SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said that awarding the Freedom of Derry and Strabane to Jon McCourt is a fitting tribute to his work as a campaigner for victims of institutional abuse.
Mr Eastwood said that without the efforts of Mr McCourt and his fellow campaigners their suffering would never have been acknowledged and addressed.
SDLP councillors voted in favour of the motion to award Mr McCourt the Freedom of Derry.
Said the Foyle MP: “I congratulate Jon McCourt as he joins the handful of people who have been awarded the Freedom of Derry and Strabane for an outstanding contribution to life here.
“This recognition is tribute to his tireless work as a victims’ campaigner for many decades.
“I cannot begin to imagine what Jon and other victims of historical institutional abuse went through and am amazed that they found the strength to continue fighting for their ordeal to be acknowledged, despite the far too often unwillingness of the state to cooperate with them.
“Without the efforts of Jon and others what really went on in these institutions and the suffering caused would never have come to light.
“Jon is a shining example of standing up for what’s right, even when all the odds are against you and I hope that this award today goes some way to showing him how proud the people of Derry are of his efforts.”
SDLP Derry and Strabane Group Leader councillor Brian Tierney said: “The SDLP team on Derry City and Strabane District Council were delighted to support this motion to give Jon long overdue recognition for all his hard work, not only as a victims’ campaigner, but across our city where he is well known and respected.
“The Freedom of Derry is an important opportunity to show appreciation to people associated with our city who have achieved great things and Jon certainly belongs in that class.”
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