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Conflict Profile.
The Troubles in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland was the location for an extended armed conflict, known locally as ‘the Troubles’, which lasted from 1969 until 1998 and led to the deaths of 3,600 people.
The conflict in Northern Ireland has been driven by conflict over the political status of the region and the competing claims and aspirations of the two main communities. The Protestant community generally favour the political union with Great Britain. They regard themselves as British citizens and define themselves politically as Unionists. Hardline unionists are known as Loyalists since they proclaim loyalty to the British monarchy. The Catholic community generally favours the creation of a single united Irish state. They regard themselves as Irish people and define themselves politically as Nationalists. Hardline Nationalists are known as Republicans since they strive for a United Irish Republic.
A protracted multi-party ‘peace process’ resulted in a peace agreement, signed on Good Friday 1998, leading to the creation of a range of new political and human rights institutions and eventually in 2007 the formation of a devolved government that included the four main political parties. The transition from a society enmeshed in a long-running violent conflict to a largely peaceful society has ensured that the Northern Ireland peace process is widely regarded as one of the major successes of recent peacebuilding activity and a model for other conflict transformation work.
Residential areas can often be identified as predominantly Nationalist or Unionist by their political murals – in this case, from the Nationalist Falls Road. Thanks to jimmyharris. Uploaded under a Creative Commons Attribution License
Conflict Resources
Conflict Timeline
Key People and Parties
| Conflict. | Resolution. |
|---|---|
The political status of Northern Ireland Nationalist and Unionist communities disagree over what the political status of Northern Ireland should be. Featured peacebuilding organisations in Northern Ireland in general do not take positions on what the constitutional arrangements should be, but do work to create space for dialogue. | — The Meath Peace Group works on awareness-raising on Northern Ireland political issues and in particular on building relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. — INNATE look to bring the lessons of non-violence to situations of community tension. — The Quaker Meeting House provided a trusted, neutral space for political dialogue during the Troubles, and the Quakers continue to work for peaceful co-existence in Northern Ireland. |
Sectarianism As noted above, the Catholic and Protestant populations of Northern Ireland tend to divide in their opinions on the political status of Northern Ireland. Despite political progress, the two communities still largely live in segregated communities, with a great deal of mutual distrust and hatred. The strength of the enmity between the communities is the reason behind the prolonged violent conflict. Northern Ireland is often grouped with other 'ethnic conflicts' around the world, though violence between Catholic and Protestant communities is described usually described as 'sectarian'. Given the centrality of this issue to the Troubles, this has been the main focus of work for local peacebuilders Long-term peace in Northern Ireland is dependent on continuing improvements in the relations between Catholic and Protestant communities. | — The Glencree Centre offers a space for reconciliation and dialogue between Catholic and Protestant communities. — The Holywell Trust brings together community leaders from across the sectarian divide. — The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust, the Speedwell Trust and NICHS all provide opportunities for long-term contact between young people and segregated communities, thereby promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding. — St Colomb’s Park House runs a centre for community cohesion and peacebuilding activities. — TIDES offer training on conflict reduction and mediation. — Youth Link work to create peace builders amongst young people from different church groups. |
Civil Rights and Equality Perceptions of inequality between the Catholic and Protestant communities has greatly contributed to distrust and violence during the Troubles. In the early period of the Troubles, civil and political rights tended to benefit the Protestant community over the Catholic community, with widespread discrimination in housing and employment and gerrymandering of electoral boundaries to favour unionist politicians. It is widely agreed that such overt discrimination has been largely eradicated, both through equality legislation and community action. | — Peacebuilders have contributed to these improvements by ensuring that all communities in Northern Ireland (including an increasing immigrant population) are fairly respresented. — The CAJ monitors, researches and reports on the rights situation in Northern Ireland, to ensure equitable administration of justice. — The ICR has researched the human rights and equality situation in Northern Ireland, including for marginalized minority groups. — STEP work to create an inclusive, rights-based culture in South Tyrone. |
Victims of violence The impact of the Troubles has taken a great toll on individuals, inflicting last psychological pain on victims and their communities. | — The Koram Centre uses volunteers to provide conselling to the victims of the conflict. — The WAVE Trauma Centre offers support to spouses and young people affect by violence during the Troubles. |
