When 2020 started, who would have thought it was going to be such a strange year. Covid-19 has dominated our lives and also the news over the past 10 months or so.
It certainly has made us think about how we do business and how we interact with each other and particularly our loved ones.
However, while we have to deal with the immediacy of the pandemic, for many of the victims we represent, and their families, their lives have been very different for some time. Losing a loved one or suffering from mental and physical injuries through no fault of their own is an everyday issue for them and has been, for some, for many years.
Throughout 2020 the issues that have faced Ulster Human Rights Watch and those they represent have included dealing with individual cases, writing narratives, addressing legacy of the past proposals, supporting the Victims’ Pension Scheme and calling for a public inquiry into the La Mon House atrocity.
July this year saw our campaign in the News Letter share the stories of some victims, highlighting the never-ending effect of the past on their day-to-day lives. It did not make for easy listening and viewing.
As the Christmas break approaches, we wish to thank you all for your contribution, support, help and encouragement over the past year and assure you of our continued support for victims of terrorism in the coming 12 months.
Let’s hope that the much-delayed Victims’ Pension Scheme will finally be implemented in 2021 and that life will be eased somewhat for those who receive it.
We wish you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2021.
From all at Ulster Human Rights Watch