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22/09/2021
Victims To Be Placed At The Centre Of The Justice System
The needs and interests of victims are to be placed at the centre of the justice system with the establishment of a new Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate for Northern Ireland, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.
Making the announcement, Naomi Long said: "Since becoming Minister of Justice I have made it my priority to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to put the needs and interests of victims at the centre of our justice system.
"I have heard first hand from those who have been deeply affected by their experiences as victims of crime, and I want to pay tribute to them for sharing their experiences with me. Having listened to victims and considering the evidence presented to me, I believe that establishing a new Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland would strengthen what we are already doing and help to put victims' needs and interests where they should be.
"Given that it will not be possible to legislate for such a role in this mandate, and in order to ensure this voice for victims can be introduced as quickly as possible, this office will take the form of a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate until legislation can be taken forward for a statutory Victims of Crime Commissioner."
Naomi Long continued: "This decision was taken following a 12 week public consultation and is a significant step forward. I believe that a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate will provide a voice for victims; promote and encourage good practice; review the adequacy and effectiveness of our laws and operational practices; champion delivery of Charter entitlements and challenge, advise and make recommendations to me and to criminal justice agencies, to ultimately push us to deliver improved outcomes for victims.
"I expect to launch a public appointment recruitment process for this position in the coming weeks, and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage applications at that time from those who feel they can fulfil this significant role in advocating for victims."
Making the announcement, Naomi Long said: "Since becoming Minister of Justice I have made it my priority to ensure that we are doing everything in our power to put the needs and interests of victims at the centre of our justice system.
"I have heard first hand from those who have been deeply affected by their experiences as victims of crime, and I want to pay tribute to them for sharing their experiences with me. Having listened to victims and considering the evidence presented to me, I believe that establishing a new Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland would strengthen what we are already doing and help to put victims' needs and interests where they should be.
"Given that it will not be possible to legislate for such a role in this mandate, and in order to ensure this voice for victims can be introduced as quickly as possible, this office will take the form of a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate until legislation can be taken forward for a statutory Victims of Crime Commissioner."
Naomi Long continued: "This decision was taken following a 12 week public consultation and is a significant step forward. I believe that a Victims of Crime Commissioner Designate will provide a voice for victims; promote and encourage good practice; review the adequacy and effectiveness of our laws and operational practices; champion delivery of Charter entitlements and challenge, advise and make recommendations to me and to criminal justice agencies, to ultimately push us to deliver improved outcomes for victims.
"I expect to launch a public appointment recruitment process for this position in the coming weeks, and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage applications at that time from those who feel they can fulfil this significant role in advocating for victims."
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Justice Minister Welcomes New Victims Of Crime Commissioner
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the appointment of Geraldine Hanna into her new role as Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime for Northern Ireland. Ms Hanna takes up the office for a term of three years, with the potential for an extension of up to one year.
06 May 2021
Consultation Launches On Victims' Experiences Of The Criminal Justice System
A public consultation has launched on proposals to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system. The consultation will seek views on two areas: • a new three-year draft Victim and Witness Strategy for Northern Ireland • proposals for the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
Consultation Launches On Victims' Experiences Of The Criminal Justice System
A public consultation has launched on proposals to improve the experiences of victims and witnesses within the criminal justice system. The consultation will seek views on two areas: • a new three-year draft Victim and Witness Strategy for Northern Ireland • proposals for the establishment of a Victims of Crime Commissioner for Northern Ireland.
11 March 2024
Justice Minister Launches New 'These Are Your Rights' Campaign
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26 February 2024
New Campaign To Promote Rights Of Victims And Witnesses
A new public awareness campaign to promote the rights of victims and witnesses has been announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long in partnership with the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna.
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08 July 2005
Government welcomes criminal justice system reform
The Government today welcomed what it called the major advance in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. The statement came on Friday as Justice Oversight Commissioner Lord Clyde’s unveiled his fourth report into the criminal justice system here.
Government welcomes criminal justice system reform
The Government today welcomed what it called the major advance in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. The statement came on Friday as Justice Oversight Commissioner Lord Clyde’s unveiled his fourth report into the criminal justice system here.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
