Martina Dillon, John McEvoy, and Lynda McManus are challenging the human rights compliance of the Act including its denial of inquests, lack of adequate investigations and ban on civil claims. The victims are represented by Phoenix Law and supported by Amnesty International, who are also an intervener in the case.

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland deputy director, said: “The UK government shamefully pushed through the universally opposed Troubles Act, which serves to absolve those responsible for human rights abuses and cruelly denies justice to victims.

“We stand with victims in their fight to get the truth, justice, and reparation to which they are entitled. It is now over to the courts to right this historic wrong. Victims’ rights must be upheld, government cannot dismiss its obligations.

“This case has significant implications not just in the UK, but internationally. We have repeatedly warned about the concerning precedent which could be set by this legislation which provides a blueprint for letting state forces and armed groups off with murder and other serious crimes.”

Martina Dillon, whose husband Seamus Dillon was shot and killed in 1997 and has an inquest pending, said: “Truth and justice are not too much to ask, we shouldn’t have to fight for decades to get it. Victims have been shamefully ignored; we did not want this law. We want answers about what happened to our loved ones, and we want accountability. I fight this oppressive legislation in my husband’s memory and in solidarity with other victims having their rights denied.”

Darragh Mackin, director, Phoenix Law, said: “The warnings on the lack of human rights compliance with this legislation were clear from the outset. Access to justice is the least anyone can expect. These victims, supported by Amnesty International, seek to swiftly end this grave attack on rights. This case matters not only to our clients, but to all victims of the Northern Ireland conflict.

“The motivations of the government are hiding in plain sight. These victims have one message for this government – we will see you in court.”

Gavin Booth, solicitor, Phoenix Law, said: “Our clients and all victims have been unequivocally clear that they don’t support this Act. It does not deliver victim centred processes. The UK government has failed our clients and they are left with no choice but to go to court once again to seek justice.”