The Contribution of Victims and Survivors to the Process of Reconciliation in Northern Ireland

Abstract

In recent post-conflict societies, people who have been directly or indirectly affected by political violence (‘victims and survivors’) have been involved in reconciliation processes, whose archetype is the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Conflict-resolution theories have defined reconciliation as a long process necessary to create or recreate links between once-divided individuals and/or communities. This process aims at establishing a peaceful society and usually gives an important role to victims and survivors. This paper considers Northern Ireland as a case study to take stock of an ongoing and pragmatic process which could inform other post-conflict societies.