World Tourism Organization suspends Russia
Travel Biz News—
The Russian Federation has been suspended from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), losing with immediate effect its rights and privileges as part of the United Nations specialized agency.
UNWTO member countries debated the suspension of Russia from the organization in its extraordinary general assembly held in Madrid on Wednesday ( 27 April ) .In total, 99 countries were represented in Madrid.
The Russian delegation declined to step up and defend its position, and instead announced its withdrawal from UNWTO before the debate took place,according to a statmement issued by the world organization.
The Assembly voted in favor of suspension, far exceeding the two-third majority required. The decision is effective immediately, while voluntary withdrawal is only effective one year after a Member submits an official communication through the appropriate channels.
“Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship, and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face consequences, with no exceptions,” UNWTO said.
According to Article 3 of the Statutes, all Members commit to developing tourism with a “view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal prospect for, and observance of, human rights”.
Effective immediately, the Russian Federation will not be able to exercise the rights or enjoy the privileges of UNWTO membership. This means it will not be able to receive services from the Organization, including Technical Assistance, nor will the Russian Federation be able to participate in any UNWTO meetings or events, be permitted to put forward any candidates to serve on UNWTO’s statutory bodies, or to vote in elections to UNWTO organs or to propose a candidate to serve as Secretary-General.
The first emergency session of the General Assembly was convened at the request of six Members and at the instruction of the UNWTO Executive Council.
Countries across the globe have condemned Russian invasion and atrocities of Russian President Vladimir Putin regime in Ukraine.
27 April 2022
Photo : A view of extraordinary general assembly ( UNWTO )
