Amnesty International issues travel advisory about the US

Amnesty International has issued an advisory warning travelers and visitors to the United States to exercise extreme caution when travelling throughout the country.

The advisory, published August 7, was issued in light of ongoing high levels of gun violence in the United States.

Recently, a total of 31 people were killed in separate mass shootings in Ohio and Texas. The shootings have once again reignited the debate about stricter gun control in the United States, which has as part of its constitution the right to bear arms.

The Amnesty International notice said if travelling to the United States, persons should “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.”

Travellers were also warned that depending on their gender identity, race, country of origin, ethnic background, or sexual orientation, they might be at higher risk of being targeted with gun violence and should plan accordingly.

Amnesty International also said the United States has not done enough to protect the public.

“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 protect 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.”