Judith Thompson

Judith Thompson on the inclusive definition of a victim, understanding discomfort, and delivering for people who most desperately need help #JHISS

Alan Meban (Alan in Belfast) on July 23, 2019, 9:41 am | Readers 1507

Planned for a long time, Judith Thompson, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, delivered the opening address (video embedded) at the John Hewitt International Summer School on Monday morning and addressed the issues of the definition of a victim, understanding discomfort and the ‘Troubles pension’ which was the topic of a heated radio debate she heard while driving down to the event in Armagh.

Stuck in the Past – difficult choices to be made #feile18

Alan Meban (Alan in Belfast) on August 7, 2018, 11:45 pm | Readers 947

Three years ago, the same hall was venue to a conversation between the then deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and the PSNI Chief Constable, again chaired by Brian Rowan. That night, the atmosphere was electric. This afternoon, the conversation seemed less extraordinary, certainly less unexpected. Unfortunately, the political stalemate has become as normal yet unacceptable as the stretched patience of victims and survivors who seek truth and information about incidents during the Troubles.