The U.S. has long been considered the place where foreigners come to experience that cultural and political freedom put forward so explicitly in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
Amnesty International is self-described as a:
…global movement of more than 7 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights.
Amnesty International has played roles in international oversight of countries ranging from third world countries to “civilized” countries…like the U.S.A.
After more than 50 years of groundbreaking achievements, Amnesty has been through a major transformation, adapting to dramatic changes in the world.
Amnesty International “Who We Are”
The organization has expanded beyond it’s original London base regional offices in cities in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East – all “major hubs” for their investigations, campaigns and communications.
In an historical change of pace, Amnesty International’s recently issued travel advisory for the U.S. calls on people worldwide to:
…exercise caution and have an emergency contingency plan when traveling throughout the USA. This Travel Advisory is being issued in light of ongoing high levels of gun violence in the country.
Amnesty International Travel Advisory for U.S.
Amnesty International offers tips for foreigners planning on traveling to the U.S. which includes being extra vigilant at all timers and be wary of the “ubiquity” of firearms among the population.
It suggests avoiding places where “large numbers of people gather, especially cultural events, places of worship, schools and shopping malls.”
Even bars, nightclubs and casinos are flagged.
Depending on the traveler’s gender identify, race, country of origin, ethnic background, or sexual orientation, they may be at higher risk of being targeted with gun violence, and should plan accordingly.
Under international human rights law, the United States has an obligation to enact a range of measures at the federal, state, and local levels to regulate access to firearms and to proect the rights of people to live and move about freely without the threat of gun violence. The government has not taken sufficient steps to meet this obligation.
Amnesty International Travel Advisory for U.S.
