Subject:
[bc-gnso] FW: [council] FW: [REGYCON] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya
- Warnings
Members considering travel to Kenya may
like to note the following information. I will pass along any
other info I get.
From:
owner-council@gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-council@gnso.icann.org]
On Behalf Of Gomes, Chuck
Sent: Wednesday, December
09, 2009 11:28 AM
To: GNSO Council
Subject:
[council] FW: [REGYCON] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya -
Warnings
The
issues of safety and security in Nairobi were discussed today in the
RySG meeting. As a result, Jeff Neuman as Vice Chair of the RySG
sent the following message to Craig Schwartz, Chief Registry
Liaison. I am sending this to the full Council because I am sure
that all of us considering attending the meetings in Kenya have
similar concerns and like to receive the type of information that the
RySG has requested.
Chuck
From: Neuman,
Jeff
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:39
PM
To: Craig Schwartz
Cc: doug.brent@icann.org;
Kurt Pritz; greg.rattray@icann.org; Neuman, Jeff
Subject:
March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings
Craig,
On the RySG call this morning, a number
of members of the RySG expressed significant concerns about the
meeting in Kenya and on what security measures are being taken by
ICANN to protect the attendees. This includes not only at the
Venue site, but also transportation to and from the airport to the
hotels as well as travel between the hotels and the venue site (since
they are not in the same location). We note that a number
of countries including the United States, Australia, Germany, the UK,
Canada and New Zealand have all issues incredibly strong warnings
against travel to Kenya. See some excerpts we have provided
below. We also understand that ICANN intends on spending a
considerable amount of money on security measures, but to date, we do
not know what those are and whether those protections will be made
available to the attendees other than the ICANN Board and staff.
A number of registries have decided to either not attend or send a
significant lesser number of representatives to the meeting as a
result of the travel warnings simply because they do not have the
resources to spend on the security measures that may be required.
We would appreciate a prompt response on
this as we are all in the process of making our decisions on whether
to attend the meeting and making the appropriate accommodations.
Thanks.
*********************************
United States
The U.S. Department of State warns
U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Kenya. American citizens
in Kenya and those considering travel to Kenya should evaluate their
personal security situation in light of continuing threats from
terrorism and the high rate of violent crime.
Violent and sometimes fatal criminal
attacks, including armed carjackings and home invasions/burglaries,
can occur at any time and in any location, particularly in
Nairobi. As recently as June 2008, U.S. Embassy personnel were
victims of carjackings. In the short-term, the continued
displacement of thousands of people by the recent civil unrest
combined with endemic poverty and the availability of weapons could
result in an increase in crime, both petty and violent. Kenyan
authorities have limited capacity to deter or investigate such acts or
prosecute perpetrators. American citizens in Kenya should be extremely
vigilant with regard to their personal security, particularly in
public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts,
upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship.
*CRIME:* There is a high rate of crime
in all regions of Kenya, particularly Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and at
coastal beach resorts.
There are regular reports of attacks
against tourists by groups of armed assailants. Pickpockets and
thieves carry out "snatch and run" crimes on city streets and near
crowds. Visitors have found it safer not to carry valuables, but
rather to store them in hotel safety deposit boxes or safe rooms.
However, there have been reports of safes being stolen from hotel
rooms and hotel desk staff being forced to open safes. Walking alone
or at night, especially in downtown areas, public parks, along
footpaths, on beaches, and in poorly lit areas, is dangerous and
discouraged.
Violent criminal attacks, including
armed carjacking and home invasions/burglary, can occur at any time
and in any location, and are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen,
vicious, and often fatal. In early 2007, two American citizens were
killed and one critically injured in two separate carjacking
incidents. Nairobi averages about ten vehicle hijackings per day and
Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such
acts. Matatus (public transportation) tend to be targeted since they
carry up to 14 passengers.
Although these attacks are often
violent, victims are generally not injured if they do not resist.
There is also a high incidence of residential break-ins and occupants
should take additional security measures to protect their property.
Thieves and con artists have been known to impersonate police
officers, thus Americans are strongly encouraged to ask for
identification if approached by individuals identifying themselves as
police officials, uniformed or not.
Thieves routinely snatch jewelry and
other objects from open vehicle windows while motorists are either
stopped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic. Vehicle windows should
be up and doors locked regardless of the time of day or weather.
Thieves on matatus, buses and trains may steal valuables from
inattentive passengers. Americans should guard their backpacks or hand
luggage and ensure these items are not left unattended. Purchasing
items from street vendors is strongly discouraged – visitors should
only use reputable stores or businesses. Many scams, perpetrated
against unsuspecting tourists, are prevalent in and around the city of
Nairobi. Many of these involve people impersonating police officers
and using fake police ID badges and other credentials.
Nevertheless, police checkpoints are
common in Kenya and all vehicles are required to stop if directed to
do so.
Highway banditry is common in much of
North Eastern Province, Eastern Province, the northern part of Coast
Province, and the northern part of the Rift Valley Province. These
areas are remote and sparsely populated.
Incidents also occur occasionally on
Kenya's main highways, particularly after dark. Due to increased
bandit activity, air travel is the recommended means of transportation
when visiting any of the coastal resorts north of Malindi. Travelers
to North Eastern Kenya and the North Rift Valley Region should travel
with the police escorts or convoys organized by the government of
Kenya.
There has been an increase in armed
banditry in or near many of Kenya’s national parks and game reserves,
particularly the Samburu, Leshaba, and Masai Mara game reserves. In
response, the Kenya Wildlife Service and police have taken some steps
to strengthen security in the affected areas, but the problem has not
been eliminated. Travelers who do not use the services of reputable
travel firms or knowledgeable guides or drivers are especially at
risk. Safaris are best undertaken with a minimum of two vehicles so
that there is a backup in case of mechanical failure or other
emergency. Solo camping is always risky.
Australia
Crime
The level of crime in Nairobi is high.
Violent crime against Westerners, including armed carjacking,
kidnapping for ransom and home invasions, occurs frequently and can be
brazen and brutal. There have been fatalities. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that foreigners are increasingly being targeted in homes,
tourist areas and while travelling by road.
You should avoid walking or travelling
after dark or on isolated roads, especially in downtown areas, public
parks, along footpaths or on beaches, and remain vigilant during
daylight hours.
Muggings and burglaries are common,
particularly after dark. Jewellery and bag-snatching from open vehicle
windows frequently occur while motorists are either stopped at traffic
lights or in heavy traffic. When driving, you should ensure that
windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.
* We advise you to exercise a
high degree of caution in Kenya at
this time due to
the high risk of terrorist attack, civil unrest
and high crime
levels.
* We are receiving an
increasing number of reports that terrorists
may be planning
attacks against a range of targets in Kenya,
including Kenyan or
Western interests. Western embassies, UN
premises, shopping
areas frequented by Westerners, hotels, tourist
resorts, safari
lodges and other places frequented by foreigners
may be particular
targets. In planning your activities, you should
avoid the kinds of
places known to be terrorist targets.
* Foreign embassies, hotels and
commercial airlines in Kenya have
been targeted by
terrorists in the past and remain potential
targets. See Safety
and Security: Terrorism
<http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Kenya#Safety_and_Security>
for details.
Canada
Canadians are advised to exercise a
high degree of caution because of the potential of terrorist actions
against Western interests throughout Kenya. Attacks could occur at any
time and could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign
travellers. Canadians should be aware that the U.S. embassies in Kenya
and Tanzania were bombed simultaneously in 1998.
The potential for carjackings and
robberies of tourists travelling to and from Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA) and Nairobi, particularly at night,
continues to be of concern. Travellers arriving at JKIA should only
use transportation organized by reputable tour companies or
well-marked taxis. Currency should not be exchanged in the public
areas of the airport. Checked luggage may be pilfered at the airport.
Travellers should store their valuables in securely locked hand
luggage and suitcases.
Nairobi and its surrounding regions
have experienced an increase in violent incidents in recent months.
There has been a particularly high number of incidents involving the
Mungiki criminal gang and police forces, following the death of
several high-level members of the Mungiki sect in April 2008. Although
the majority of Mungiki-related incidents have been located in and
around Nairobi, this sect has spread its activities to other parts of
the country. In April 2009, fighting erupted between residents of the
town of Karatina in Central province and members of this gang. More
than 20 people were reportedly killed and several others injured. In
recent months, foreign nationals have been the victims of daytime
carjackings and kidnappings in neighbourhoods normally deemed safe
during daylight hours. Travellers should be vigilant and avoid heavily
populated areas of major cities to minimize the risk of being caught
up in violent clashes. In Nairobi, travellers should particularly
avoid the Kibera, Mathare, Kasirani, and Eastleigh neighbourhoods.
New Zealand
There is high risk to your security
throughout Kenya and we advise against all tourist and other
non-essential travel due to the threat from terrorism, civil unrest
and violent crime.
Violent crime including car-jacking,
home invasion and armed robbery is increasing. These attacks can occur
anywhere at anytime and can be fatal. New Zealanders are advised to be
extremely security conscious at all times and avoid travelling at
night.
There is a high threat from terrorism
in Kenya. Previous terrorist attacks in Kenya have been against
visibly Western targets. Particular care should be taken in public and
commercial areas known to be frequented by foreigners including
airports, hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, tourist areas, embassies,
shopping areas, outdoor recreation events and expatriate housing
areas.
UK
*There is a high threat from terrorism
in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places
frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Previous attacks have
included a bomb attack on a hotel, which resulted in significant loss
of life, and an unsuccessful attempt to bring down a civilian airliner
in Mombasa, both in November 2002.
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism
in Kenya. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places
frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. While there have not
been any terrorist attacks in Kenya since 2002, we know that Al-Qaeda
has the potential to carry out attacks against Western targets. The
leadership of Al-Shabaab, a Somalia based Islamist insurgency group,
have publicly threatened to attack Kenya should the Kenyan government
provide support to the Somali Transitional Federal Government
(TFG).
Muggings and armed attacks by gangs
can occur at any time, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Do not carry credit cards or cash
cards unless you must: people have been forced by thieves to
withdraw cash. Beware of thieves posing as police officers; always ask
to see identification.
Jeffrey J.
Neuman
Neustar, Inc. / Vice President, Law &
Policy
46000
Center Oak Plaza Sterling, VA 20166
Office:
+1.571.434.5772
Mobile:
+1.202.549.5079
Fax:
+1.703.738.7965
/
jeff.neuman@neustar.biz
/
www.neustar.biz
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