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Abstract

This article considers the role of human rights in the Northern Ireland peace process and warns against the consequences of omitting human rights from that process or allowing them to be used as bargaining counters. It argues that human rights violations, the imposition of emergency laws, and institutionalised discrimination against Catholics have fuelled and prolonged the conflict over the past twenty five years. The potential constitutional outcomes of the peace process are reviewed and the central role of human rights in procuring a peaceful and lasting settlement is discussed, with particular reference to certain key issues: an amnesty for prisoners; policing; criminal justice; righting past wrongs; democratic rights; and discrimination. Finally, progress in terms of human rights issues is assessed and the need to restore and entrench human rights throughout Northern Ireland, Britain and the Republic of Ireland is affirmed.

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Human Rights and the Peace Process in Northern Ireland

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