Ciaran O'Hare

Mr O’Hare, of McIvor Farrell Solicitors, has been invited by the European Commission Victims of Terrorism Working Group to attend the conference on Thursday and Friday.

He is currently dealing with significant legacy-related judicial review cases in Northern Ireland, including a challenge by Raymond McCord against the PSNI over alleged delays in its investigation of the 1997 murder of his son, Raymond McCord Junior.

The Victims of Terrorism Working Group aims to connect people involved in helping victims of terrorism throughout Europe.

Commenting on the conference, Mr O’Hare said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be invited to this conference and to provide my view, as a Northern Irish human rights lawyer, in relation to victims of the Troubles here.

“I hope to raise issues about how victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland are finding it extremely difficult to seek justice and in particular, to raise the case of Raymond McCord.

“I wish to highlight this particular case as my client, Mr McCord, is deeply dismayed by the fact that his son’s 21st anniversary will occur shortly and yet in 21 years, there has never been an inquest into his son’s murder.”

He added: “I believe the work that the Victims of Terrorism Working Group carries out in respect of victims throughout Europe is vital.

“I believe that lessons can be learnt from how other States deal with victims of terrorism and an international event, such as this, brings people together from throughout the Continent to help protect and support the rights of these victims.

“I will be making the point that I am concerned about the negative impact Brexit might have on victims’ rights. Victims of the Troubles in Northern Ireland are now passing away and in many instances, justice has not prevailed in respect of their cases. Therefore, I believe that it is imperative to echo these issues on the European plane.”