The human rights organisation issued a statement ahead of Friday’s Northern Ireland Court of Appeal ruling in the Dillon case concerning the previous UK government’s controversial legacy law.

The Northern Ireland High Court previously held that the controversial Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 2 of the the Windsor Framework.

While the new government announced on taking office in July that it would no longer appeal the part of the ruling concerning the ECHR, it is appealing the court’s interpretation of Article 2 of the Windsor Framework.

The government is also defending ICRIR in a cross-appeal taken by victims who challenge its human rights compatibility.

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty’s Northern Ireland deputy director, said: “This is an absolutely critical case for rights protections, which has implications far beyond the issue of legacy. We await the court’s findings.

“Victims of the Troubles have waited for decades to get the truth they deserve for their loved ones, the opportunity to finally get this right for victims is now. Government must not squander it.

“It’s concerning that, in recent weeks, we’ve seen the Secretary of State encourage victims to the ICRIR, a deeply flawed body created and curated by the last government.

“Rather than try to prop up the legacy body by stating he will address its independence and powers, he should instead follow through with Labour’s commitment to repeal and the replace the Act — and do this without qualification.

“The Secretary of State should heed that the ICRIR is irreparably toxic and tainted. No amount of creative spin can disguise the very small numbers engaging with it.

“Repeal of the Troubles Act should be full and fast by the new government. The previous package of legacy measures should be swiftly restored and must include inquests for all entitled to them, not limited to those whose inquests were halted.

“The roadmap for replacing the Troubles Act already exists in the Stormont House Agreement. This must be the foundation on which to build.”

Martina Dillon, whose husband Seamus was shot and killed outside the Glengannon Hotel in Dungannon on 27 December 1997, said: “The inquest that was underway in my husband’s case, was critical to bringing my family closer to the truth we’ve been fighting for. Inquests have shown they can be an effective mechanism for getting truth.

“I don’t think the Secretary of State should be directing victims to a body he should clearly see there are problems with.

“Anything short of the return of my inquest is unacceptable. Others who need inquests should have access to them too.

“Labour said they would repeal and replace the Act so they should do just that — not tinker round the edges.

“I want my inquest re-established, and for the State to ensure that the Coroner has access to all relevant material and can use it to ensure I get the truth I’m entitled to.”