NCJ Number
126520
Date Published
1989
Length
35 pages
Annotation
To combat the AIDS epidemic, the nations of the world may be reverting to a pattern of quarantine and restrictions on international travel.
Abstract
Claims to restrict travel in order to combat AIDS conflict with the policies of the World Health Organization (WHO). A number of member states recently sought the advice of the WHO on requiring persons seeking to enter their countries to obtain certificates guaranteeing that they were free from AIDS, ARC, or HIV infection. It was determined by WHO that testing of international travelers and certification were not warranted. In spite of WHO's efforts to maintain freedom of travel, these developments could presage increased worldwide restrictions on international travel in reaction to the AIDS epidemic, for restrictions now in place could provoke similar countermeasures by other nations. It is thus possible that a new international norm respecting restrictions on international travel may be developing. U.S. lawmakers want the current administration to restrict AIDS screening of foreign travelers to immigrants and illegal aliens in the wake of the negative publicity over the jailing of a Dutch tourist with AIDS. The Immigration and Naturalization Service is reviewing the current policy in the wake of this affair.