First Minister and deputy First Minister unveil memorial plaque for victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse
Date published:
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly today unveiled a memorial plaque at Parliament Buildings to honour all victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse.
The plaque stands as a permanent acknowledgement to the children who suffered abuse in residential institutions over many decades and fulfils the final recommendation of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Sir Anthony Hart.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said:
“Today we honour the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse and acknowledge the profound wrong done to children who should have been protected and cared for. What happened was never their fault.
“This memorial stands as a permanent acknowledgement of those failures by individuals, organisations and the State, who had a duty to protect children. The wording of the plaque reflects the voices of victims and survivors, whose courage in speaking out made this possible.”
The deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly said:
“Victims and survivors have courageously shared their experiences and brought truth into the open. Their voices have shaped this memorial and continue to guide how we acknowledge the past and protect children today.
“We remember those who did not live to see recognition, and we remain committed to listening to survivors and ensuring their experiences help build a safer future for every child.”
Victims and survivors, representative groups and families of those victims who are no longer with us attended the unveiling ceremony at Stormont, marking an important milestone in acknowledgement and remembrance.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption - Image of four people at the unveiling of the Historical Institutional Abuse memorial plaque in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings - First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, NI Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and Fiona Ryan, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse.
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