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Ulster Human Rights Watch says hundreds of relatives of people killed or injured during the ‘Troubles’ are being denied compensation from the Victims’ Payments Board.

The Lurgan-based registered charity is lobbying the Secretary of State and the NIO to make changes to the ‘excessively strict’ interpretation of eligibility criteria for a victim’s pain and suffering to be acknowledged under the scheme.

UHRW Advocacy Manager Axel Schmidt said they are seeking two significant changes.

Mr Schmidt said: “We want to see the remit of the Victims’ Payment Scheme broadened to include many victims of terrorism, mainly widows and children, who up until now have been excluded from any compensation.

“Secondly, it would be necessary to extend the life of the scheme, which is scheduled to end next month. We think a two-year extension would be sufficient time to allow applications to be made.

“This would acknowledge bereaved families without having to create a new scheme under which families of terrorists killed would also be able to apply.

“Extending the remit and prolonging the life of the current scheme would save public money as it would close off the prospect of compensation for those who carried out terrorist atrocities.”

Mr Schmidt’s team has made a Submission to the Secretary of State with supporting examples and evidence. They are awaiting a response.

“Amending legislation would be required to fix what’s there and to change the excessively strict eligibility criteria for a victim of terrorism to access the scheme. In effect, if the Government accepts the strong case we have made, then it would open the door to potentially hundreds more victims who would become entitled to a payment. We cannot and should not leave these people behind and, in essence, disrespect them because the regulations are too restrictive”, said Mr Schmidt.

Under current rules, a relative’s claim is rejected if they were not present at the incident or in the immediate aftermath and takes no account of the trauma they suffered.

ICRIR have today launched an appeal for witnesses to the 1972 killing of Margaret ‘Ruby’ Johnston. Ruby was severely burned in a firebomb attack on the bus she was travelling on in Armagh on 05 February 1972 and would die from her injuries the following month. UHRW are supporting the engagement of the family with ICRIR and would encourage anyone who may have information to come forward.

Click here to see the appeal poster

Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) has paid tribute to its Chairman Robert Campbell who died suddenly on Wednesday 8th April.

UHRW Advocacy Manager Axel Schmidt said: “Bertie was steadfast and unwavering in his fight to get justice for innocent victims of terrorism. He never stepped back or wavered.

“Bertie was a Champion for victims of terrorism for over 30 years and the driving force behind UHRW.

“He was enormously well respected and admired. He gave freely of his time and was our valued friend who was always available to our small team whenever they sought his advice or guidance.

“Above all, Bertie was a man who loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was guided by his hand in everything that he did.
“In 2022, Bertie succeeded our first Chairman, Sir William Wright CBE, and from its inception in 2002, served as our Managing Director. He brought considerable experience and expertise from his previous career in Marketing and Public Relations whilst working with British Telecom at Board National level.

“His death is keenly felt by all at UHRW.”

A thanksgiving service is to be held at Lurgan Baptist Church at 1.00pm on Tuesday 14th April.