Human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is urging the Senate to take the necessary steps to prevent the extension of the States of Emergency (SOEs) now in effect in several police divisions.

The appeal follows the passage of a resolution by the Government in the Lower House yesterday (November 22) to extend the SOEs until January 14, next year.

The Opposition did not support the resolution in the Lower House.

The resolution will next go to the Senate, where at least one member of the Opposition must vote in its favour to effect the extension.

In urging Opposition Senators not to support the move, JFJ’s Executive Director, Mickel Jackson pointed to concerns with the regulation governing the SOEs.

Ms. Jackson also appealed to Government Senators to vote on conscience and not along partisan lines.