Amnesty Internatonal statement re: Hurricane Katrina

The following is a press release from Amnesty International, issued yesterday:
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Ensure the safety of victims of Hurricane Katrina

Amnesty International today expressed deep concern over reports that victims of the hurricane that devastated New Orleans and surrounding areas were left for days in increasingly desperate and unsafe circumstances.

The organization called on authorities to urgently deploy adequate resources to ensure that all those now evacuted or who remain in need in the affected areas are protected from attacks and are provided with food, water, adequate shelter and appropriate medical care.

Noting that many victims were rendered especially vulnerable to the impact of the disaster due to prevailing conditions of poverty, Amnesty International further called for a full, independent inquiry into whether authorities could have done more to ensure the safety of the affected population, and what should be done to facilitate their recovery.

In addition to the authorities' failure to ensure that basic human rights such as adequate shelter, water, food and medical attention were provided to the degree and speed required in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the organization noted with concern reports that thousands left trapped in a convention center and other locations were preyed on by armed gangs, and risked being shot, knifed or raped.

The government's duty to protect includes securing the city and surrounding areas, as well as bringing the perpetrators of such crimes to justice. However, Amnesty International is concerned that a "shoot-to-kill" policy authorized by Louisiana's governor and reportedly implemented by security forces could lead to a disproportionate and unlawful use of lethal force. This may apply, for example, in the case of unarmed individuals described as "looters", some of whom may be trying to seek supplies to survive in the absence of aid.

Amnesty International urged that police firearms be deployed only in response to an immediate threat of death or serious injury that cannot be contained by lesser means, as required by international standards. All shootings must be rigorously and impartially investigated, with the results made public.

Authorities should also ensure that all those in custody, including the thousands of prisoners reported to have been evacuated to other locations, have access to their families and attorneys at the earliest opportunity.

The organization expressed its deepest sympathy for the victims of the tragedy and support for survivors, relief workers and others working to provide relief, health care and other aid.