Human rights group, Amnesty International in a historic travel advisory on the United States of America is asking travellers worldwide to exercise caution and have emergency contingency plan when travelling throughout the USA.
The organization cites ongoing “high levels of gun violence in the country.” There have been strings of gun related violence in the US in recent times with the latest being the killing 22 people by a lone gunman in El Paso, Texas on August 3.
Amnesty International’s Travel Advisory follows that of Venezuela and Uruguay who have also warned their citizens against travelling to the USA.
A three point advisory by the organisation cautions travellers to:
• Be extra vigilant at all times and be wary of the ubiquity of firearms among the population
• Avoid places where large numbers of people gather, especially cultural events, places of worship, schools, and shopping malls
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos
Amnesty International further warns that, “depending on the traveller’s gender identity, 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.
By: Samuel Obeng Appah
