A United States judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the United Nations (UN), which claimed that the international body bears responsibility for the deadly outbreak of cholera in Haiti.
US district Judge J. Paul Oetken ruled that the UN charter gives the organisation immunity from legal action, stating that the UN had not waived any immunity.
"Where such an express waiver is absent, the UN and [its operation in Haiti] are immune from suit," said Oetken in his judgement.
The lawsuit had alleged that the UN had not screened peacekeepers that arrived in Haiti for cholera and that the peacekeepers were responsible for the poor sanitation and waste disposal practises that led to the outbreak, killing thousands. The claims have been backed by scientific studies, reported Al Jazeera.
"The court's decision implies that the UN can operate with impunity," said lawyer Beatrice Lindstrom. "We don't think that is the law."
"It essentially implies that there is nowhere in the world one can turn when the UN doesn’t comply with its legal obligations and when the UN refuses to provide justice,” added Lindstrom.
Brian Concannon Jr., director of the Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti and counsel for the plaintiffs said,
“Had earthquake responders respected their international law obligations, their efforts would have been more sustainable, more accountable to the Haitian people, and a better investment of taxpayers’ generosity.”
“Had the UN complied with its legal obligations for recklessly introducing cholera, the epidemic would be over.”
“We are disappointed that the US government and the Court accepted this position, but more disappointed that the UN would take it. It goes against everything the UN is supposed to stand for.”
Also see the report from Al Jazeera below.