GENEVA - The UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Alice Jill Edwards, today welcomed the inclusion of persons deprived of their liberty in the Inter-American Court of Human Right's landmark Advisory Opinion on Climate Emergency and Human Rights.
"Global emergencies have shown us time and time again that vulnerable people are often the first to be left behind and excluded from emergency planning and response," Edwards said. "The Inter-American Court has carefully reflected on the rights of prisoners to humane and dignified treatment at all times, including when disasters strike, and in response to changing climatic conditions. I am encouraged by the Court's opinion for reaffirming this fundamental standard."
The Court referenced the Special Rapporteur's report on current issues and good practices in prison management, drawing on her analysis on how States must adapt prisons and other closed institutions to climate change and natural hazards.
"There is an urgent need for States to remain attuned to the risks posed by climate change and natural hazards to prison populations, who are entirely dependent on State authorities," the expert said. "Extreme temperatures, poor ventilation, and insulation, are all factors to be taken into account."
"Worryingly, in emergencies, prisoners have been abandoned by staff, left without food or water during hurricanes or cyclones, or have died due to collapsing infrastructure in earthquakes," she said.
The Special Rapporteur welcomed the Court's recognition that persons deprived of liberty face special risks and that States must address them.
"I urge all States to integrate facilities where people are deprived of their liberty into national disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation plans," Edwards said, "This includes mapping high-risk locations, implementing early warning systems, developing evacuation and relocation procedures, and ensuring contingency plans address food, water, and shelter needs."
The Special Rapporteur urged States upgrading prison infrastructure or building new prisons to factor in changing environmental conditions, and support efforts to use renewable or innovative energy sources at prison sites.
"Such measures are essential to upholding the dignity and safety of all persons deprived of liberty in the face of escalating climate threats," she said.
