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The chairman of a major peace fund said it was the responsibility of Northern Ireland’s paramilitary groups themselves to step back from the scene.
Paramilitarism remains a continuing threat to individuals and society, 25 years after the landmark Belfast and Good Friday Agreements, the Independent Reporting Committee found in its annual report in December. did.
The International Fund for Ireland supports a number of organizations working to support communities affected by paramilitary groups.
Paying tribute to the risks taken by many people, the foundation’s chairman, Paddy Hart, said paramilitary groups – both loyal and anti-republican – were exercising coercive control in some areas and “taking away hope.” “
“Forcible control of any community is unacceptable in a modern democracy,” he told the PA news agency.
“They not only exercise coercive control, but also take away any hope that there is a way out.
“We are very happy to be able to speak to those who are in a transition period and therefore qualified to remove paramilitary groups from this area.
“But as a parent, it’s very frightening to be told that your child has to go to a patella treatment appointment, and that can be said in a way that almost feels like an acceptance.”
Hart said communities are “doing the best they can…but the basic conclusion is that militia groups have a responsibility to leave the scene.”
“They can do it. It’s not the community’s responsibility that they’re there, it’s not the police’s responsibility that they’re there, it’s not the government’s responsibility that they’re there. “It’s the responsibility of the militias to get out of there and give people some hope of living a normal life,” he said. .
Mr. Hart reflected on the events of the year marking the 25th anniversary of the agreement, and said the unequal distribution of the benefits of the peace process was a current challenge.
He said everyone has a role to play in this sector over the next 25 years.
“Ensuring peace and building a better future is not just the job of government agencies, community sectors and all those involved in peacebuilding. It is everyone’s job,” he said.
“Places most affected by the unrest remain subdued. A rising tide does not lift all boats…Therefore there must be active discrimination in favor of those places, otherwise If so, those boats will remain stationary.
“And it’s difficult because the troubles and violence that people have experienced have had a deep traumatic effect and left a sense of mistrust.
“There is an old saying that says trust walks and goes on horseback; and trust goes on horseback.
“It is slowly walking back, so the challenge is to bring these environments to a stage where they can regenerate, better services, better health and more jobs.”
He also said that while he was frustrated by the current political deadlock, which has seen Stormont council collapse for almost two years, it was “better than the alternative”.
“As frustrating and challenging as it is, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is a democracy, that it is carrying out a democratic task, and that it is infinitely better than what came before,” he said. Ta.
“This is not the best because people are not being served properly. However, this is a political negotiation, not an alternative. But if we do not negotiate a solution, we will ultimately lose trust. You will lose it.”
Mr Hart said the international focus on Northern Ireland, including at treaty events, US President Joe Biden’s visit and investment conferences, showed the potential the people had. Ta.
He praised Biden for his very long interest in the peace process, adding that Biden was the last senator to speak in support of passing the fund creation bill in 1986.
During President Joe Biden’s visit to Dundalk, County Louth, he said he took time at Windsor Bar to speak to young people involved in projects supported by the fund.
“His interest in young people was obvious. He took one young guy who was having a hard time coming into the program and was very nervous, and he said, ‘You seem like a guy who likes to stay fit.’ “And he just blossomed and it was a great moment to watch,” he said.
“Someone who can tackle the most important issues in the world and educate young people.
“I have nothing but admiration for them because they waited there for five hours, but it was great that they were still willing to be there and had a very lively conversation with the President of the United States.
“Having that access was a great honor for us and good for the communities we work with.”
Looking ahead to 2024, Hart said the foundation is developing some of its programs through strategic alliances with partners such as Catalyst and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation, and looking to translate existing efforts into jobs.
“We’ve focused on helping people with their challenges, and it’s worked. We thought we had a partner who could provide people with a more seamless path to employment.” he said.
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