"This is our concern while talking about tourism and human rights," Komnas HAM Commissioner Prabianto Mukti Wibowo remarked at a seminar on inclusive and sustainable tourism here on Monday.
According to Wibowo, the potential for human rights violations in the tourism sector is related to agrarian and land conflicts.
However, he explained that the tourism sector can promote the human rights of both local communities and tourists, as it is a catalyst for meeting basic rights, such as improving the locals' quality of life.
In addition, he affirmed that tourism is a form of recognition of human rights to travel freely and is an expression of leisure.
However, he reminded that tourism can cause human rights problems if it only prioritizes economic aspects, while sustainability, social, cultural, and environmental aspects are ignored.
"In some places, we see many tourism activities that cause conflicts in land, environment, water resources, and food, as well as the rights of women workers, children, and people with disabilities," he pointed out.
Hence, he stated that in order to support inclusive and sustainable tourism, it is necessary to minimize economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts but generate greater benefits and welfare for local communities.
Furthermore, tourism projects must involve local communities in making decisions and contribute positively to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage.
Wibowo further noted that tourism destinations can provide enjoyable experiences to travelers through establishing meaningful connections and building trust with the local communities and providing access to disabled people.
Wibowo underscored the need to conduct a spatial study and environmental impact analysis for analyzing environmental violation cases.
Komnas HAM has set business and human rights as one of the priority issues in the 2022-2027 period in order to realize responsible business activities that are respectful to human rights.
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Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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