court previously ruled the commission was capable of conducting human rights-compliant investigations, sparking both victims and government appeals.
The Legacy Act, under which the ICRIR was established, has faced criticism for lacking teeth and independence. Despite this, the government plans to retain the commission, citing the High Court’s ruling on its independence.
The appeal also focuses on elements of the Legacy Act such as conditional immunity for perpetrators of Troubles crimes and the ban on civil cases related to the conflict. The judiciary also found the Act breached the UK and EU’s post-Brexit Windsor Framework, ensuring human rights entitlements in Northern Ireland are protected.
The case has been heard over five days in June, with victims like Martina Dillon leading the challenge. The outcome of the appeal will bring clarity on the future implications of the Legacy Act and its compliance with human rights standards.
Overall, the legal battle surrounding the ICRIR and the Legacy Act highlights the complexities of addressing Troubles-related crimes while upholding human rights standards in Northern Ireland.