Industry under scrutiny for human rights failings

Industry under scrutiny for human rights failings
By admin


The international travel and tourism industry is rife with human rights abuses with those responsible spread across all levels, according to a new study.

The German Society for International Cooperation research, previewed at tradeshow ITB Berlin earlier this year, details 145 cases of human rights abuses to date. These particularly involve women, children and indigenous groups. Those committing these acts include government officials, tourism company members as well as travellers and intermediaries.

“This study shows that there is a long way to go before human rights abuses in tourism can be called a thing of the past,” secretary general of responsible tourism organisation Naturfreunde Internationale Dr Christian Baumgartner said.

“Many people around the world still work in unbearable conditions. With our recommendations we aim to raise awareness of this important subject among decision-makers in politics and business and not least among travellers too.”

However, Baumgartner also highlighted positive practices such as those undertaken by the Makulele ecotourism project in South Africa and the Central Kalahari game reserve in Botswana.

He underlined workers’ rights to information and the right to be involved in decision-making processes as a major step towards addressing the issue.

The final report will be released in autumn this year.

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