ULSTER Unionist MLA, Danny Kennedy sponsored the launch of the Innocent Victims United Charter at Parliament Buildings on Friday.
Speaking after the launch, Mr Kennedy said: “I was delighted to sponsor the launch of the Innocent Victims United (IVU) Charter in Parliament Buildings today. IVU represents a significant number of innocent victims.’
“Their Charter for Innocent Victims provides a framework which IVU wish to see both the Assembly and society work to, to ensure that innocent victims needs are met and a better society built in Northern Ireland.’
“Sadly, the fact that IVU have had to produce their own Charter stresses the failure to deal with the past effectively. The current structures put in place to deal with the past are built on shaky foundations and innocent victims clearly do not feel they meet their requirements.’
“Most significantly perhaps is the opposition from Innocent Victims United to the building of a ‘Peace’ Centre at the former Maze Prison site. The Ulster Unionist Party supports the view that this site is the worst possible location to build such a centre.’
“It is also clear that we urgently need to see the development of a definition for an innocent victim/survivor of terrorism. The current definition is not acceptable with innocent victims and only serves to add to their trauma as they are placed on a par with terrorists.’
“I would like to thank my Party leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, along with my Party colleagues, Jim Nicholson MEP, Tom Elliott MLA & Sandra Overend MLA for their attendance and support at the launch today.’
