UN Human Rights Treaties

A
United Nations
General Assembly

Distr.: General 22 November 2000
Original: English
/55/640

Fifty-fifth session
Agenda item 33 Culture of peace
Letter dated 22 November 2000 from the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
I have the pleasure to enclose the Amman Declaration on Peace Through Tourism adopted at the Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism held in Amman from 8 to 11 November 2000 (see annex). The Declaration welcomes the proclamation by the United Nations of the International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).
It is requested that the present letter and its annex be issued as a document of the fifty-fifth session of the General Assembly.
(Signed) Anwarul Karim Chowdhury Ambassador and Permanent Representative
00-75969 (E) 271100

Annex to the letter dated 27 November 2000 from the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
Amman Declaration
on
Peace Through Tourism
We the representatives and participants at the Global Summit on Peace Through Tourism, assembled in Amman, Jordan, from 8 to 11 November 2000...
...recognize that travel and tourism is a worldwide social and cultural phenomenon, engaging people of all nations as hosts and guests, and as such is one of humanity's truly global activities...
... and that travel and tourism is one of the world's largest and fastest growing industries, creating one in eleven jobs, contributing to international and regional economic growth, bridging disparities between developed and developing countries, and bringing prosperity which fosters peace...
... and that peace is an essential precondition for travel and tourism and all aspects of human growth and development...
... and the development of tourism as a global vehicle for promoting understanding, trust and goodwill among peoples of the world requires an appropriate political and economic framework
...Do hereby declare our commitment to building a Culture of Peace through Tourism, and support for the following principles:
1. That tourism is a fundamental human activity engaging social, cultural, religious, economic, educational, environmental, and political values and responsibilities.
2. That the right of people to travel is a fundamental human right which should be exercised without undue restriction including the facilitation of travel for those with disabilities and special needs.
3. That community livelihood should be enhanced and local cohesion encouraged and that all peoples and communities be recognized as being manifestations of a heritage.
4. That human differences be respected and cultural diversity celebrated, as a precious human asset and that peaceful relationships among all people be promoted and nurtured through sustainable tourism.

5. That historical monuments and land-marks be protected and where necessary restored and rehabilitated and made accessible to everyone as valuable assets for humanity and legacies for future generations.
6. That the preservation and wise use of the environment, and ecological balance, are essential to the future of tourism, and that ancient wisdoms of indigenous Peoples and care for the Earth be acknowledged and respected.
7. That the global reach of the tourist industry be utilized in promoting "dialogues on peace" and in bridging the have and have-not societies of the various regions of the world.
...and acknowledge the legacy of His Majesty The Late King Hussein of Jordan in laying the foundation of peace in the region and for his effort to make the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan "a land of peace" and a place of welcome for the peaceful traveler, the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah II to strengthen and expand King Hussein's Legacy of peace; and to the Government and people of Jordan, for their hospitality and support and their generous contribution to the success of the conference.
...and commend the MPT for giving scope to the vision of peace through tourism and for its untiring effort toward that end, and to the title sponsor and other sponsors and contributors, for advancing the cause of Peace through Tourism..
...and welcome the proclamation by the United Nations of the International Year for the Culture of Peace (2000) and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001-2010)
...and commit ourselves to the realization of the goals and objectives as enshrined in the United nations Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace adopted by the General Assembly on 13 September 1999 through our activities and initiatives.
Adopted at Amman 11 November 2000
May Peace prevail on Earth