Victims of the Troubles are being "grossly failed" by the British government.
That's according to Amnesty International as the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act comes into effect today.
The act means all Troubles-era investigations and inquiries are now halted in an attempt to move on from the conflict.
The legislation has been opposed by all the North's political parties as well as victims’ organisations.
It has also led to the Irish Government launching a case against the UK at the European Court of Human Rights.
Justice
Amnesty spokesperson Grainne Teggart said they will use every tool available to them to get justice for victims and their families.
“We are determined that this will not be the end, the Troubles Act must be appealed,” she said.
“Legal challenges to the act continue and the upcoming general election will provide an opportunity to the next Government to right this historic wrong.”
Ms Teggary also said it's a bad day for “truth and justice”.
“Today is a cliff edge for truth, justice, and accountability for victims of the troubles,” she said.
“The Troubles Act on the 1st of May is a guillotine for judicial processes and has acted as we have warned as an incentive for the state to frustrate legal proceedings and continue to grossly fail victims.”
The act also means that those who work with a new independent commission will receive a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences.
Main image: British troops on the streets of Belfast in May 1973. Image: Alain Le Garsmeur "The Troubles" Archive / Alamy
