Protest
The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) formed in February 1967, was an umbrella organisation involving people ranging from Communist party members to middle-class students at Queen’s University Belfast. Members were both Catholic and Protestant. The aims of the movement included ‘One man One Vote’ in council elections, the end of the Special Powers Act, and the end of gerrymandering.
Back to ExhibitionThe civil rights movement was significant because it acted as a catalyst that empowered people to question and challenge the social and economic conditions in which they were living. After the Troubles began, the issues of internment and the heavy-handed approach of the British army became civil rights concerns. The Peace People movement was formed in 1976, a year when nearly 300 people were killed. This was not the last time there would be rallies for peace, as calls for an end to the violence occurred throughout the years of conflict.
Also in 1976, Secretary of State Merlyn Rees ended Special Category Status for those convicted of paramilitary offences. This led to a wave of protests within HMP Maze and the compounds known as Long Kesh, beginning with the blanket protest, then a dirty protest and finally hunger strikes. Disputes over Orange Order parades erupted into protest in 1995 at Drumcree, and continued to be a contentious issue, particularly during marching season. After the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement was signed, expressions of identity and culture continued to be at the core of many protests, including the flag flying at City Hall, both opposition and support for the Irish Language Act and Brexit.