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Helsinki Commission Announces Hearing on the Good Friday Agreement at 20

WASHINGTON—The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, today announced the following hearing:

THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT AT 20:
ACHIEVEMENTS AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Thursday, March 22, 2018
9:30 a.m.
Rayburn House Office Building
Room 2200

Live Webcast: www.youtube.com/HelsinkiCommission

Between 1969 and 1999, during a period known as “The Troubles,” almost 3,500 people died as a result of political violence in Northern Ireland. On April 10, 1998, the Governments of Ireland and the United Kingdom—along with Northern Ireland political parties participating in peace talks—reached a political settlement and signed what is now known as the Good Friday Agreement.

However, full implementation of the agreement has been challenging. Certain aspects of the agreement remain unfulfilled, including those related to devolved government, police reforms, and accountability for past abuses.

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which will be April 10, the hearing will examine the agreement’s achievements as well as aspects that have not been fully implemented, including state collusion in the crimes of paramilitaries.

Witnesses scheduled to testify include:

  • Brian Gormally, Director, Committee on the Administration of Justice
  • Judge Jim McKay, President, Ancient Order of Hibernians
  • Mark Thompson, Director, Relatives for Justice

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