Tourism and Human Rights, ECOT

‘Human Rights and Tourism’ is the focus of this issue of Contours.

The full enjoyment of human rights is a necessary condition if a human being is to live with a dignity and a quality of life that manifests a person’s complete humanity. This is a self-evident truth. Even though as a human race we have made striking advances in many directions – such as material living standards, food production, science and technology, space exploration, and others - unfortunately in many countries today violation of human rights is more the norm than their implementation. As societies are bedevilled by conflict and domination arising from political, economic, ethnic and other social interests pursued by the powerful, countless human beings are being denied their humanity.

How does Tourism fare in relation to human rights? From its beginnings in 1982, ECOT has consistently pointed out the exploitative nature of modern tourism magnified by the battle between the drive for profits and the maintenance of rights. Is it not remarkable that tourism is sometimes known to thrive in some of the most impoverished countries where human rights is not a priority, and local populations put up with such conditions for the sake of their survival? It can hardly be said to be a shining example of human rights when local communities endure low wages, poor working conditions, the lack of protection from being non-unionised, the abuse of children and women, the comodification of their culture, the ecological destruction, and other impact, even though the economic bottom line may be advanced.

In his article, Dr Babu George observes ‘human rights are those basic standards without which people cannot live in dignity’. This is well amplified in the case study based on his work on the situation in Alleppey in Kerala State, India.

On another front, the attention of Contours readers is drawn to the issue of Disability and Tourism. Physically challenged people too have rights, and despite some exceptions here and there, tourism does not deal particularly well with their needs.In light of Article 27 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Scott Rains asks, ‘is the tourism industry taking all the necessary measures for disabled people to freely participate in its various activities?’

Palestine Palestine remains the key issue of our times that must be resolved if a major obstacle to peace in our world is to be removed. In a spirit of solidarity, ECOT has had a particularly close relationship over the years with Palestinian and other groups responding to the Middle East conflict. There is some degree of focus on Palestine in this issue. We have reproduced the Media Statement that ECOT put out on the occasion of the ‘World Week of Peace for Palestine Israel’ organised globally in June by the World Council of Churches. It was gratifying to see this Statement disseminated widely around the world through various media and other outlets. There is other material relating to Palestine. A word about The Code of Conduct for Tourism in the Holy Land (reproduced in the March- April issue of Contours). Having been part of the process leading to its development, ECOT has been promoting it to its constituency and beyond. The Vatican has been approached for its endorsement of the Code.

Volume 19 No. 2 June - July 2009 l www.ecotonline.org

Editor Caesar D’Mello