Introduction

Abstract

This chapter notes that the central premise of the study is an attempt to move towards a greater historical understanding of the condition of ‘the forgotten’ citizens in Northern Ireland—the victims of political violence—and to make recommendations as to what can be done to empower them as part of the transition from conflict to peace. The book focuses on victims' rights in Northern Ireland as a matter of political, social, cultural and legal priority. It aims to make a genuine contribution to the theoretical foundations of transitional justice and truth recovery.