Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LAUNDRIES VICTIMS TO HAVE THEIR SAY Academics to gather evidence on harrowing years in institutions
VICTIMS of Magdalene laundries and mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland are finally getting the chance to tell their story.
Academics are to compile their accounts for research commissioned by Stormont following calls for a public inquiry.
Women who lived in the laundries were excluded from the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry which dealt with children’s institutions.
But Amnesty International’s Patrick Corrigan fears the latest research will take the place of an inquiry.
He said: “Women from these homes in Northern Ireland told Amnesty International they suffered arbitrary detention, forced labour, ill treatment, and the removal and forced adoption of their babies – criminal acts in both domestic and international law.
“In 2013 Amnesty submitted a briefing paper to the Northern Ireland Executive supporting the case for a public inquiry into abuses in these institutions. While the Irish Government set up a Commission of Investigation into mother and baby homes in the Republic in 2014, sadly Stormont has swept aside victims’ calls for an inquiry in Northern Ireland.
“Serious allegations of abuse must be met with investigations with the necessary hallmarks of independence, effectiveness and transparency.”
The research will examine the operation of homes for unwed pregnant mothers and their babies as well as laundries between 1922 and 1999. The
INSTITUTIONS ON THE LIST
Good Shepherd Sisters on Ormeau Rd (Marianville), Belfast. Operating 1840s1990s
Good Shepherd Sisters (Marianvale), Newry, 1900-1980s/ 90s
Good Shepherd Sisters, Derry. Closed in the 1980s
Mater Dei Hostel, Belfast. 1940s-80s/90s
Belfast Midnight Mission/ Malone Place Rescue and Maternity Home, Department of Health said it has been commissioned to fulfil a decision made by the last Stormont Executive.
It will be carried out by academics from Queen’s and the University of Ulster, looking into at least 13 organisations.
An inter-departmental working group has also been set up. It will be chaired by Norah Gibbons who has been involved in similar inquiries in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the past.
She said: “I see this research as the first step, but it’s up to the Government what
Belfast. Closed 1940s
Thorndale House (Salvation Army), Belfast. Closed 1980s/90s
Kennedy House, Belfast. Unknown Hopedene Hostel, Belfast. 1950s-80s/90s
Belfast Welfare Hostel, Belfast. 1940s-50s/60s
Coleraine Welfare Hostel. 1940s-50s/60s
Mount Oriel Hostel, Belfast. 1960s-80s Deanery Flatlets. 1970s-1980s Pre-1948 workhouses. 1838-1948 they do with it. The really important narrative here comes from the people who experienced it.
“I have heard the voices of many but I am not the expert. The experts are the women and I want to hear their voices.
“There are women who were in institutions and there are adults who were born in institutions. They will have evidence.
“If there are women out there who want to meet me I will facilitate that. “I am also looking to meet with the adult children.”
“But I also want to acknowledge it will be difficult for many. “None of us can underestimate what the cost of stepping up will be.”