Independent Commissions and Contentious Issues in Post-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland

This book asks how independent commissions helped to overcome difficulties during the implementation phase of the Good Friday Agreement. These independent groups worked to resolve issues which threatened to derail the peace process, including the reform of policing, the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons, the monitoring of ceasefires, dealing with the past conflict, and the issue of human rights. Each chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the work of a different group finding that the commissions engaged in a broad range of activities. Drawing on the lessons of Northern Ireland the book demonstrates the importance of balancing local and international involvement, the inclusion of expertise, and giving sufficient powers to such bodies. This volume appeals to academics and researchers in a range of disciplines such as politics, peace and conflict studies, international relations, and human rights law. It is of interest to readers who are interested in the Northern Ireland peace process and those seeking to understand how third parties can assist in the implementation of peace agreements.

Examines the operations of five independent bodies in Northern Ireland established to resolve key issues in the peace process Argues three bodies were central to the resolution of issues which threatened to derail the peace process Provides a detailed account of the origins, terms of reference, composition and operations of all five bodies and categories their activities according to a typology of mediation

Autorentext

Dr Walsh is currently an Irish Research Council-Marie Curie Elevate post-doctoral fellow at Dublin City University, UK. This fellowship examines the role of territorial self-governance in conflict management. Her research interests also include the creation of innovative institutions to manage conflict, the implementation of peace agreements and the role on international actors in facilitating peace agreements.

Klappentext
This richly original account of the role of independent commissions in resolving some of the most difficult and controversial issues in the Northern Ireland Peace Process provides an important and timely analysis that greatly enhances our understanding of the role of such commissions. It highlights the way in which they facilitate ongoing involvement by the international community in the implementation of peace settlements and outlines the way in which they play a mediating role between fiercely opposed views. This much-needed study helps to set a new agenda for research on this important but neglected aspect of peace processes. Niall O'Dochartaigh, National University of Ireland Galway, Republic of Ireland

Inhalt
Chapter 1: Contentious issues and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.- Chapter 2: The Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland.- Chapter 3: The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.- Chapter 4: The Independent Monitoring Commission.- Chapter 5: The Consultative Group on the Past.- Chapter 6: The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission.- Chapter 7: Conclusion.