Memory, Truth and Justice: Understanding the Experience of Victims of Terrorism and Political Violence: The Cases of the United Kingdom and Spain

Abstract

The issue of victimhood has suffered comparative neglect by scholars interested in the study of terrorism and political violence. Traditionally, it has been the actions of violent groups and the response to them by the state that have tended to attract academic attention. More recently for governments whose populations have suffered protracted campaigns of violence perpetrated by sub-state armed groups, the protection of those affected has become a policy priority. However in order to provide appropriate assistance to victims of terrorism and political violence, a detailed and nuanced understanding of the social, personal and political needs of these individuals and their families is necessary.

With a view to developing our understanding of the needs of victims of terrorism and political violence, this chapter will examine the social and political needs of these individuals and their families. In attempting to conceptualise these needs, the importance of context cannot be underestimated therefore this paper focuses specifically on the case of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland (NI) as well as Spain, more specifically, the Basque Country. Using the analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with both victims and representatives from victims’ groups in both countries, this contribution will specifically explore the key themes emergent from the data of memory, truth and justice.

Keywords: memory; truth; justice; victims