Time is of the essence for the ageing victims and survivors of mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland awaiting answers in a public inquiry.
More than 12,000 women and girls entered the institutions run by churches and the State until the 1990s, where many suffered human rights abuse, degrading treatment and the forced separation of families.
Chairwoman appointment welcomed
Campaigners have welcomed this week’s appointment of Rachel Langdale KC as chairwoman of the Truth Recovery Public Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses, as an important step.
However a warning has been sounded that time may be running out for many of the victims and survivors awaiting answers for decades and who are now in their senior years.
Campaigner calls for proper investigation
Adele Johnstone of Birth Mothers and their Children Together said time is of the essence for a “proper investigation”.
Recognising Ms Langdale’s extensive experience of complex public inquiries, Ms Johnstone said they hoped her appointment would “herald a genuinely independent, rigorous and survivor-centred inquiry in which victims and survivors are listened to, treated with dignity and given a meaningful voice throughout the process”.
“The appointment of the chair is, however, only the beginning. We are still waiting on the secondary legislation to allow this to proceed. This is causing further delay,” she said.
“We victims and survivors have campaigned far too long and are an ageing group.
“Time is of the essence for a process capable of properly investigating what happened to them, identifying responsibility and providing answers to the many questions that remain unresolved.”
Solicitor stresses independence and resources
Solicitor Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, a long-term representative of the victims and survivor groups, said it was essential that the probe fully examines the institutions, individuals, agencies and systems.
“We now look forward to engaging constructively with the chair and the Executive on the development of the terms of reference and inquiry rules,” she said.
“Survivors must be at the heart of that process.
“The success and credibility of this inquiry will ultimately depend upon its independence, its terms of reference, the powers and resources available to it, and the extent to which victims and survivors are meaningfully involved in shaping its work.
“It is essential that the inquiry follows the evidence wherever it leads and examines fully the institutions, individuals, agencies and systems involved in the treatment of women and children over the period within its remit.
“It must also confront the difficult questions of institutional and individual responsibility and ensure that evidence is not lost, overlooked or unnecessarily delayed.”
She added: “For many survivors, this is not simply a historical inquiry.
“These are deeply personal experiences which have affected their lives and those of their families for generations.
“The process must therefore be conducted with sensitivity, transparency and an understanding of the particular needs of survivors.
“The victims and survivors we represent have shown extraordinary persistence in seeking truth and justice.”
