After the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio, Amnesty International has issued a travel advisory for those traveling to the United States, saying visitors to the country need to exercise extreme caution.
The organization said it issued the advisory “due to rampant gun violence, which has become so prevalent in the United States, that it amounts to a human rights crisis.”
In their advisory, the organization says “Travelers to the United States should remain cautious that the country does not adequately protect people’s right to be safe, regardless of who they might be. People in the United States cannot reasonably expect to be free from harm – a guarantee of not being shot is impossible,” said Ernest Coverson, campaign manager for the End Gun Violence Campaign at Amnesty International USA.
“Once again, it is chillingly clear that the U.S. government is unwilling to ensure protection against gun violence.”
The travel advisory addressed growing gun violence, mostly hate crimes, including racism and discrimination, highlighting that the traveler’s race, country of origin, ethnic background, sexual orientation or gender identity, may place them at higher risk after recent attacks linked to white supremacist ideology.
In their travel advisory, Amnesty International says visitors to the country should avoid places where a large number of people gather, especially cultural events, places of worship, schools and shopping centers.
They also advise visitors use increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos, adding that people should be extra vigilant at all times and be wary of the ubiquity of firearms among the population.
The organization says they aim to hold up a mirror to the U.S. using the model of the United States Department of State’s travel advice for U.S. travelers to other countries.
