Tag: 2022

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 21 November 2022.

    Dear Mr. President of the Assembly!

    Dear attendees!

    Dear representatives of Spain and all other countries of the Alliance!

    Dear friends!

    I am glad to see you and thank you for all the kind words that have just been spoken and will be spoken in the Assembly in our support – in support of the struggle for freedom.

    Today, Ukraine marks the ninth anniversary of the beginning of Maidan – the Revolution of Dignity. In those months of 2013-2014, when Ukrainians in the squares and streets of our cities defended the right to European choice for our state, an important thing happened for our entire community – a community of nations united by the values of freedom, respect for law, democracy and diversity.

    Ukrainians filled with a powerful life force what many began to think was just a bureaucratic formality. Ukrainians and all people in Europe, in America, in the world, who supported us and continue to support us, filled the flag of the European Union with new energy. And in fact, with the way we defend freedom in Ukraine, we united both the European Union and NATO. We showed the commonality of challenges and proved the commonality of values.

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    Although Ukraine has not yet become a full-fledged part of the EU and NATO, I am addressing you on behalf of the people who have always been, are and will be part of the valuable space to which you all belong. History brought us to different sides of ideological walls. But the walls fell, and our values are all preserved.

    And not only me, but millions of our people and the majority of citizens of your states support the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. Now, when we are defending European values ​​not in the squares and streets, but on the battlefield in a full-scale war, it is absolutely obvious how unfair and unnatural Ukraine’s alienation from Europe was. We will not leave a single percent of that alienation.

    I urge you to do everything in your power so that our community of nations – nations of values – will never again be divided or weakened!

    All of you see what endangers us. All of us! All who cannot imagine their life without freedom. All of you can see Ukraine’s significant contribution to the protection of our community. Everyone sees how important it is that we really united in defense after February 24.

    So, due to this, you also see that Ukraine should become a full member of the European Union and NATO. And I urge you to support our applications for membership in the EU and the Alliance!

    Ukrainians do not just believe – Ukrainians are sure that we can defend ourselves in this war and return the borders of a united Europe to the entire length of our eastern and southern borders. Ukrainians do not just believe – Ukrainians know that the strength of our democracy will be a guarantee that no tyranny to the east of us will be able to threaten Europe.

    But in order to realize all these years, to realize all this, we have to use all the strength of our community, all the potential of our cooperation in order to gradually stop this terrorist Russian war and restore peace.

    That is why I proposed the Ukrainian Peace Formula. All points of our Peace Formula are beyond doubt.

    Every nation in our community is interested in ensuring that no dangerous incidents occur at nuclear facilities. We all want Russian terrorists to no longer be able to take people’s lives. Each of our states needs guaranteed protection against any Russian missiles and any sabotage against infrastructure facilities. We are all interested in the stability of energy, food and other markets. We all strive for international law to retain its force and actually work. Each of us considers it fair that those guilty of war crimes, deportations and any manifestations of genocidal policy should be brought to justice. We all wish there would be no burnt cities and ruins instead of a normal life anywhere in Europe.

    All this is ensured by the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which, without being mistaken, can be called both the European peace formula and the world peace formula, as it is built on respect and protection of universal human values, on international law. From nuclear safety to the restoration of our territorial integrity, from the Tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine to countering ecocide – everything is envisaged in our Formula.

    Dear friends!

    I suggest that you and your countries choose the point of the peace formula in which you can show your leadership. Joint action is what constitutes true peacemaking.

    And while we concentrate our forces to implement this Formula, we must maintain one hundred percent principled position in countering Russian aggression. Russia has bet on a genocidal policy, and that is why it is destroying our energy infrastructure. To “kill” electricity, water and heat supply in winter – and this is Russia’s goal – is to put the lives of millions of people in direct danger. This is equivalent to the use of weapons of mass destruction – an absolute crime.

    Therefore, it will be right if you in your parliaments designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, as the parliaments of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland and the Czech Republic have done. It will be right if your countries constantly strengthen sanctions against Russia, which has become the complete opposite of our community and the most anti-European power in the world. It is the constant strengthening of sanctions that will not allow the terrorist state to adapt and find new ways of ensuring its terror. A new, ninth sanctions package of the European Union is needed, new world sanctions against Russia for terror – immediately after limiting export prices for Russian energy resources.

    It will be right if we prevent Russia’s key terrorist plan and provide Ukraine with full protection of the sky. When Russian missiles, Iranian drones, and any other instruments of terror fail to reach their intended targets, Russia will have to do what we need, namely, follow our Peace Formula.

    We can ensure this! But for this, Ukraine needs to be provided with a sufficient number and quality of air defense and missile defense systems. With a sufficient weight of defense and financial support. The terrorist state must see that it stands no chance.

    Since 2013 and until today, Ukrainians, with the support of our friends, have demonstrated that nothing is impossible for us when we are truly united and defend our unconditional values. So, let’s maintain our unity! And let’s fight for freedom!

    I thank all of you for your support!

    Long live freedom!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Letter to Joe Biden – the US President

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Letter to Joe Biden – the US President

    The letter made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 20 November 2022.

    Your Excellency!

    Please accept my most sincere congratulations on Your anniversary!

    You have dedicated Your life to serving the ideals of democracy. Your political activity is an example for many generations of politicians. For Ukraine, You are the leader of the free world, who consolidates international efforts aimed at protecting the fundamental values ​​of freedom and justice.

    Allow me to express gratitude for everything You are doing to support Ukraine in the most difficult and defining moment of our history.

    Your decisions help save people`s lives and bring closer our joint victory in the war against a cruel aggressor.

    It is extremely important for us that the United States of America and You personally stand with us in this extremely difficult time.

    Mr. President, I wish You and Your family good health, further success in Your responsible work, as well as peace and prosperity to the American people.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the International Organization of La Francophonie

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the International Organization of La Francophonie

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 20 November 2022.

    Dear friends!

    Dear leaders!

    I want to tell you now about a typical day in our country. Unfortunately, typical… And not through our fault. A day of this week.

    Ask yourself: what have you been busy with this Tuesday? What were you worried about? What did you feel?

    For Ukraine, this Tuesday is almost a hundred missile strikes. A hundred different missiles against our cities. Against residential buildings. Against enterprises. Against power plants.

    Do you know what this missile strike is? It’s more than 20 million people without electricity. Such was the damage to the power system, such was the urgent emergency shutdown. The reactors at two of our nuclear power plants also shut down due to missile damage to the energy industry.

    Ladies and Gentlemen!

    You all know what a terrible war Russia is waging against Ukraine. You all know how we want to restore peace. All of you could hear what we have to offer for this. The Ukrainian peace formula is very clear, and each of its points has been thoroughly worked out.

    Radiation and nuclear safety. Food security. Energy security. Release of all prisoners and deportees. Implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the world order. Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities. Restoring justice. Countering ecocide. Prevention of escalation. Fixing the end of the war.

    Each of these points are specific decisions, what needs to be done for security. Russian aggression will not simply stop – stability and predictability will be restored for everyone in the world. That is why our formula for peace is a formula for peace for the world.

    And I suggest to all leaders, to all conscientious countries, to choose the element of the peace formula that you can help us implement.

    Ukraine really wants peace. But in order to restore peace, we need support. That is why I am turning to you now.

    Ukraine always helps. Dozens of countries in the world, whose security directly depends on cooperation with Ukraine, know this for sure.

    This year it was confirmed again. When Russia blocked the Black Sea and our ports, hundreds of millions of people in various countries found themselves on the brink of an acute food crisis. When we managed to restore our exports and return millions of tons of Ukrainian agricultural products to the food market, a sense of stability finally began to appear.

    That is why it is so important that we stop Russian aggression. This is not just about our country, which Russia is trying to take over. It’s not just about our land and resources that Russia wants to appropriate.

    It’s about something more. About stability for everyone in the world. This is about our common radiation safety – so that not a single Russian missile hits our nuclear power plants. This is about our common energy security – so that the destabilization of energy markets, which Russia uses as a weapon, finally stops. This is about our common food security – so that people have basic food on their tables. Peace in Ukraine is peace for you too.

    Today is the 270th day of the full-scale war. Russia used more than 4,700 missiles. Hundreds of our cities are simply burned. Thousands of people died. Hundreds of thousands were forcibly deported to Russia. Millions left Ukraine for other countries, fleeing the war.

    We have to stop it. We must stop Russian aggression.

    I always say this: the return of peace is possible! But it is possible when everyone in the world understands that no one in the world deserves a single day of terror.

    Thank you for your attention!

    Thank you for your support!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rishi Sunak honour memory of Ukrainian defenders [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rishi Sunak honour memory of Ukrainian defenders [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 November 2022.

    President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the UK Rishi Sunak, who is visiting our country, honored the memory of Ukrainian defenders and visited the exhibition of destroyed Russian equipment.

    The leaders laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance of those who died for Ukraine near St. Michael’s Cathedral and honored the memory of Ukrainian soldiers with a moment of silence.

    The Prime Minister of the UK also brought a lamp to the memorial sign to the victims of the Holodomor of 1932-1933, located in Mykhailivska Square.

    After that, Zelenskyy and Sunak visited the exhibition of the destroyed military equipment of the Russian occupiers, presented in Mikhailivska Square.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s actions confirm need for European Parliament to adopt resolution designating Russia as state sponsor of terrorism – Ihor Zhovkva [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Russia’s actions confirm need for European Parliament to adopt resolution designating Russia as state sponsor of terrorism – Ihor Zhovkva [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 19 November 2022.

    Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with a delegation of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament led by its Co-President Terry Reintke. The delegation also included members of the German Bundestag and the Parliament of Finland.

    The main focus of the meeting was on joint efforts to counter Russian armed aggression against Ukraine.

    Zhovkva briefed the members of the European Parliament in detail on the scale and consequences of Russia’s massive strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine, which have already become a tradition for the aggressor country.

    “This behavior of Russia is a direct justification for the need for the European Parliament to adopt a resolution designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. And this decision should be made next week,” he said.

    The deputy head of the President’s Office noted the efforts of the Greens/EFA Group in securing strong support of Ukraine from the European Parliament. The lobbying for a number of important initiatives in the parliament and among European countries by the MEPs of the group, aimed at conducting a proper investigation of Russian war crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine, creating a special tribunal to hold the leadership and citizens of Russia to account, as well as developing a mechanism for compensating by the Russian Federation for all damages caused to Ukraine due to the full-scale invasion, deserve special attention.

    “We are waiting for the European Union to expand financial assistance for Ukraine, and we are counting on your support for the provision of macro-financial assistance of EUR 18 million for 2023,” Zhovkva said.

    The parties coordinated further joint efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, as well as the participation of European countries in the rapid reconstruction and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Halifax International Security Forum

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the Halifax International Security Forum

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 19 November 2022.

    Dear friends!

    Maybe most of the discussions at this year`s forum will address one question – how to end the Russian war.

    But I will ask you to formulate a more precise question – how to restore real and just peace.

    Simply the end of the war does not guarantee peace. Russia is now looking for a short truce – a respite to regain strength. Someone may call this the war`s end. But such a respite will only worsen the situation.

    Any voiced ideas of our land`s concessions or of our sovereignty cannot be called peace. Immoral compromises will lead to new blood.

    A truly real, long-lasting and honest peace can only be the result of the complete demolition of Russian aggression.

    There are 10 items in the Ukrainian Peace Formula. These are challenges which should be overcome for the sake of security of Ukraine, Europe and the world. This is the Peace Formula for the world.

    Ukraine proposed precisely such a Peace Formula. I presented it to the UN General Assembly and the G20 Summit. And I am asking you to help us implement this formula! This is the only way to real peace.

    First item is radiation and nuclear safety. The second one is food security. The third is energy security. The fourth is the release of all war prisoners and deportees. The fifth is the implementation of the UN Charter and the restoration of our territorial integrity and world order. The sixth is the pull out of Russian troops and the end of hostilities. The seventh is the restoration of justice, namely the Tribunal for those guilty of aggression crime, and – damages compensation. The eighth is countering ecocide. Ninth are the security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent escalation. And the tenth is the confirmation of the war`s end.

    What is the goal of such approach?

    We emphasize on all of the elements of Russian aggression, and offer our partners to demolish all aspects of aggression together with us in order to provide security. That is something where each of our partners can show their leadership.

    We have already succeeded in some things, for example, we extended the grain export initiative and offer a new humanitarian initiative – Grain From Ukraine to enhance food security.

    In the same way, we can go step by step in other items of our Peace Formula.

    I suggest you, dear Forum participants, to choose the possible leadership options for your countries. Each item of our Peace Formula has the proposals for particular solutions. Please choose which item you can help with.

    I believe that Canada, which strongly supports us, will also choose one of the Peace Formula items for itself and will show all the strength of its leadership.

    I assure you that peace is possible! But for it to exist, we must make impossible Russian aggression – all of its elements.

    Let it happen! Let there be peace!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : African countries saw how Russia blocked the Black Sea and began to support Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with Irish students [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : African countries saw how Russia blocked the Black Sea and began to support Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with Irish students [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 November 2022.

    After Russia blocked the export of grain from the ports of the Black Sea region, the countries of the African continent began to gradually change their attitude towards the Russian Federation and direct the political vector to support Ukraine. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a conversation with the student community of Ireland.

    “Today, gradually, country by country, the states of the African continent are beginning to understand what happened. That they were misinformed. That Russia is truly an aggressor, that it does not respect freedom, does not support life, but does the opposite. Several countries have appeared on the African continent that support us, and we can see this from the results of voting for resolutions,” said the Head of State.

    He recalled the results of voting for the UN General Assembly resolution on supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemning Russia’s aggression against our state.

    “There was record support for Ukraine, condemnation of Russia’s aggression. More than 140 countries. African countries appeared among them. And that’s great,” stated Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Also, according to him, some African countries for the first time demonstrated support at the diplomatic stage of the Crimea Platform aimed at the de-occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.

    According to the President, such a change in the attitude of a number of African countries took place after Russia began blocking the export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea.

    “African countries saw how Russia completely disgracefully blocked the Black Sea. It blocked the supply of grain – wheat, corn – from Ukraine to the African continent… And when countries began to see it, when the societies of some countries began to feel it, they began to open their eyes,” said the Head of State.

    At the same time, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that there are still some African countries that, at the level of leaders, see neither the destructive actions of Russia nor the help of Ukraine, which has initiated programs to support countries suffering from the food crisis.

    “There are countries to which we sent ships with grain. We really help them. We really made a corridor in the Black Sea together with the UN. And now ships have departed with wheat, and some African states do not see this at the political level,” the President noted.

    According to the Head of State, this is happening, in particular, due to the powerful influence of Russian propaganda and disinformation, which has been spreading on the African continent for the past 30 years. At the same time, there were no developed relations between Ukraine and African countries for many years.

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that currently one of the key tasks for Ukraine and for him personally is the unification of the whole world, including African countries, in order to put pressure on Russia to stop its aggression on Ukrainian territory.

    “Help in the UN is very important for us as well – it is political and diplomatic help. Assistance in voting and supporting relevant resolutions. And here we desperately need the support of the African Union and the countries of the African continent,” said the President.

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the University Community of Ireland

    Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the University Community of Ireland

    The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 18 November 2022.

    Dear friends!

    Mr. Minister, Mr. President, dear students!

    I am glad to see you!

    While preparing for this meeting, I learned that Russia has recently imposed sanctions against 52 political figures of your country.

    And for what? For the fact that your country supports European efforts to end Russian terror and to revive international law.

    Of course, the restrictions imposed by Russia do not particularly affect anything. This is more of a propaganda thing, so that on Russian television they can lie that Russia is allegedly capable of something in diplomacy.

    But after seeing this message about your 52 politicians, I remembered another number – 52, and a recent one too. And also the one that is related to sanctions.

    As you know, the summit of the countries with the largest economies just took place in Indonesia. And the participants of the summit agreed on a joint declaration – exactly 52 points. Quite meaningful – they reflect many existing global problems.

    Formally, Russia also supported the declaration, but in reality, it violates most of the things contained in the declaration. And some of the acute global problems that the “twenty” declares to solve are deliberately created by Russia.

    That is, after carefully reading these 52 points of the Bali Declaration, you can see why international pressure on Russia, particularly sanctions, should be not only maintained, but also intensified. Russia continues to destroy international relations and people’s lives, and pretends that it is fighting against this destabilization together with everyone.

    This is from the fourth point of the declaration: “It is important to uphold international law and the multilateral system that guarantees peace and stability… Today’s era must not be an era of war.”

    And this is when Russia mobilized all resources to not only turn our time into a time of war, but to become the largest terrorist state in history.

    Point five of the declaration – Russia says that it will allegedly, together with others, take measures to promote energy stability and market stability.

    And at the same time, when this summit in Indonesia is still going on, Russia is carrying out a missile attack against our country. Almost a hundred missiles – specifically against the energy sphere. Another missile attack the next day. And not only against power plants, but also against gas production facilities. This is energy stability in Russian.

    The thirteenth point of the Bali Declaration is about combating climate change. Russia allegedly confirms the protection of the natural environment, but it has already destroyed almost three million hectares of forests in our country with its aggression! They were burned by shelling. And this is only one of thousands of crimes committed by Russia against the environment.

    Point 22 of the declaration – “Countries will make every effort for timely access to vaccines, therapeutic and diagnostic tools.”

    And in fact, hundreds of hospitals were destroyed by Russian shelling. In most of the territory occupied by Russia, there is no access to medicine at all. Even to the simplest medicines, to surgical operations, to insulin… And this is in Europe. In 2022.

    And this is the case for almost all 52 points of the Bali Declaration. You read and see the scale of Russia’s lies and that it is now the biggest threat to the world.

    I will add point 44. It specifically states: “Access to education is a human right and a key tool for inclusive and sustainable economic recovery.”

    Do you know how many educational institutions in Ukraine the Russian army destroyed in 9 months of war? 2,719 were shelled, and 332 were completely destroyed. These are universities, schools…

    Dear friends!

    Russian aggression does not stop for a single day. Just as Russian lies to the world never stop. Therefore, for all this, the international pressure on Russia should not stop for a single day. And this can be done not only by politicians, but also by everyone at their own level.

    Of course, new sanctions should be applied against Russia. It is effective. A new European sanctions package is needed. Please defend this need at the pan-European level.

    We must be active in spreading the truth about the war and the crises provoked by it. This is something that all of you can definitely do. Please talk about what is happening and find a format convenient for you to support honest media or bloggers who cover global affairs and, in particular, Russian aggression.

    And please look for specific projects that can help our defense and our people. The more collective efforts are made, the sooner we will force Russia to leave the territory of Ukraine and fulfill its obligations to the world.

    Thank you for your attention!

    Thank you for your support, Ireland!

    Glory to Ukraine!

  • PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Ramaphosa of South Africa [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Rishi Sunak meeting with President Ramaphosa of South Africa [November 2022]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 23 November 2022.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to Downing Street today for a bilateral meeting and working ministerial lunch, as part of the South Africa State Visit.

    The Prime Minister opened the meeting by noting the significance of this State Visit, as both his first and the first for His Majesty The King. The leaders hailed the deep and historic ties between the UK and South Africa and agreed that this generation must take the partnership between our nations to the next level, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth.

    On trade, they discussed bolstering cooperation on green hydrogen and sustainable infrastructure, building on the Just Energy Transition Partnership, as well as opportunities to increase exports and access for services. They welcomed new collaboration on cutting-edge science and technology, with the Prime Minister highlighting the Square Kilometre Array intergovernmental radio telescope project as an exciting example of global innovation.

    The leaders also confirmed new bilateral agreements on health and education, which will ensure that the UK and South Africa are working together to improve pandemic preparedness and upskill young people for the jobs of the future.

    The Prime Minister and President Ramaphosa welcomed the opportunity to meet as part of this historic State Visit and agreed their ministers would take away a number of actions to drive the UK-South Africa relationship forward.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government to bring forward amendments to Legacy Bill following months of engagement [November 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government to bring forward amendments to Legacy Bill following months of engagement [November 2022]

    The press release issued by the Department for Northern Ireland Office on 23 November 2022.

    The UK Government has announced its intention to bring forward amendments to legislation seeking to address the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

    In recent months, the Government has engaged extensively with stakeholders, including victims and survivors in Northern Ireland. The Government has now confirmed it will introduce amendments at Lords Committee Stage that seek to address many of the concerns raised.

    The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, which has its Second Reading in the House of Lords today (Wednesday 23 November), seeks to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans, while helping society to look forward.

    The Government amendments will:

    • Confirm that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR) established by the legislation will be able to conduct criminal investigations where it judges that to be appropriate.
    • Ensure that individuals who knowingly or recklessly provide false information to the ICRIR can be prosecuted and have their immunity revoked.
    • Disapply the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 for individuals who choose not to tell the Commission what they know and are then convicted of an offence so that they face a full, rather than reduced, sentence.
    • Increase the fine for non-compliance with the Commission.
    • Strengthen the Commission’s independence by making clear that the Secretary of State should consult individuals before appointing the Chief Commissioner.

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said:

    The UK Government understands how important addressing the legacy of the past is for Northern Ireland, and is determined to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles, including victims and survivors, as well as veterans.

    I have been clear that the Government would consider changes to this Bill seriously. The changes announced today reflect the significant engagement that has taken place on the Bill, and seek to address concerns that have been raised by many stakeholders.

    I also recognise that, even with these changes, this Bill will remain challenging for many, and that concerns will remain. The Government remains absolutely committed to constructive engagement with all interested parties on these concerns, and how they might be addressed, as the Bill continues its passage through Parliament.

    He added: “We must also recognise that a perfect solution to such an intractable  issue is not attainable, and work constructively towards the best possible solution that works for those most impacted by the Troubles and helps society to look forward.