Hurricane Ida has been another devastating blow to the New Orleans region and we would like to make sure that a just and equitable recovery is implemented. In the rush for basic needs, there are many important things that can get overlooked in the rush. We must TAKE ACTION NOW to ensure that the recovery efforts support the people in the region.

There are many organizations in Louisiana that were developed due to the failure of the government to act during Katrina. It is our goal to facilitate collaborative efforts and not attempt to override or minimize them.

Here are some things that will get lost in the rush to help. But these are no less important than clothes, food, etc.

●      Utilize United Nations Human Rights Commission Regulations Governing Internally Displaced Persons: Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

●      Establish a communications network for messaging in and out 

●      Establish policy teams to monitor legislation 

●      ***Establish a network for collection and disbursement of medication, Insulin, etc***

●      Engage the support of local, state & national organizations

●      Mandate alterations for Insurance Code & Conduct after the disaster to motivate assistance over bureaucratic delay

●      Enforce 1st source hiring

●      Enforce prevailing wages in recovery

●      Simplify the process for reimbursing churches and individuals housing evacuees

●      Pass Gulf Coast Civic Works like legislation to fund the rebuilding of coast following storm

●      Uphold universal voting rights - UN

●      Moratorium on rent, utilities, etc 

●      Evacuation, use models provided by National & International Allies

●      Evacuation response and procedures must be humanitarian and not militaristic

●      MUST include a plan for citizens to return - unlike Katrina plan

•   Evacuation must be in line with United Nations principles for IDP
•  People should be evacuated as close to home as possible
• Must have access to participate in processes governing the recovery/return home
• Establish governing rules to maintain families connections (no breaking up of families)

For more information contact:  Stephen Bradberry, info@bennuadvisory.com

Stephen Bradberry is a founder of Bennu Advisory Group, http://bennuadvisory.com, and is a New Orleans-based advocate and organizer. He is a recipient of the RFK Human Rights Award in recognition of his work in the Gulf Coast post-Katrina and Rita.