Study Visit 7 - Stand Down Group – 11th to 13th December 2018. Veterans for Peace
“I am hugely impressed at the successful efforts to bridge the divisions between the communities”
“There still appears so much to do to acknowledge and resolve the very real injustices felt by families of innocent victims of conflict”
“The respectful, open and honest dialogue The Bloody Sunday Trust facilitates generates understanding and empathy, which undermines often inaccurate stereotypes. I consider this crucial for the process of reconciliation and maintenance of continued Peace”.
“The evidence is plain to see – Derry is a vibrant, cultural centre which is a positive demonstration of the impact of the Derry Model”
“Human rights and legacy organisations are vital conduits through which those without power can be given a voice and facilitators of interactions between individuals and groups regardless of their background and or affiliations”.
“Successful resolution of legacy issues brings comfort and acknowledgement to those impacted by violence, encourages the development of relationships where none previously existed and allows for an understanding of the past, which has a bearing on our actions in the future”.
…… • That bringing state forces together with former opposing combatants and non-aligned victims of violence is something that is equally applicable to many other conflicts British military veterans have been employed in.
…… • That the conflicts British military personal have been deployed to are not perpetual and should not be viewed as such
“Both of the above points can be applied to military personal who often struggle to shake off the military rhetoric of motivation even after a conflict is long over”.
“It is important to acknowledge human rights and legacy organisations, to help enable people to progress forward – Also, the culture of those times”.
….. • The importance of listening with an open mind and heart no matter how uncomfortable this maybe because it encourages empathy and understanding.
….. • That analogies of experience can be found in even the most divergent of circumstances.
….. • That dialogue engagements should be a chosen path rather than prescriptive.
“I wish to acknowledge the bravery of all groups/people who chose to engage with our group, and I have no doubt that these meetings were only possible because of the esteem in which the Bloody Sunday Trust is held”.