WEEKLY ROUND-UP #8 (24 JAN-30 JAN)

We will go back on some of our tweets of interest of the past week and expand further on the indicators that we presented, as they affect the security situation of a country. When we produce vulnerability assessments for our clients, six vulnerability (threats) factors are analyzed and assessed while four hazards are also analyzed and assessed. If gaps are identified they are covered by atmospherics elements. The goal of our tweets is to highlight and provide examples of the research that we do. It is not a complete list but merely a very small sample for our followers. If you have to travel to higher risk countries, contact us for a preliminary and gratuitous consultation to define if you require our services.


From 27 January:


1.  Brazil update: After we determined that crime & muggings are the likely threat to travelers during FIFA 2014, we have also assessed that violent protests will emerge in most large urban centers, starting now. There is a collateral risk of serious injuries if among crowds.


From 29 January:


2.  Brazil update: Sao Paolo: reports that 24 public buses set on fire in 2014. Avoid public transportation there and other large urban areas.


Our comment: The two above tweets are indicative of the internal security situation there. While crime was always present in Brazil, we have noted specifically that violent demonstrations as well as robberies against individuals have become predominant in urban areas. The cause for some protests are associated with the coming FIFA World Cup starting on 12 June and the alleged high costs associated. The Brazilian authorities have disclosed that the security forces in place will be well prepared to neutralize out of control protests. Disgruntled demonstrators will denounce the lack of decent public services and will also be enticed by the Black Bloc, an anarchist group that usually can turn seemingly peaceful protests violent by smashing the windows of storefronts, banks and torching cars.
Our outlook: Our outlook remains unchanged; it is highly likely that protests with varying degrees of violence will occur on a regular basis and should augment in frequency towards the month of June. A surge of demonstrations during the World Cup seems inevitable for the 12 scheduled locations given the media presence and scrutiny. We judge with confidence that Brazilian security forces will use deadly force if necessary which may trigger an escalation from the crowds.Tourists and other visitors to the many Cup cities are likely to be injured or to be detained if caught in protestor crowds despite of themselves.


Every travel destination is uniquely different and requires adequate research, analysis and accurate assessments to properly advise against the possible threats and hazards. We welcome inquiries so we can determine your security needs. Your first consultation is always free.


We invite you to review our past twitter posts @parsecconsult as well as this blog's entries.
We encourage feedback and questions to our e-mail: parsec.consulting@gmail.com



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