[council] FW: [REGYCON] FW: March 2009 Meeting in Kenya - Warnings

["Gomes, Chuck" <cgomes@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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@xxxxxxxxx; Kurt Pritz; greg.rattray@xxxxxxxxx; 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_Sec
urity>

    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@xxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:jeff.neuman@xxxxxxxxxxx>   /
www.neustar.biz <http://www.neustar.biz/>       

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