The announcement on 21 May 2020 that the Victims’ Compensation Scheme was to be delayed was a severe blow to innocent victims.
Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) has asked The Executive Office why the Scheme was not introduced.
UHRW Advocacy Manager, Axel Schmidt said: “The hopes of those who have suffered endlessly were once again dashed as the news came that the long-awaited scheme was not only delayed but that no system for dealing with applications appears to have been put in place. Indeed, it seems that little or no preparatory work has been undertaken at all.
“Innocent victims are once again pawns in a grubby, political dispute. It is time that the NI Executive and the Government sort the issue out once and for all.
“Many victims are in urgent need of financial assistance as a result of the impact of terrorist attacks. While the powers seem to think delay after delay is acceptable, victims have suffered enough. They need action now.”
“Victims of terrorism need clarification on why the scheme has been delayed – is it a funding issue or are there other reasons that we are not hearing about?”