Amnesty calls for child abuse inquiry

DAN KEENAN
The Irish Times
Monday, February 8, 2010

FRINGE MEETING: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL has called for a judicial inquiry into child abuse in public institutions in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at a packed fringe meeting at the SDLP conference which was attended by victims of abuse, Amnesty's executive director in Ireland, Colm O'Gorman, said: "Individual cases of child abuse must be investigated and prosecuted through the criminal justice system.

"Inquiries into child abuse in the Republic and Wales have led to significant advances in child protection and children's rights, and the Scottish government is currently developing plans to address institutional child abuse there."

He said state authorities in the North have such a responsibility in respect of the child victims of institutional abuse, and Amnesty International was calling for an investigation which is independent, impartial and effective in delivering justice for the victims.

The Assembly has already called for an investigation of child abuse. Campaigners are expected to take their campaign for an inquiry to members of the Stormont Executive.