A LONG-time campaigner against the use of plastic bullets has been described as "a champion for justice and human rights", following his death on Saturday.
Jim McCabe, whose wife Norah was killed by a plastic bullet fired by the RUC in July 1981, died of natural causes.
The west Belfast man, who was in his early 70s, was one of the founders in 1985 of the United Campaign Against Plastic Bullets.
A mural remembering the 17 victims, including eight children killed by plastic bullets between 1973 and 1989, was unveiled on Islandbawn Street off the Falls Road last year.
Norah McCabe, (33) who was killed as she returned from the shops, died just 15 weeks after she had given birth to her third child on the morning of July 8 1981.
The RUC had claimed there was rioting in the area at the time following the death of IRA hunger striker Joe McDonnell.
However, a Canadian television crew captured the killing on camera, confirming first reports by the Irish News that the street was quiet at the time and there were no disturbances.
No one has ever been charged in connection with her death.
In an interview at the unveiling of the mural last year Mr McCabe told of concerns that despite the 17 deaths "these lethal bullets are still being used to this day. We are marching to call for these to be banned.”
Mr McCabe also previously spoke about the death of his wife and how some time later he first saw footage of the shooting.
West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said Mr McCabe and his family were devastated by his wife's death "but he immediately decided that he would do all in his power to get justice for his wife and the other victims of plastic bullets".
“He campaigned against the use of plastic bullets by British state forces and travelled the world to tell his story and that of the other victims of plastic bullets including children," Mr Maskey said.
“The years of campaigning took its toll on Jim and his family, but last year on the 40th anniversary on July 7th, they marked Nora’s death by unveiling a plaque in Linden Street in her memory.
“Today the McCabe family have lost their dad and grandad, the community of West Belfast have lost a champion for justice and human rights."
