Executive Victims' Strategy Revealed

The long-awaited publication of the Stormont Executive's Strategy for Victims and Survivors of The Troubles has been announced.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness announced the development in a written statement to the Assembly.

Copies of the strategy are now being made available to all interested bodies and groups who participated in the consultation process.

In their statement, Ministers said: "The main aim of the strategy is to secure a measurable improvement in the well being of victims and survivors.

"The overarching principles are that the strategy will be victim and survivor centred and address the needs of victims and survivors in a coordinated manner.

"The key elements underpinning the strategy are the Commission for Victims and Survivors, the recently established Forum and the proposed Victims and Survivors Service.

"The publication of this strategy places the needs of victims and survivors at its centre and marks a step change in the way that we will provide support to victims and survivors.

"Two of the main strands of the strategy are in place, the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the recently established Forum.

"We are currently analysing all of the responses from our recent consultation on the proposed Victims and Survivors Service which will become the funding and delivery body responsible for providing support to victims," the statement said.

"Once this strategy is fully implemented and its structures bedded in, all those involved in the victims and survivors sector will see a more focussed, coordinated and needs led approach to how we provide support to victims and survivors," the Ministers concluded.

The Strategy for Victims and Survivors has been published on the OFMDFM website:

www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/victims

(BMcC/KMcA)