PRESS RELEASE

28 March 2013

 

FRESH APPEAL FOR INFORMATION ON THE DISAPPEARED

Easter Week saw the holding of the Annual Memorial Service for the Families of the Disappeared in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. The Service was attended by families of those victims whose remains have been returned to them, as well as those families who still await final closure.

Speaking after the service, Cardinal Brady chose to launch a fresh appeal for further information from anyone who can help with the location of remains of the disappeared.

He said ‘The death of a loved one is always a heartbreaking time for those left behind, but when your loved one is taken away as these victims were without any trace, the pain is almost too much to bear. Every person is entitled to a full Christian burial, and every family is entitled to closure and be thankful that their loved has finally been laid to rest. So this Easter I would appeal to anyone who may have any information – no matter how small or insignificant they think it is – to contact the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains. Without your help, the remaining families will continue to suffer unnecessary pain.’

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) welcomed the Cardinal’s Easter Appeal and confirmed once again that every possible lead and fresh piece of information is being investigated by a dedicated team who are committed to doing all they can to bring closure to the families and find the remains of their loved ones.

Following the Service, Co-Commissioner, Frank Murray commented: "Once again we are gathered here to pray that those who have any information regarding the whereabouts of the bodies of the ‘Disappeared’ will come forward. This is important for families who want to give a Christian burial and bring them the peace of laying their loved ones to rest. We hope that Cardinal Brady’s appeal will strike a chord with those who hold any information.’

 

Note to Editors:

The Disappeared confidential international telephone free phone number is 00800 555 85500. The PO Box address is ICLVR, PO Box 10827, Dublin 2.

The Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) was established in 1999 to take receipt of information on the whereabouts of the Disappeared and facilitate the location of victim’s remains. The Commission cannot use any information it receives to bring about a prosecution."