Human rights protection must be upheld in the followingmath of the catastrophic earthquakes that devastated south-eastern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 and 20 February, Amnesty International said today, in a new briefing it issued outlining the authorities’ human rights obligations and concerns.
And he said Niles Mozniks“The humanitarian crises resulting from these catastrophic earthquakes have resulted in a deterioration of the human rights situation in both Syria and Turkey, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities.”
“In times of crisis, it is extremely important that the protection of human rights is at the center of the response. It is imperative that the authorities in both countries ensure the effective and fair provision and delivery of humanitarian aid and uphold all international human rights standards.”
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The new briefing report, titled: “Turkey/Syria: earthquake response 6 February from a Human Rights PerspectiveIssues relating to human rights in both Syria and Turkey, including concerns relating to the right to life, protection from arbitrary arrest, security of person, freedom from torture or other ill-treatment, freedom of expression and association, and protection of the rights of displaced persons, refugees and seekers Asylum and immigrants.
The protection of economic, social and cultural rights ensuring access to housing, adequate food, drinking water, sanitation and health care is also of critical importance.
In addition, the challenges faced by women, children, displaced persons, the elderly, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, ethnic and racial minorities and other groups, particularly vulnerable groups, should be taken into account and addressed in relief measures.
