In addition to the very serious security
concerns, I just read a news report in the past week that there is a major
cholera outbreak in Kenya.
Philip S. Corwin
Partner
Butera & Andrews
1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20004
202-347-6875
(office)
202-347-6876 (fax)
202-255-6172
(cell)
"Luck is the
residue of design." -- Branch Rickey
From: owner-bc-gnso@icann.org
[mailto:owner-bc-gnso@icann.org] On Behalf Of
Mike Rodenbaugh
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009
7:13 PM
To: 'bc - GNSO list'
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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