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


Chuck,

Thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention.

Stéphane

Le 9 déc. 2009 à 20:27, Gomes, Chuck a écrit :

> 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_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@xxxxxxxxxxx  / www.neustar.biz     
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