Amnesty International has welcomed the move by the Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey in the provision to the Northern Ireland Executive of an options paper on dealing with historical child abuse. The human rights organisation called for the options paper to be published and reiterated its call on the Northern Ireland Executive to initiate an inquiry into the extent of child abuse in State run or church operated institutions in Northern Ireland.
 
Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland Programme Director of Amnesty International, said:
 
‘’The daily drip of further revelations of child abuse and apparent cover-up on both sides of the border underlines the urgent and compelling case for a thorough, independent, impartial and effective Northern Ireland-based inquiry.
 
There is a clear international obligation on the State to investigate serious violations of human rights. The Northern Ireland Executive has such a responsibility in respect of the child victims of institutional abuse and Amnesty International is calling for Ministers to establish an investigation fit for purpose in delivering justice for victims. The Executive options paper should be published so that the process of dealing with the past can be open to full public scrutiny.
 
In addition, all individual cases of child abuse must be investigated and prosecuted through the criminal justice system.  All individual victims of past abuse must receive proper recognition and full redress. And all those responsible for the cover-up of criminal activity must be held accountable through the law."