A new report from nonprofit Ethical Traveler highlights destinations where human rights and environment take top priority.

With ecotourism and “green travel” all abuzz these days, it is often easy to overlook some of the more ominous traits of “irresponsible” travel destinations. Environmental impact, social injustices and human right violations are all-too-often commonplace amongst some of the very locales we may frequent as travelers. And while the economic downturn within the travel industry has mostly passed, efforts towards sustainable, responsible travel are even now only slowly recovering.

To help alleviate the struggle, nonprofit organization Ethical Traveler has just published its 2011 report on “The World’s Best Ethical Destinations.” – a compilation from an annual study of developing nations from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe to identify the best ethical tourism destinations.

The group focuses on three general categories: environmental protection, social welfare, and human rights.

The 2011 list (in alphabetical order) includes: Argentina, Barbados, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Latvia, Lithuania, Palau, Poland and Uruguay.

“We sincerely hope that travelers will take this list into account while planning their 2011 travels,” said Jeff Greenwald, report co-author and Executive Director of Ethical Traveler. “By visiting the places honored here, we can enjoy amazing journeys and cross-cultural encounters while showing our respect for countries that care about human rights and the environment.”

Co-author Jane Esberg adds, “Developing countries should be encouraged to pursue good behaviors. Tourism can provide an economic incentive to improve human rights, environmental conservation, and social practices.”

Some choices, as in past years, will be controversial. “No country, anywhere, is perfect,” notes report co-author Natalie Lefevre. ”This report showcases the most ethical developing countries, based on dozens of sources and extensive research. But no place gets perfect marks in all aspects.”

To read the full report including methodology, visit http://ethicaltraveler.org.

Source: Terracurve