Between Criminal Law and CSR

Human rights issues in tourism have not played an important role in the German parliament so far. Christoph Strässer, MP (SPD), points out that this might change, as this year the Bundestag is going to address business and human rights. At a panel discussion organised by EED Tourism Watch at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in March 2011 in Berlin, Strässer outlined the possibilities of the German parliament to strengthen human rights in tourism.

Firstly, criminal law can be applied to German tourists involved in human rights violations abroad. This, however, is difficult to put into practise, as it requires the cooperation of businesses and authorities in the tourist destinations. Secondly, the human rights related responsibilities need to be strengthened. To advance this process, Germany should make use of its membership in the UN Security Council.

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