First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced the appointment of Judith Thompson as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland. Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
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FIRST Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced the appointment of Judith Thompson as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors for Northern Ireland.

The new Commissioner has lived in Northern Ireland for 30 years and has experience of working with all sections of the community.

Welcoming the appointment the First Minister said: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Thompson as the new Commissioner for Victims and Survivors.

“The needs of victims and survivors are of paramount importance and we are determined that their voices continue to be heard and that their needs are met. Judith will play a critical role in providing professional, sensitive and needs focussed support to victims and survivors. I wish her well in her new post.”

The deputy First Minister said: “We are confident Judith will provide a strong independent voice for victims and survivors contributing to the development of policies to ensure their longer-term needs are addressed in a compassionate and considered way.

“This appointment is not just about dealing with the pain and bitterness of the past but ensuring tolerance, parity of esteem and mutual respect become the bedrock of a new shared future.”

The new Commissioner will take up post on 1 September 2015.