Sustainable tourism is mentioned in the 2030 Agenda (Transforming Our World) four times; however, the term is strongly contested by civil society organisations for its lack of a people-centred approach. Only tourism that contributes to the improvement of the well-being of local people, dignity of workers, environmental integrity as well as the elimination of exploitation, inequalities and poverty, is a meaningful option for sustainable development.’ (Berlin Declaration ITB 2017). The Global Criteria for Sustainable Tourism has specific categories to account for social issues in the sustainability process, and as such tourism operators can ensure they meet the required standards. Equally important in this subject area is the use of tourism for development, which was the subject of the 2017 Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
In June 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. These provide the internationally agreed reference framework for economy, justice, politics and civil society, specifying corporate responsibility to respect human rights wherever businesses operate in the world. Sustainable tourism can be an efficient tool for the economic development and poverty reduction. And human rights & labour rights include many important principles which should be given equal attention throughout many other aspects, in accordance with international law.
Governments
Governments need to enact laws to make the respect for human rights binding for companies and investors working nationally and internationally and to ensure access to legal remedies, as stipulated in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This includes the duty to protect against human rights abuse by third parties through appropriate strategies, regulation and jurisdiction.
NGOs, networks, partnerships
Non-governmental organisations should monitor and demand respect for human rights and their implementation, particularly when states fail to do so. NGOs, development organisations and their partners should put tourism onto their agendas with regard to its impacts on land, natural resources and human rights. It should be included in their lobbying work and development projects, as well as in needs assessments in conflicted or affected areas.
Research, education, consultancy
Researchers and consultants can contribute to the development of analysis, case studies and good practice examples. Schools and universities should integrate human rights assessments, tools and standards in their curricula, field work and research. Consultants can support companies to ensure their due diligence in respecting human rights by guidance and collaborating on projects.
Destinations
Tourism destinations must create awareness of the human rights related obligations of all stakeholders in tourism. The participation of local communities is essential to protect their interests and to increase transparency and accountability in tourism development. Destinations need to manage the different interests of stakeholders (Companies, locals). In designing tourism at the local level it must be ensured that negative impacts on the environment are reduced, that local people’s rights to participation are strengthened, and that their human rights are respected.
Businesses
Tourism businesses have the responsibility to respect all human rights. Businesses must incorporate the principle of human rights due diligence into their business policies. This includes: having a human rights policy; assessing the impacts of their business practices on human rights; monitoring and reporting on practices and progress. Businesses must also take responsibility for human rights violations occurring along their supply chain. They should make use of social and environmental impact assessments and labour audits when concluding contracts with hoteliers and other service providers. The implementation of the ILO core labour standards must be ensured. This includes, among other aspects, fair living wages, sufficient rest, protection against sexual exploitation, targeted integration of vulnerable groups and young people, and gender equality as well as equal treatment of ethnic and religious minorities.
Travellers
Travellers should respect human rights. Human rights are every individual‘s rights, but they also imply duties: Tourists should inform themselves in a comprehensive way before going on a holiday. They should exercise “due diligence„ in their travel decisions, keeping in mind their responsibility to respect human rights. Tourists should give preference to tour operators and service providers who are committed to human rights and have a credible CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy.
HUMAN RIGHTS & LABOUR RIGHTS
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