WASHINGTON - December 16 - Amnesty International USA said today it welcomes the Obama administration's civil action to help ensure justice is served for Gulf Coast communities whose lives have been thrown into turmoil as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Under international law, the U.S. government has a duty to protect human rights against abuse by business and to ensure that corporations and other business enterprises are held accountable and respect human rights," said Vienna Colucci, senior policy director for AIUSA. "Today's announcement by Attorney General Eric Holder is an important step toward enforcing laws designed to protect people and the environment and ensuring accountability for the extensive damage sustained as a result of the spill."

Amnesty International is urging the U.S. government to ensure that coastal communities affected by the spill are guaranteed fair and expedited means of assistance. In addition, the long-term impact of the disaster must be taken into account in ongoing decisions about the resources needed to help the region recover. The U.S. government should continue to monitor the impact of the spill on human health and on marine and coastal wildlife, and all information and data gathered should be made available to the public.