© Pan American Health Organization, 2004
Our Region has been the victim of different types of disasters that have had significant, long-term consequences for the development of communities, intensifying the poverty and increasing obstacles to progress, particularly among populations with scarce economic resources.
Death does not end human suffering, especially when death is sudden, as the result of a disaster. The death of a loved one leaves an indelible mark on the survivors, and unfortunately, because of the lack of information, the families of the deceased suffer additional harm because of the inadequate way that the bodies of the dead are handled. These secondary injuries are unacceptable, particularly if they are the consequence of direct authorization or action on the part of the authorities or those responsible for
humanitarian assistance.