Reflections on Belfast/Good Friday Agreement: Seminar Series Programme. Wednesday 14 June 2023 Seminar 2 - Reflections on Belfast/Good Friday Agreement & Reconciliation

NI Assembly RaISe

This is a free event

Get ready to immerse yourself in a thought-provoking seminar series as we reflect on the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement's 25th anniversary. The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, along with the Assembly’s Research and Information Service (RaISe) and local universities, will lead the discussions. Our academic presenters will share insights from their areas of expertise and explore key themes, including power-sharing, the economy, reconciliation, rights, and gender. After each presentation, we'll open the floor to discussion. These seminars are open to everyone, so secure your seat as soon as possible. The series will run from the end of April through early June 2023 on specified Wednesdays, starting at 1:30pm. We'll be hosting the events in the Senate Chamber of Parliament Buildings, located on Stormont Estate. Please be aware that Parliament Buildings is a public building, and there may be photography, filming, and recording in its public spaces. Don't worry; we'll be recording all the presentations, but not the group discussions. If you prefer to sit away from the camera, just let us know. Free parking is available, but make sure you give yourself enough time to walk from the car park and pass through Assembly Security before entering Parliament Buildings. We're committed to fulfilling our responsibilities to those with special needs, including wheelchair accessibility. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements when registering. To secure your spot at these insightful seminars, please register at RaISeCSU@niassembly.gov.uk.

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Seminar 2 - Reflections on Belfast/Good Friday Agreement & Reconciliation

1.30pm Attendee Registration

1.45pm Welcome & Housekeeping – Michael Potter, RaISe

1.50pm “Dealing with the Legacy of the Past: A Critical Examination of the Role of Oral History and Memorialisation in Advancing Reconciliation” - Dr Anna Bryson, Queen’s University Belfast

Since the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, a number of significant initiatives have sought to facilitate “uncomfortable conversations” about the past and address the rights and needs of victims. This presentation examines those efforts in light of the relevant academic literature and international best practice. In particular, it critically examines the role of oral history and memorialisation in advancing reconciliation and peace.

2.10pm “The Role of Information Recovery and Accountability in Advancing Reconciliation – Professor Louise Mallinder, Queen’s University Belfast

The parties to the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement 1998 expressly recognised the need to acknowledge and address the harms experienced by victims; stating it “…was a necessary element of reconciliation…”. While the Agreement itself only sparsely addressed how that should be done, the then Northern Ireland Victims Commissioner was tasked to develop more detailed reconciliation proposals in parallel to the ongoing political negotiations; ultimately resulting in the publication of his 1999 report. Since then, numerous official and civil society initiatives have explored how to advance reconciliation within Northern Ireland through information recovery and accountability; and have provided recommendations. This presentation draws on the Agreement and the work of official and civil society initiatives, together with academic literature and international best practice, to consider what they all may offer to advance reconciliation relating to information recovery and accountability in Northern Ireland.

2.30pm Discussion/Question & Answer

3.15pm Closing Remarks – Michael Potter, RaISe

3:20pm Refreshments & Networking

3.40pm Close

Date and Time

Wednesday / 14 June 2023 1:30pm - Wednesday / 14 June 2023 3:40pm

Location

Northern Ireland Assembly
Parliament Buildings
Belfast
BT4 3XX
United Kingdom

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Contact Details

RaISeCSU@niassembly.gov.uk

More Information

https://www.gfa25.com/lectures