Advocacy Services

Ulster Human Rights Watch

The campaign of terrorism in Northern Ireland, across the rest of the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland for over forty years resulted in many civilians, members of the security forces, of parliament and of the judiciary being murdered or seriously injured.

In numerous instances information released to victims and survivors has been minimal and/or those responsible have never been identified, arrested or prosecuted.

Investigations have not been closed and could be progressed depending on whether new elements are found. For the purpose of making new information available and reviewing investigations of historical cases, a variety of mechanisms exist.

We can help you unlock the door to access official mechanisms and information held by statutory organisations and agencies, to reopen your case and push your quest forward.

The Advocacy Service is delivered by UHRW in order to provide assistance to families who have unresolved historical cases and wish to obtain information or request further investigation.

To that end UHRW undertakes to:

Meet the family to discuss their case;
Examine the case and ascertain options available;
Take all necessary steps to obtain information and/or advance the investigation;
Update the family with progress;
Evaluate/monitor the work carried out.

Who We Can Access For You

The following opportunities exist that our professional free Advocacy Service can work through for you.

The Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB)

The LIB is directly answerable to the Chief Constable. It is responsible for reviewing cases between 1 January 1969 and 1 March 2004, where credible evidence exists to further their investigation. The LIB engages with families and cooperates with other statutory bodies.

The Police Ombudsman’s Historical Investigations Directorate (PONI)

The Directorate considers issues in which RUC members may have been responsible for deaths or serious criminality between 1968 and 1998. It also receives complaints of a grave and exceptional nature from members of the public about police conduct during this period, including conspiracy and incitement to murder.

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland (AGNI)

The Attorney General for Northern Ireland has the power to direct new inquests into deaths which occurred during the terrorist campaign. On the basis of what is submitted to him he may consider new inquests advisable.

The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI)

PRONI holds most of the inquest records of people who died during the terrorist campaign as well as court cases records that may be requested by relatives.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has the power to establish new processes to ensure that the truth is revealed concerning historical cases, such as independent reviews by legal experts.

National Archives

Documentation relating to historic cases can be held by the National Archives in Kew and the National Archives of Ireland (NAI). Recovery of information can help to provide answers to questions and open up new avenues for research.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS)

Whenever a case is being referred by the PSNI to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) victims have the right to be informed about its progress and likely outcome.

The Court Service

Police investigations may result in the prosecution of suspects before a court of law and as a result the victims have the right to be informed and assisted during the criminal proceedings.

CAN WE HELP YOU?

If you think our Advocacy Services can help you, please contact us.