The Parades issue is often seen as a microcosm of the wider political problems which have affected Northern Ireland. Over the past few years violence associated with disputed parades has led to a considerable increase in tension between the communities.

The right to assemble peacefully and hold processions is a long established avenue for groups to articulate concern or express solidarity, and is protected both by common law and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). By far the largest proportion of parades each year (over 75%) is organised by the Protestant and Unionist community, and in particular the ‘Loyal Orders’ (i.e. Orange Order, Apprentice Boys and the Royal Black Preceptory)

Most take place during the ‘Marching Season’ which runs from Easter to September with the climax during July and August. A high proportion of the parades are held on the same route over many years and are regarded by the Protestant community as traditional.

Nationalists also hold parades; the majority of what would be regarded as contentious parades are organised on the Protestant/Unionist side. In 1997 a total of some 2831 parades were notified, of which 19 were re-routed and disorder occurred at 3.

In response to the serious public disorder which surrounded the Orange Order’s march at Drumcree in Portadown in the Summer of 1996 and the strong feelings which surrounds the parades issue , the former Secretary of State announced the establishment of an independent review of parades and marches Dr. Peter North of Oxford University.

The resulting report recognised neither a right to march anywhere regardless of the consequences nor a veto for local residents and called for ‘reasonable proportionality’ in the balancing of conflicting rights. The key to resolving the Parades issue is local accommodation and agreement.

The Government subsequently brought forward legislation to implement the main recommendations of the North Report. The Report recommended that an independent Parades Commission be established to help to promote mediation and local agreement in respect of contentious parades. It also recommended that the that the Commission should take over from the police the legal power to re-route and set other conditions for parades, on the basis of statutory criteria enlarged to include the impact of contentious parades on community relations.

The Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 became legislation on 16 February 1998. An explanation on the legislation and the obligations it places , both on the organisers of parades and those who wish to protest against the parades isset out in the Guide to the Public Processions Act.

The Parades Commission was first set up , on a non statutory basis in March 1997. As a statutory body the composition of the Parades Commission was announced on 24 February 1998 with subsequent appointments on 16 February 2000.

Parades Commission

•Parades Commission Review Findings and Appointments, 16 February 2000

•Invitation for Applicants for the Parades Commission, 8 October 1999

•Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Sets Out Policy on Parades on Northern Ireland

•Secretary of State Announces New Public Order Rules on Parades

•Secretary of State - Reaction to Parades Commission Determination, 29 June 1998

• New Members of the Parades Commission Announced, 9 June 1998

• Parades Commission Resignations, 23 April 1998

• Appointments of the Parades Commission: Statement by the Northern Ireland Secretary, 24 February 1998

• Members of the Parades Commission Announced, 24 February 1998

• A Guide to the Public Processions Bill

North Report

• New Arrangements for Parades: Statement by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam

• Government Considers Responses to North Report Consultation
  
• Government Acts To Implement North Report Recommendations
• Statement by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the Report of Independent Review of Parades and Marches
• Chairman for Review of Parades and Marches in Northern Ireland Announced, 31 July 1996
• Review of Parades and Marches in Northern Ireland, 24 July 1996

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