The State of Emergency is a legal instrument used by governments to address critical situations. It grants broad powers to public and private entities for response and recovery.
Governments may use states of emergency to respond to a wide range of issues – from natural disasters to social unrest. Dictatorships often declare emergencies to give themselves sweeping legal authority while derogating from human rights obligations and ignoring international law.
In the past, Singapore was in a state of emergency twice, in 1964 and in 1977, following race riots. The latter led to Ordinance 30 of 1964, conferring special powers to the Federal King. The powers are limited, however, to the extent that they can be necessary and expedient in the circumstances.
State of emergency is a temporary measure which can be extended for up to 90 days if the security of the state, citizens’ safety or public order are threatened. This can be re-established by the President only with the consent of the Sejm (Parliament). A state of emergency can also be replaced by martial law, which is governed by the constitution, a separate civil code and extraordinary measures laws.
In New Zealand, the Governor-General or the Minister of Civil Defence can declare a state of emergency for the whole country or a particular region. This can suspend normal work and services. The Governor-General or local-body councils can rescind a declaration once the danger has passed. In addition, localities have the power to enact restrictions on the sale and provision of goods and services in response to a local emergency declaration.
About the Author
