Background Information:

Political context
Northern Ireland is emerging from more than 30 years of conflict or The Troubles. Over 3,000 citizens have died as a result of violence. On 10 April 1998, The Belfast / Good Friday Agreement was signed at Stormont Buildings in Belfast. This agreement allowed for the setting up of an Assembly for Northern Ireland to elect and be governed by its own politicians. This devolution replaced the system of direct rule from Westminster. The time since the signing of the agreement has become known as 'The Peace Process' but there is still disagreement as to whether or not the 'Peace Process' is working. Not all political parties supported the agreement and there have been many problems in putting all its requirements into practice, especially those regarding weapons disposal and changes to policing.

New Institutions
The Belfast / Good Friday Agreement also allowed for the setting up of other bodies, including The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. These statutory organisations were given specific tasks including creating proposals for Equality Legislation and a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. Both these initiatives were to help society in Northern Ireland rebuild and transform after its conflict.

Crime and Punishment
There have been important reviews of the Criminal and Justice system including proposals to change the ways in which young people who commit offences are treated. Instead of being prosecuted and sentenced, Youth Justice Conferencing is being trialled in parts of Northern Ireland. Young offenders are offered alternative ways of making up for a crime they have committed. It can involve attending a conference to hear about the effects of their crime, apologising to the victim, making payment for damage, carrying out community service, etc. All of these are based around ideas that are known as Restorative Justice. These ideas are found in the justice systems of many ancient civilisations including Native American Indians and the Aboriginal tribes of Australia.

Belfast and Interface areas
One of the consequences of The Troubles was the reduction of 'mixed communities'. Violence and intimidation meant that people of the same religion tended to feel safer living together. In Belfast and in other areas this resulted in very segregated housing where whole areas would be clearly seen as either Catholic or Protestant. Interfaces are where streets or areas of segregated housing meet. Violence often happens at interface areas.