The situation of those who have been forced from their communities because of paramilitary intimidation is a matter of serious concern. The Government has been – and continues to be – supportive of their wish to have the threats against them lifted and believes that they should be allowed to return home safely. It is clear that this inhumane practice is a breach both of the law and of basic human rights.
This issue has been raised through the framework of the Anglo-Irish intergovernmental conference. We are awaiting a response from the British side on the numbers involved. We understand that British estimates over recent years range from 55 to over 100 per annum. The nature of this issue means that it is difficult to arrive at definitive statistics.
The Government has at all times, in its contacts with all those concerned, including parties with influence on paramilitary organisations, emphasised the need to adhere to the principles of non-violence and democracy as enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement. Involvement in any form of intimidation or breaches of human rights is simply incompatible with the terms and spirit of the Agreement and the new context created by a sustained peace.
