An independent report has recommended that the British and Irish governments establish a formal mechanism to help paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland transition to disbandment. The report, authored by Dutch conflict resolution expert Fleur Ravensbergen, concludes there is "sufficient merit" in pursuing direct engagement with paramilitary organisations, provided strict conditions are met.

Ravensbergen was appointed last year to explore the merits of talks with paramilitary groups about disbandment. Over a 12-month period, she met representatives of loyalist and republican organisations, as well as victims' groups, community representatives, and policing bodies. She did not name specific individuals or groups due to confidentiality.

The report states that a transition mechanism should be developed jointly by the UK government and the Irish government without delay. Its purpose would be to provide a structured and accountable framework through which progress towards paramilitary group transition can be facilitated, monitored and verified.

Key conditions for any process include credible monitoring and verification of progress, a robust law enforcement and criminal justice response, and no financial rewards for paramilitary groups. Ravensbergen noted that no group she engaged with brought up direct financial payments or early release from prison as a condition of transition.

The report found "moderate but sufficient support" for a formal process among stakeholders, and "significant willingness to engage" among loyalist and republican paramilitary groups. However, there was limited support for the term "disbandment". Ravensbergen said objections appeared to be more about wording than substance, and that agreeing the process was more important than terminology.

Ravensbergen highlighted that paramilitary structures continue to cause harm in some communities, with increasing drug-related crime, extortion, illegal money-lending, and exploitation. She said the risks of persistent paramilitary structures and unmanaged fragmentation outweigh the risks of attempting a structured transition process. "Inaction is not a neutral option," she stated.

The report also recommends strengthening neighbourhood policing so officers can maintain a sustained focus on their core role, and calls for targeted initiatives to benefit young people in communities affected by paramilitary harm.

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant said he would take time to consider the report carefully and discuss it with the Irish government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and community and policing partners. He emphasised that ending paramilitarism is essential to improving lives, and that there is never any justification for violence or criminality.

Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said paramilitaries should disband immediately and have no place in society. She welcomed the report's emphasis on neighbourhood policing and support for young people, and said Sinn Féin would engage with both governments on the recommendations.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Pete Wray welcomed the report but stressed that any process must not legitimise paramilitary organisations. He said clear milestones, independent verification, and public reporting must underpin any mechanism, and that there must be no financial incentives or prisoner releases.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said there is no impediment preventing paramilitaries from disbanding immediately. She said the findings are for the two governments to consider in the first instance, but added that engagement must be grounded in a realistic view of the groups' motivations and capabilities.

Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police will not tolerate paramilitary criminality and will continue to target groups through the Paramilitary Crime Task Force.