A splinter group of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) has indicated that it may hand over weapons to disarmament officials in the near future. Although the motives of the INLA have been called into question, this still comes as a great sign of progress for Northern Ireland; although a truce was called nearly twelve years ago the violence between feuding parties did not cease entirely. The IRA was disarmed but splinter groups continued activity; earlier this year those associated with another IRA splinter group, the Real IRA, gunned down British soldiers on a base outside of Belfast.

The conflict between Catholics and Protestants in the country, as well as between those identifying as British and those identifying as Irish escalated in the 1970’s. Tensions between the two sides resulted in bombings, shootings and other violent acts by both sides. Between 1970 and 1997 the IRA killed 1775 people.

Paramilitary groups on both sides were not solely targeting other paramilitary members or politicians. Schools and churches also suffered damage and vandalism. In early 2009 daycares and schools in the Belfast area were just beginning to remove the barbed wire fencing from entrances and metal window bars.

The INLA was founded in 1974 as a result of internal feuding in the IRA and they tried to upstage and overtake the IRA. At least 110 people were killed by INLA sanctioned violent acts between its conception and the truce of 1998. Since the truce however two dozen people have been injured or killed by acts of the INLA.

One of the most well-known actions by the INLA is the assassination of the Northern Ireland advisor to Margaret Thatcher, Airey Neave, on Parliament grounds in London. The group also bombed a disco frequented by British Troops in 1982, killing 17 and wounding 30 others.

After close to 30 years of violence, the Irish and British Government, and feuding Protestant and Catholic parties including the IRA, reached a peace agreement. The Good Friday Agreement has led to the disarmament of the IRA, and a Catholic-Protestant government in the country. The level of violence has also greatly diminished. A peace wall divides Belfast with Catholics living primarily on one side and Protestants on the other. Inscribed on the wall are messages of peace and murals dedicated to lives lost or hopes for the future.

Although the INLA’s proclamation of disarmament can be viewed as great progress, there is still concern from many that it is all talk and won’t be followed by action. Former IRA Member and current Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams openly questioned whether the INLA would be able to commit to non-violence but said of the INLA statement “If it is followed by the actions that are necessary, this is a welcome development.” British and Irish security officials also expressed the opinion that they need to see action to see whether the proclamation will prove to be true.

Canadian General John de Chastelain is the leader of an international commission responsible for the disarmament of underground armies operating in both parts of Ireland. He has played an invaluable role in achieving peace in the country.

Every February a group of approximately fifteen students from Saint Mary’s University travel to Northern Ireland to work as part of a Peaceful Schools International initiative in Belfast. Students from SMU work to teach children conflict resolution skills such as how to empathize with others.