Expressing the sense of the Congress that all parties to the multiparty peace talks regarding Northern Ireland should condemn violence and fully integrate internationally recognized human rights standards and adequately address outstanding human rights violations as part of the peace process.

Summary

Condemns the violence committed by paramilitary groups on both sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland and by agents of the British Government as illegal, unjust, and inhumane. Commends and supports those in the British and Irish Governments who are building on the accomplishments of the Anglo-Irish Agreement, the Joint Declaration, and the Framework Documents by bringing the various political parties into the current negotiations and creating an environment in which negotiations may be reached expeditiously through inclusive talks. Declares that: (1) respect for human rights must now be at the heart of the peace process; (2) all participants at the multiparty talks must rededicate themselves to restoring civil rights and respecting human rights in Northern Ireland if a peace agreement is to have lasting value; (3) any peace agreement in Northern Ireland must recognize the state's obligation to protect human rights in all circumstances; (4) the establishment of a bill of rights for the people of Northern Ireland may advance and strengthen the peace process; (5) the multiparty negotiations should consider the feasibility of establishing an independent "Truth Commission" to look into outstanding cases of human rights abuses, giving special consideration to those who have been unable to obtain full disclosure about how their loved ones met their deaths; (6) the British Government should initiate a new independent inquiry into the deaths of civilians on "Bloody Sunday," repeal emergency legislation that limits internationally recognized individual human rights, and establish an independent complaints mechanism for the review of citizen inquiries regarding alleged abuses of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and other security forces; (7) there should be a mechanism by which all defense solicitors will have a vigorous independent investigation of threats they receive; (8) those who report threats of violence should be accorded effective protection; and (9) plastic bullets should be withdrawn from use.

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8 official files

• Referred in Senate (text)

  Referred in Senate · EN · 19 March 1998

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• Referred in Senate (PDF)

  Referred in Senate · EN · 19 March 1998

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• Engrossed in House (text)

  Engrossed in House · EN · 18 March 1998

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• Engrossed in House (PDF)

  Engrossed in House · EN · 18 March 1998

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• Passed House amended

  summary · EN · 18 March 1998

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• Introduced in House (text)

  Introduced in House · EN · 17 September 1997

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• Introduced in House (PDF)

  Introduced in House · EN · 17 September 1997

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 17 September 1997

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