Travel restrictions should be last resort

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKThe World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) says travel restrictions in response to new variants of the Covid-19 virus must only be used as a very last resort.Such restrictions are discriminatory, ineffective and against the guidance of the World Health Organisation, it added.UNTWO has called out against the introduction of blanket restrictions on travel, as witnessed in recent days, following the detection of the Omicron variant in South Africa.This call echoes the concerns raised by UNWTO members during the 24th UNWTO General Assembly from 30 November to 3 December, which Namibia also attended.According to the UNWTO, countries from all global regions 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.Evidence based“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 the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendations.“Blanket restrictions may also stigmatise countries or whole regions.” It said that 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, it was 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.” Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, UNWTO has called for coordinated and evidence-based approaches to balancing public health concerns with keeping the lifeline of tourism intact.In recent months, such an approach has been shown to be the most effective way forward.UNWTO 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 called 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.ellanie@namibiansun.com

Travel restrictions should be last resort

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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Travel restrictions should be last resort

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Namibian Sun 2022-05-26

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