Russia is outside the World Tourism Organization – UNWTO
Russia is outside the World Tourism Organization UNWTO. The Russian Federation will no longer be entitled to exercise its rights within the UNWTO.
Following a vote, the Russian Federation has been expelled from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and has lost all rights and privileges as a member of this United Nations body.
Members of the UNWTO General Assembly discussed the suspension of Russia from the Organization, as decided by the Executive Board at its extraordinary meeting last month. However, before the debate, the Russian delegation announced its withdrawal from the UNWTO instead of speaking.
The Assembly passed the suspension with a far greater majority than the required two-thirds majority. Therefore, as soon as a decision is made, it becomes effective. At the same time, an agreement to withdraw is valid for only one year following the member’s submission of formal communication.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “UNWTO’s Members have sent a clear message: Tourism is a pillar of peace and international friendship, and Members of UNWTO must uphold these values or face the consequences, with no exceptions. This emergency General Assembly shows that Russia’s actions are indefensible and contrary to the very principles of UNWTO and international governance.”
Deprivation of rights and privileges
Russia will immediately lose its membership rights and privileges in the UNWTO. As a result, the Russian Federation will not be able to receive services from UNWTO. Such as including technical assistance, participating in UNWTO meetings or events, nominating any candidates to serve on UNWTO statutes or vote in UNWTO elections, or nominating a candidate to serve as Secretary-General.
During its first extraordinary session, the UN General Assembly was convened at the request of six members and according to the wishes of the UNWTO Executive Board. According to the UNWTO Statute, the Secretariat provided a comprehensive report on the suspension of the Russian Federation’s membership to the General Assembly for the Member States to consider.
According to the UNWTO Statute, a Member State may be suspended if two-thirds of its fellow members believe that it is pursuing a policy contrary to the Organization’s fundamental objectives. To expel a member, a majority of 2/3 of the total members present at the General Assembly must vote. Therefore, only the General Assembly can lift the suspension, and only by following the same procedure reversion can happen.
So, Russia is outside the World Tourism Organization UNWTO. What is your respective opinion over that matter?
Source: UNWTO
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