The purpose of the mechanism would be to provide a structured and accountable framework through which progress towards paramilitary group transition could be facilitated, monitored and verified.

It would consist of an authorised contact point, a common transition framework with structured transition arrangements common to all paramilitary groups who engage in the process and a monitoring, verifying and reporting mechanism as an indicator of progress.

This main recommendation would be supported by strengthening neighbourhood policing, improving PSNI recruitment and retention from underrepresented communities, building public trust in stop and search powers and investing in young people and communities most affected by paramilitarism.

The report is the culmination of the work undertaken by independent expert Fleur Ravensbergen since her joint appointment by the UK government and the Government of Ireland in September 2025 to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of paramilitary group transition to disbandment.

The publication of the report has been welcomed by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan who said: “I wish to thank Fleur Ravensbergen for bringing her wealth of international experience and expertise of conflict resolution to this important and complex issue, and to thank everyone who engaged with her over the past twelve months.

“Ending the scourge of paramilitary activity connected with Northern Ireland once and for all remains a fundamental priority for the Government. We jointly commissioned the report with the UK government to test whether a process of group transition could provide a credible pathway towards our collective goal of achieving a society free from paramilitarism and the harm that it causes.

“Ms Ravensbergen has concluded that the essential elements of a viable group transition process are present and her principal recommendation is that a formal group transition process be established through an independent and time-bound mechanism without delay. She recommends that the UK and Irish governments work together in the development of such a mechanism.

“In arriving at these conclusions, Ms Ravensbergen consulted widely in line with her terms of reference. I recognise the importance of civil society input to her deliberations, especially from victims and those whose daily lives are affected by the activities and influence of paramilitary groups, and the clear message that there can be no funding to paramilitary groups to transition.

“The report cautions that a formal process would not be without risk and that implementation would present challenges but makes clear that not taking this opportunity also carries risk including the continuing risk of harm to communities.

I now intend to consider the report’s conclusions and recommendations carefully together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Bryant.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said:  “Everybody in Northern Ireland has a right to live free from fear and intimidation. The continuing existence of paramilitary groups poses a direct threat to that right. While these groups may pose as protectors of their communities, they are largely engaged in criminality including drug dealing, extortion and intimidation, blighting the very communities they perversely claim to protect. Their continued influence is a stain on our collective conscience and in direct opposition to our shared aim of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Northern Ireland for everyone.

“This is why I am pleased to lay the independent expert Fleur Ravensbergen’s Report on Paramilitary Group Transition to Disbandment which identifies possible routes to end paramilitarism in Northern Ireland. This report was jointly commissioned with the Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration under the legislative framework of the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC). The Independent Expert was asked to carry out a short scoping exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment.

“As provided for in the Fresh Start Agreement, the UK Government is committed to ending paramilitarism once and for all. It was in this context that we appointed the independent expert. It is particularly relevant with two notable anniversaries this year, the 2006 St Andrews Agreement and the establishment of the Police Service for Northern Ireland in 2001. The anniversaries exemplify how far Northern Ireland has come, but the persistence of armed groups in communities clearly shows there is more that needs to be done, so no one should live in fear or suffer harm at the hands of these groups.

“I would like to thank Ms Ravensbergen for her extensive engagement and consideration of the issues as she carried out this exercise.

“The report contains a number of recommendations, which I will take time to carefully consider and discuss with the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, community and policing partners. The main recommendation, detailing a possible mechanism for transition of paramilitary groups, is clear that any process must be complementary to existing efforts and accompanied by a robust criminal justice response. It is evident from the report that the implementation of any process will face challenges and will need the support from across the political community in Northern Ireland. 

“Ending paramilitarism once and for all is essential to improving the lives of people in communities across Northern Ireland where these groups still hold influence. The UK Government remains resolute that there is never any justification for violence or criminality. Together with a strong criminal justice response, those communities who are held back by the harms perpetrated by paramilitary groups must be prioritised, and we will continue to support the Northern Ireland Executive in their efforts in this space.”

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee, added: “I want to extend my thanks to Fleur Ravensbergen for the work that she has done over the past 12 months and commend the commitment and care she has demonstrated in her engagements. I welcome this important report and look forward to working with the UK Government, together with my colleague Minister O’Callaghan, to take this report forward.

“Paramilitarism has no place in today’s society. Twenty eight years after the Good Friday Agreement, significant progress has been made. There can be no going back. This report is an important step forward in ensuring that communities across Northern Ireland can live free of paramilitarism and another step forward to ensuring lasting peace and reconciliation and the full promise of the Good Friday Agreement.”