A £3 million sterling strategy was unveiled yesterday to help victims of the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland. "Reshape, Rebuild, Achieve" plans to give practical help and services to those who suffered during the Troubles.
In what is believed to be the first official attempt to define a victim, it does not differentiate between civilians, paramilitaries, or members of the security forces.
A victim is "the surviving physically and psychologically injured of violent, conflict-related incidents and those close relatives or partners who care for them, along with those who mourn their dead".
The Stormont Assembly's strategy has nearly 50 actions across a range of areas including recognition, access and information, health, education and learning, housing and the development of business skills.
A at the launch the North's First Minister, Mr David Trimble, said: "This strategy addresses the needs of those who have suffered over the last 30 years. It tackles areas which victims themselves have told us are important."
Funding of £1.5 million from the Northern Executive is matched by the same amount from the Northern Ireland Office. An SDLP junior minister, Mr Denis Haughey, said the importance of a committed, co-ordinated approach to victims' needs could not be under-estimated.
A Sinn Féin Assembly member, Mr Conor Murphy, said it was vital there was not a hierarchy of victims. "Grief is grief and everyone who has suffered as a result of the conflict needs to be fully supported. This most definitely means that republican victims and victims of state violence must be recognised on an equal basis to, for example, the RUC injured and bereaved," he said.