Public sessions on civil protection law ongoing

The government has established a series of four public sessions aimed at groups connected to the civil protection structure, in order to collect opinions about the civil protection law proposal under public consultation.

A statement by the Unitary Police Services (SPU) mentions that the four sessions were held earlier this month. A total of 380 people representing several organizations attended. Participants expressed “very valuable opinions” on the public consultation document.

The SPU also said that in the meetings participants agreed on the importance of creating a civil protection system through the drafting of a basic law and stated, “this reform will make it possible for the authorities to advance in response to incidents.”

At the same time, participants also raised questions regarding duties and responsibilities in cases of non-compliance with the law, the introduction of insurance for volunteer staff and the criteria for the implementation of exceptional measures, such as the introduction of the crime of false social alarm.

Other topics of discussion included the criteria for the definitions of the several levels of incidents and the civic responsibility of the media in the dissemination of civil protection information.

The SPU stated that the “government representatives listened carefully and gave detailed explanations to those present.”

According to the agenda established for the consultations, there will be three more public consultation sessions for the public to be held July 17, 19 and 21, and they will be held in the Auditorium of the Public Administration Building on Rua do Campo.  RM