So I have been studying Peacebuilding at University this term and just wrote a large dissertation about powersharing agreements in post-conflict deeply divided societies using Northern Ireland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Lebanon as case studies. Throughout my research, I never found many references to any attempt to investigate into the conduct of Republican or Unionist paramilitaries, the Royal Ulster Constabulary or the British Army.
I find it hard to believe that there were no crimes whatsoever as some quick research implies that there were a number of cases of summary executions, covert assistance to paramilitary groups, and improper interrogation techniques (code for British torture of IRA members).
As an England-born student, our contact with Irish history is very limited and the only way I was able to get into depth was through my A2 History class on Irish nationalism which stopped around 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty. I would be extremely grateful if someone can shine some light on why this hasn't happened. In addition, I am really interested in getting to grips with this period of British and Irish history so any good sources or recommended books on IRA/The Troubles from a socio-historical or military historical perspective is greatly appreciated!
So no answer so far but in the off chance someone comes looking for an answer, I found some more info.
Truth and Reconciliation committees is a mechanism of transitional justice I.E. ways to create a sense of legal conclusion in civil wars. Transitional justice is characterised by a tension between peace, justice, and reconciliation.
Peace relates to the end of conflict and a promotion of tranquility in a post-conflict state. Justice is the trial and sentencing of war criminals. Reconciliation is the psychosocial healing process that is encouraged between conflictual communities.
It looks like the Good Friday Agreement opted for amnesty for combatants, allowing IRA and Ulster Volunteers to run for government positions in the Northern Irish Assembly (most notably Martin mcguinness who was an IRA commander but later became deputy first minister of N.Ireland).
Reasoning behind this was because the peace agreement was built on a hurting stalemate (no military victory available for either side without excessive losses, so negotiation is optimal solution). If the agreement had a clause stating that Paramilitary members would be tried, the peace most likely wouldn’t have been signed. So peace and reconciliation was championed whilst justice was left behind.
Another example of this is Colombia. Government offered a peace agreement that included amnesty for FARC rebels. Population voted and actually voted to keep fighting in order to be able to try and sentence Guerilla leaders for war crimes.
I know this sub prides itself on sources and I can grab some soon but I am currently in Finals season so will be hard pressed to do so until Saturday so bare with me!! Will update then.