Commissioner for Victims and Survivors Joe McVey gave evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights as it began examining the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. The Commissioner offered a cautious welcome to progress after years of stalled legacy issues, while stressing that the key test for any measures is whether they build confidence among victims and survivors.

He reminded the Committee to keep the focus on people, not labels, and emphasised fairness and equality for all victims and survivors, including veterans. He raised concerns about proposals for a new advisory group and stressed that victims’ voices must underpin the whole legacy framework, not sit in one panel.

The Commissioner also highlighted the need to recognise intergenerational impact, supported broader family definitions (including grandchildren), and cautioned against arbitrary time limits. He reiterated that information recovery, acknowledgement and memorialisation remain central to building a better future.

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