Negative impacts of mega-event tourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Negative impacts of mega-event tourism - Essay Example The Olympic Games, United Nations conferences, cultural festivals that draw tourists from all over the world and international religious conferences are all examples of mega events. The high profile nature of the event, the involvement of a group of people with vested interests referred to as the key elites, the short duration of the event and the pressure of organizing and executing a large number of tasks on time, usually generate analysis of the cause-and-effects relationships based on economic benefits such as increase in tourism, development of infrastructure and other more intangible gains such as image building and boosting of national pride. Such economic and other benefits are more perceived and projected than based on any realistic assessment. In their haste to justify public expenditures for mega events, governments and organizers marshal evidence of economics and other benefits -- many of which it turns out are incalculable, or if calculable are best considered as estimat es only (Mules & McDonald, 1994; Crompton and McKay 1994:33). In the introduction to his paper Assessing the Impact of Mega Events: A Linkage Model, Harry H Hiller makes the phenomenon very clear: ‘Indeed in many cases, the contribution to economic growth becomes the dominant rationale for hosting the event. The economic justification is so compelling to key elites that other impacts are considered minor. Negative impacts are either ignored or hidden under the table (Hall & Hodges, 1996). Opponents are considered unpatriotic, naysayers, or prisoners of unacceptable ideologies.’ According to Hiller, this over emphasis on the obvious and immediate economic impact of the mega event itself has more often than not resulted in overlooking of other dimensions which may be part of a broader process with three kinds of linkages: forward linkages, backward linkages and parallel linkages. Forward linkages refer

Human Rights, Cultural Integrity and Diversity and Protection of Human Essay

Human Rights, Cultural Integrity and Diversity and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while countering Terrorism - Essay Example Not only the government but the non-governmental organizations are playing a prominent role in this context. According to the Latest Poverty reduction strategy paper about 70% of Zambia’s population live below the poverty line which results in harmful consequences for human rights. There is a lack of awareness in the people of Zambia which poses a negative impact in this regard. Though it is a stable county in many aspects, poverty and unemployment and governmental corruption are the key issues which act as a hindrance to the economic and social development of Zambia. Human rights problems include an unlawful killing; torture, beatings, and abuse of suspects and detainees by security forces; official impunity; life-threatening prison conditions; arbitrary arrests and prolonged pretrial detention; long trial delays; arbitrary interference with privacy; restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association; government corruption; violence and discrimination against women; child abuse; trafficking in persons; discrimination based on sexual orientation and against persons with disabilities; restrictions on labor rights; forced labor; and child labor. Zambia is a member of United Nations and the African union and adheres to the commitments made in these universal human rights documents. The inhabitants of Zambia can turn to the UN Human Rights Committee through procedure 1503 to the special representatives in order to combat any kind of violation of specific human rights. ECOSOC is particularly focusing on the women rights violation. Zam bia is also a member of the following organizations including UNESCO, ILO procedure, African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, International Criminal court. Some major roots of human rights violation in Zambia are discussed below: The physical abuse of men, women and children who are in police custody face the worst forms of brutality and torture .The Zambian police