WEEKLY ROUND-UP #23 (23 MAY-29 MAY)

Personal safety while in higher risk countries and regions is a serious matter because our clients stay safer while abroad, but as importantly they return home unharmed. Personal safety also encompasses all forms of risks, threats and hazards. 
We will therefore dedicate this blog post to personal safety while in Brazil for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup. How timely!

Introduction & assessment: Crimes & muggings are the likely threats to travelers during FIFA 2014. Violent protests have emerged in most FIFA host cities. We assess that the government had identified up to five groups that have hostile intent toward FIFA World Cup. As a result there is a direct and collateral risk for injuries if among crowds. There are also health hazards that may negatively affect travellers if certain preventive measures are not taken, usually prior to departure.

THREATS

1.  Protests and demonstrations: Groups such as Black Block will likely take advantage of the high profile of the Cup to organize violent street protests. Tourists and other visitors to the many Cup cities are likely to be injured or to be detained if caught in protester crowds despite of themselves. The crime rate is likely to elevate due to the opportunities brought by the tens of thousands of additional tourists that will be present at the various venues. Riots in stadiums or in the vicinity of by supporters cannot be discounted. 
Our recommendations: While in town, leave the immediate vicinity of sudden crowd gatherings and ask your resort/hotel staff for any scheduled demonstrations for where you will be.

2.  Crimes: Petty crimes, assault, kidnappings and murders are all expected eventualities despite of the high visibility of the security forces that will be in place. You are advised against public transportation due to pick pockets. Some members of the Brazilian security forces are corrupt and beware of crooked cops that may illegally accuse you or detain you against a bribe. Similarly, criminals impersonating police officers have been reported. Please note that reporting crimes to the local authorities may or may not be satisfactorily resolved. Crime is generally not violent if the victim cooperates; carrying a decoy wallet with expired credit cards and some low denomination US dollars in case of armed robbery should alleviate many bad outcomes.
As a deterrent abide to all laws and directives from local authorities as warranted but more importantly remain in groups when practical and maintain a low profile. Travel during the day, in groups and use only reputable taxi companies. Plan to fly in and out of host cities as overland travel is not advisable.

3. Other threats: There have been reports of discrimination and abuses based on sexual orientation, gender and race. Assaults and even murders targeting the LGBT community have been reported and some behaviour reconsideration may be judicious as necessary.

HEALTH

4.   Dengue fever: There are a few facts that we know about dengue fever within Brazil; there were 1.4 million reported cases of dengue in 2013, there was a recent outbreak in April 2014 and most of Brazil’s cities have an endemic population of mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever and travellers may be at risk and severe cases can be fatal.
Prevention is the best bet against mosquito bites: dress in long sleeves & pants, see a doctor ASAP if you suspect any symptoms, always wear repellent on skin surface and clothes as required, avoid or leave areas if mosquitoes are encountered, avoid being outdoors around sunrise and sunset, when mosquitoes are most active and know that air conditioning and windows with screens will help avoid the pest in your hotel room.

5.  Other hazards: Do not touch unknown animals and insects. Air pollution is a concern. High temperatures and humidity in the north may affect some visitors and hydration can be important. 

Our comment: We regard the personal safety information contained in this blog post as effective but generic. Every travel destination is uniquely different and requires adequate research, analysis and accurate assessments to fully advise against the particular 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

Our website: http://parsecconsulting.wix.com/parsecconsulting

Attribution: copies and redistribution of the above material in any medium or format is authorized providing full attribution is credited by using full link of present blog.