Victims of historical abuse in Northern Ireland children's homes have begged post-election political leaders: "Don't let us down."
Following the publication of a report by the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry, victims said they were concerned that the current political crisis could delay implementation of the inquiry's recommendations for redress, including financial compensation of up to £100,000.
The region's power-sharing government collapsed earlier this month when Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister. A snap election will take place in March.
"I would remind the new leadership of politics in the north that, when we sat in the Executive around the table with Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in 2010, both of them promised us they would not let us down. Don't let us down now," said Jon McCourt, from the Northwest Survivors Group in Londonderry.
Mr McCourt added: "For some people it has been 30, 40, 50, 60 and in one case over 70 years, waiting (for redress).
"We need a government to get together to try and resolve this issue - which isn't exactly going to break the bank compared to some of the squandering that we have seen - to assist victims to move forward, to close this off. We want to get on with our lives."
Margaret McGuckin, of Savia (Survivors and Victims of Institutional Abuse), said she is relieved that she and other victims have finally been vindicated by the inquiry report.
"We have been vindicated this day. We are relieved, as young children who tried to complain about our abuse but nobody would listen, particularly religious orders and those devout Christians. People disbelieved us and even bullied us for daring to complain.
"And now Sir Anthony Hart (inquiry chairman) has made it a special day for us where he has believed us and vindicated us."
She added: "We are so sad there are people not here today, who passed away without getting any form of justice. But this is a special, special day for us and we remember those who have passed away. Our day has come. This is our day."
Amnesty International Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: "Today is a moment of truth and must be a catalyst for justice."
He urged the Northern Ireland Executive to "speedily put in place mechanisms to make reparation, including financial compensation, to all victims."
