Key Issues of the Irish American Unity Conference

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United Ireland

The Good Friday Agreement calls for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to schedule a referendum on Irish Unity “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.” The IAUC supports reunification and proudly co-signed a Friends of Sinn Féin statement which was published in the New York Times, Washington Post and other newspapers.

Legacy Issues

The Good Friday Agreement calls for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to schedule a referendum on Irish Unity “if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland.” The IAUC supports reunification and proudly co-signed a Friends of Sinn Féin statement which was published in the New York Times, Washington Post and other newspapers.

Proposed US/UK Trade Deal

One of the UK’s rationales for Brexit was the opportunity to negotiate a trade deal directly with the United States. The IAUC does not oppose a trade deal with the United Kingdom, in principle, but we believe that any trade deal should require that the UK first fully implement ALL provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, including resolving legacy issues and Irish Language Act. The IAUC insists that Congress incorporate these human rights protections into any US/UK trade deal.

Establishing a Truth Commission to Deal with the Legacy of the Past

We support the efforts of victims’ groups in Ireland and agree that the development of a Truth Commission, with full political support from the United States, is the best way to deal with the legacy of the past, begin to heal old wounds, and bring people together to build a future that is inclusive and just. It is our belief that grassroots, community-led initiatives, where victims’ rights are at the forefront, are essential to the security of a lasting peace and require international support to be most effective.

Supporting an Independent, International Finucane Inquiry

The IAUC unequivocally supports a full public, independent, international inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, as recommended by Judge Peter Cory. A failure to uncover the truth in this case undermines the British government’s commitment to basic democratic principles and human rights, while giving credence to the widespread perception that members of the security forces in the north of Ireland have been able to operate outside the law with impunity. The IAUC remains steadfast in its commitment to see that the British government live up to their commitment at Weston Park and ensure that the Finucane inquiry is allowed to proceed under terms agreeable to the Finucane family.

Brexit

The IAUC opposes any measure that could jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement. During Brexit negotiations, the United Kingdom proposed several strategies that would have imposed a trade barrier between north and south, which would require a “hard border”, contrary to the Good Friday Agreement. Ultimately, UK and the European Union agreed to the “Northern Ireland Protocol”, which placed the “border” in the Irish Sea, between Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Shortly after this protocol became international law, unionist politicians declared their opposition and the UK government have refused to implement it.

Transfer of Policing and Justice Powers

The IAUC believes that the issue of policing continues to be at the heart of many of the problems that politicians have been unable to resolve in the north of Ireland. Police agencies must respect all members of the community and all political parties.

Irish Language Task Force

The Irish language is at the center of the contemporary struggle for equality in the north of Ireland. Irish speakers continue to face discrimination and the need for rights-based Irish language legislation is greater than ever before. The IAUC believes that the Irish Language Act would provide many opportunities for the growth of the language and for the provision of services to current speakers. In addition, we fear that the lack of funding and support from the government has the potential to choke economic renewal opportunities in the growth of the tourism industry related to the Irish language. Please join us in promoting the Act and other endeavors in support of the rights of Irish language speakers in Ireland!

Campaign for a United Ireland

Since its establishment in 1983, the IAUC has been committed to the struggle for a united Ireland. Though we believe that involvement in each of our political campaigns will only lead us further down the road towards its realization, we are dedicated to the promotion of a united Ireland through education and the promotion of political debate.