Colonial Neglect and the Right to Health in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Human Rights Law
• Disaster Management

Background:

• Hurricane Maria exacerbated pre-existing conditions in Puerto Rico, stemming from decades of US colonial neglect.
• The island's infrastructure and resources were already strained, impacting the population's well-being and access to essential services.
• A history of human rights violations and disenfranchisement predates the hurricane, creating vulnerabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria through a human rights framework.
• To identify specific human rights violations resulting from inadequate US government preparedness and response.
• To advocate for a rights-based approach to rebuilding Puerto Rico and addressing systemic inequities.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a rights-based approach to examine historical and current conditions in Puerto Rico.
• Analyzing the impacts of Hurricane Maria on public health, economic stability, and resource sustainability.
• Assessing governmental protection and support failures contributing to the crisis.

Main Results:

• The crisis revealed pervasive health disparities, including issues with water access and quality.
• Economic loss, disinvestment, and infrastructure failures significantly impacted the island's sustainability and residents' quality of life.
• Public health challenges were compounded by discrimination and a lack of adequate governmental response.

Conclusions:

• A human rights framework is essential for addressing the ongoing violations and assessing the quality of life for US citizens in Puerto Rico.
• Rebuilding efforts must prioritize reconciliation for losses incurred due to systemic neglect and disaster mismanagement.
• Urgent action is needed to ensure the right to the highest attainable standard of health for all Puerto Ricans.