In light of all the natural disasters and terror attacks we’ve experienced lately, many people are worried that martial law may be imposed again in the future. If this happens, will it be possible to travel during a state of emergency? If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re someone who likes to travel as much as we do. And if that is the case, you probably have your sights set on going somewhere at some point soon. But with martial law back in the news after being imposed in Mindanao last May 23rd and extended until December 31st, many people are wondering if they can still go on vacation. In other words—can you travel under martial law? Fortunately for anyone who loves to travel, there is no general rule that prevents civilians from leaving their homes for non-essential activities like sightseeing or visiting friends and family. However, there are some practical considerations that travelers should take into account before making their arrangements.
Can You Travel Under Martial Law?
The answer is yes. Martial law can be declared in the absence of a civil war, insurgency, or rebellion. It can also be declared during a civil war or insurgency and without the consent of the governor.
What is Martial Law?
Martial law is a state of emergency that allows the government to temporarily limit certain civil liberties, like freedom of movement, the right to free speech, and the right to due process. Depending on the circumstance and location, these rights can be suspended for people both in and outside the area where martial law has been enacted. When it comes to travel and tourism, the first thing to understand is that martial law is not the same thing as a travel ban. A travel ban is where the government completely prohibits all travel to a certain area. This was the case in the aftermath of 9/11 when the federal government issued flight restrictions on commercial flights to and from the U.S. In contrast, a state of martial law allows the government to restrict movement to and from the area, but they do not have the authority to ban travel outright.
Travel Consequences of Martial Law
- Martial Law is not a sign of democracy.
- Martial Law is not a sign of freedom.
- Martial law can be used to suppress the democratic process and to take away freedoms from the people at large.
- The imposition of Martial law can be a gross violation of civil rights and civil liberties, especially for the people who are subjected to it for long periods of time or for the entire duration of its implementation.
- It is an abridgment of human rights, including the right to life, liberty, security, and protection against abuses by government authorities and their agents during the martial law period. It also includes freedom from torture, arbitrary arrest, or detention; freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy; freedom from wanton destruction of property; freedom from unlawful deprivation of life or liberty; freedom from arbitrary interference with family life; protection against being rendered homeless or destitute in times of natural disaster or economic disorder, etc., as provided in Article 32(1) (a) (b) (c) Preamble and Article 19(6)(b) (d) (e) Fundamental Rights Directive 2004/38/EC on Human Rights which guarantees the right to life, liberty and security of citizens as well as the right to a fair trial.
- It is also a gross violation of international law, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
- The imposition of Martial Law can be a gross violation of human rights, especially those guaranteed by international instruments like The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), The Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women(CEDAW), The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD).
- It is also a gross violation of basic human rights like those guaranteed in article 2(1)(a)-(f) UDHR, article 5 ICCPR, article 6 ICESCR, article 7 ICERD, article 8 CAT, article 10 CEDAW, article 11 CEDAW, article 12 CRPD, article 13 ICERD.
- Martial law is a gross violation of the right to personal liberty as guaranteed in Article 11 UDHR.
- It is also a gross violation of the right to equal protection as guaranteed in Article 14 UDHR.
How Is Travel Affected During Martial Law?
It affects them all in different ways, but these 10 ways will give you a general idea of what’s going on behind closed doors as you go about your daily life under martial law:
1. You Can Be Arrested Without A Warrant
Under martial law, arrests can be made without warrants being issued by officials from the military or police forces. If there’s a good reason for an arrest like suspicion of a crime, then the arrest can be made without a warrant.
The problem is that the arrest itself is not required to be under martial law. For example, you can be arrested for a traffic violation or for not having your license on you when pulled over by police. You can also be arrested for a crime like murder or kidnapping without being charged with it. If you’re accused of such a crime, then your case will go through the legal process of trial and conviction in order to determine if you should be charged with those crimes.
2 You Can Be Detained Without A Warrant
Under martial law, people can be detained at any time without having to present any kind of evidence against them before they’re taken into custody and put in prison or detention centers. This includes people who are just being questioned by military officials about their activities and activities that they’ve allegedly participated in as well as people who have been already arrested and are waiting for trial in jail or detention centers. Anyone who’s being questioned by military officials about their activities can also be detained without any prior warning from police officers or authorities from the military. Even innocent members of the public can be detained without any prior warning.
3 Your Access To The Outside World Can Be Cut Off
If martial law is declared by the government, then the government can revoke or shut down any access to the internet and other forms of communication like cell phones and landlines. They can also cut off access to radio and television stations. In extreme cases, they can even block access to all forms of communication from within their country. This is a major step towards total isolation from the outside world by the people under martial law.
4 Your Ability To Travel Can Be Limited
Under martial law, people are not allowed to travel outside their country without permission from military officials like soldiers and police officers. This includes people who are living in countries that have diplomatic relations with their own country as well as foreign nationals who have been granted a permit or visa to enter their country for business or tourism purposes. They are not allowed to leave their countries even if they’re on vacation or if they’re on business trips abroad without permission from military officials first since it will be considered an act of terrorism under martial law rules that have been established by the government in order to protect their own people.
5. The Government Can Control What You Say
Under Martial Law, any citizen who’s being detained or has been arrested is not allowed to speak out against the government or their decisions in public. They are not allowed to speak out against any of the actions that they feel are wrong, illegal, or unjust. They can’t even speak on behalf of other people who may be suffering from the same kind of injustice. This is why we have so many people who refuse to stand up for what they believe in when they’re detained under martial law.
Conclusion
Martial law is a state of emergency that gives the government the authority to restrict certain civil liberties. During martial law, you may experience travel disruptions, such as delays and cancellations of flights and public transportation. Depending on the circumstances, you may also have to worry about food shortages. If martial law is in your home country, you should expect some kind of travel disruption. If martial law is in another country, you may want to avoid visiting that area to stay safe. While traveling during a state of emergency, you should plan for some kind of change in your travel plans and keep an eye on the news to stay updated on any restrictions.
