Human Rights Commission concerned about Jamaica’s continued use of SOEs

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has voiced concern over Jamaica’s ongoing use of States of Emergency (SOEs) and urged the government to ensure that crime prevention measures align with international human rights standards.

The Jamaican government declared a new SOE on August 14, for the parish of Clarendon following a mass shooting that left eight people dead and nine injured. During an SOE, security forces are granted expanded powers under the Jamaican Constitution, including the ability to conduct warrantless searches, arrests, and detentions.

According to the IACHR, the suspension of certain rights and guarantees during an emergency is permissible under specific conditions outlined in Article 27 of the American Convention, such as war or public danger. However, the Commission emphasized that the use of such measures must meet the criteria of reasonableness, necessity, and proportionality. Additionally, key judicial guarantees must remain intact at all times.