A victims minister should be appointed in the new devolved administration at Stormont, according to a report by the Northern Ireland thinktank, Democratic Dialogue.
Future Policies for the Past was launched yesterday at Stormont. It was complied by South African and Danish experts, Mr Brandon Hamber and Ms Dorte Kulle, with the assistance of Democratic Dialogue director, Mr Robin Wilson.
It argues that the needs of victims must be addressed in a "joined-up" way across government". Victims now comprise one of 26 functions assigned to the office of the First and Deputy First Ministers. It is also an area of responsibility for Northern Ireland Office minister, Mr Adam Ingram.
The report expresses concern about the exploitation of victims and arguments over who is a "real" or "innocent" victim. It endorses the idea of a symbolic day of reconciliation.