Investigating and reviewing events from decades ago is extremely complex, where evidence is often lost, contaminated, or diminished over time. This applies in all jurisdictions and to all crimes. To seek the truth and provide information to victims and families is harder still when the events under investigation occurred during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, where opposing perspectives are common and where achieving the trust of all communities is critical. Kenova has shown that it can be done. It requires investigative drive and a complete commitment to victims and families.
Nine years after being established, this Final Report captures the experience of Kenova and the issues that have arisen as we pursued evidence and answers. Sir Iain Livingstone has been the Officer in Overall Command (OIOC) for the last two years and has had the opportunity to meet and listen to victims and families from the Troubles who consistently demonstrate dignity and grace in the face of appalling suffering from brutal terrorism, at times compounded by state failures to act legitimately or with empathy and care.
Kenova has from the outset put the interests of victims and families at the heart of its approach. We learned that an outcome through the criminal justice process may in fact not always be achievable or even what is desired. Kenova detectives prioritised listening and being responsive to questions unanswered for decades.
This authentic engagement with victims and families is a key factor which distinguishes Kenova and must be adopted if the reformed legacy arrangements are to succeed.