From Bloody Sunday to Springhill and Creeslough: lessons in truth recovery, accountability and justice
Sixteen years after the British Government's historic apology for Bloody Sunday, Professor Phil Scraton will be the keynote speaker at an event to mark the anniversary of the publication of the Saville Report
The event will reflect on the significance of truth recovery processes and their continuing relevance today.
Prof. Scraton is internationally renowned for his work on state accountability, human rights, and the pursuit of truth and justice for victims and families. Paul McFadden will chair the discussions on Tuesday, June 30, from 7pm to 9pm in The Rainbow Project.
Focusing on the theme of Independent Truth Panels, Prof. Scraton will explore the role of independent investigations and truth recovery mechanisms in challenging official narratives, securing acknowledgement for victims and survivors, and contributing to wider processes of justice and reconciliation.
He will be joined by members of the Springhill/Westrock families and the Creeslough community. Their participation highlights the continuing importance of independent processes that place victims, families and communities at the centre of the search for truth and accountability.
The recent public apology to the Springhill/Westrock families, following inquest findings which established the innocence of those killed and the unjustified use of force by British soldiers, underlines the continuing need for properly independent truth recovery mechanisms and the help they offer for communities seeking truth, justice and healing.
Hosted by the Bloody Sunday Trust, this event marks the 16th anniversary of the release of the report of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, while creating space for discussion on how lessons from Bloody Sunday continue to inform struggles for truth, accountability and reconciliation.