JFJ Addresses Human Rights Breaches During SOEs

Human rights violations were a major concern for the Opposition when the States of Public Emergency (SOPE) were declared by the government. According to a recent study by Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ), in the last two years, a total of 104 matters were reported to JFJ by family members of the individuals detained under the SOPE.

At the core of the matter is the unlawful detention and infringement on one’s right to liberty and freedom, and arbitrary arrest and detention. However, were there increases or less infringements on human rights in 2022? JFJ Director and Attorney At Law John Clarke explains that there was not a vast increase.

Clarke notes in regard to human rights, the JFJ provided attorneys free of cost, while adding there is no automatic legal aid offered to detainees. The attorney says one man detained for 6 months, was released because there was no justification that the detainee should be charged during the period of the SOE.

He notes the prolonged detention is indeed a breach under the emergency powers act. The JFJ anticipates the Security Minister will address this particular issue by the end of January. A total of 94% of the SOE matters reportedly involved men while 6% reflected the detention of women. Additionally, the JFJ Director says the proper systems must be in place to better assist persons detained during an SOE.

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Reporter: Javine Mclean

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