UNWTO calls against blanket travel restrictions
THE World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) of the United Nations has condemned the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel, as witnessed in recent days.
This echoes the concerns raised by UNWTO members during the recent 24th UNWTO General Assembly.
Countries from all global regions have expressed their solidarity with Southern African states, calling for the immediate lifting of travel bans imposed on specific countries and for freedom of international travel to be upheld.
“UNWTO takes note of the recent declarations of the United Nations secretary-general and the director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the unfairness and ineffectiveness of blanket travel in respect to the countries of Southern Africa,” said the multi-lateral organisation in a latest update.
“In light of recent developments, UNWTO has once again reminded countries that the imposition of blanket restrictions on travel is discriminatory, ineffective and contrary to WHO recommendations.
“Blanket restrictions may also stigmatise countries or whole regions.”
During the UNWTO General Assembly, member states and partners, including voices from international organisations and across the private sector, echoed WHO’s advice that travel restrictions should only be imposed as a very last resort in response to changing circumstances.
Furthermore, the UNWTO said convention stressed that if restrictions are introduced, they must be proportionate, transparent, and scientifically based.
“They must also only be introduced with a full appreciation of what halting international travel would mean for the most vulnerable, including those developing countries and individuals who depend on tourism for their economies and livelihoods,” it said.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, UNWTO has called for co-ordinated and evidence-based approaches to balancing public health concerns with keeping the lifeline of tourism intact.
Over recent months, such an approach has been shown to be the most effective way forward.
UNWTO has noted that travel and vaccination levels are closely connected, as the emergence of new variants facilitated by low levels of vaccination has shown.
“As such, UNWTO calls on all countries to act in solidarity to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all, to recognise all WHO approved vaccines for the purpose of international travel and to facilitate access to patents for local production of vaccines,” it said. – UNWTO News.-The Chronicle
