Stormont unveils memorial honouring and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse

Pictured at the at the unveiling of the Historical Institutional Abuse memorial plaque in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings are First Minister Michelle O’Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, NI Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots and Fiona Ryan, Commissioner for Survivors of Institutional Childhood Abuse.

A permanent memorial now stands at Stormont to honour the victims and survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse — a visible acknowledgement of decades of suffering and a solemn reminder of the State’s duty to protect children.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly unveiled a memorial plaque on Friday (February 20) at Parliament Buildings in recognition of all those who endured abuse in residential institutions over many decades.

The plaque fulfils the final recommendation of the Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, chaired by Sir Anthony Hart. Its installation marks a significant milestone in the long campaign for truth, acknowledgement and accountability.

The Historical Institutional Abuse memorial plaque unveiled in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Belfast

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Minister said:

“Today we honour the victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse and acknowledge the profound wrong done to children who should have been protected and cared for. What happened was never their fault.

“This memorial stands as a permanent acknowledgement of those failures by individuals, organisations and the State, who had a duty to protect children. The wording of the plaque reflects the voices of victims and survivors, whose courage in speaking out made this possible.”

The deputy First Minister added:

“Victims and survivors have courageously shared their experiences and brought truth into the open. Their voices have shaped this memorial and continue to guide how we acknowledge the past and protect children today.

“We remember those who did not live to see recognition, and we remain committed to listening to survivors and ensuring their experiences help build a safer future for every child.”

Victims and survivors, representative groups and families of those who are no longer living attended the unveiling ceremony at Stormont.

For many, the moment represented not only remembrance, but the formal fulfilment of a key recommendation designed to ensure that what happened is publicly recognised and never forgotten.

The memorial now stands as both acknowledgement and warning — a testament to those who spoke out, and a lasting commitment to safeguarding future generations.