Tension is rising once again in certain Arab nations as state authorities continue with, or re-new, clashes with pro-democracy protesters.
Here is the latest information on trouble spots. You are advised to exercise caution while travelling in this region, monitor events using local media (or ask staff at your hotel for advice).
EGYPT:
Pro-democracy protesters have re-occupied Cairo’s Tahrir Square concerned at the slow pace of reform, and worried that the proposed constitution gives too much power to the military.
State police have tried to clear the protesters from the city’s main thoroughfare, and in clashes over the weekend 13 people were killed. As many as 900 were injured.
It’s reported there were also clashes in Aswan, Suez and Alexandria, although the popular tourist destinations including Giza, Luxor and the Red Sea remain unaffected.
Travellers are reminded they should avoid all public demonstrations. Those who are in Cairo should exercise caution if passing through Tahrir Square. I may be wise to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.
SYRIA:
President Assad has vowed to continue with his efforts to put down the uprising. While the President dismisses the talk, there is a growing belief that civil war is inevitable.
In the latest incident, an anti-government group fired rocket-propelled-grenades at the Baath party headquarters in Damascus.
Syria is already on most western government’s DO NOT TRAVEL warning list for travellers. If you decide to ignore those warnings you will need to be extremely cautious while travelling in Syria, and be warned, it is very unlikely your travel insurer will be able to provide any assistance at all if you do get into difficulties (and may decline to assist you because of the warnings about the current risk).
BAHRAIN:
Clashes between government and pro-democracy groups continue in the Gulf State, especially after midday prayers each Friday.
In the latest round of protests over the weekend a young protester was killed after being struck by a police jeep. Authorities say it was an accident, protesters claim they have video proving police have been deliberately attempting to run-down protesters.
The death has increased tension ahead of the release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry Report on November 23rd. The inquiry was set up by royal decree to investigate human rights violations during the February and march 2011 uprising.
Widespread protests are expected around the report release date. Australia's Foreign Affairs Department has warned its citizens they should "reconsider your need" to travel to Bahrain at this time.
What you should do
If you intend visiting a potentially volatile region familiarise yourself with the place you intend to visit. Try to find out if there have been any recent violent demonstrations at your destination. Find out what the demonstrations were about and how the authorities handled them. In some countries the authorities do not tolerate dissent and use excessive force.
- Keep abreast of current news or contact your embassy and request regular updates if you are in a volatile area
- If you hear that a demonstration is taking place, avoid the area or stay in your accommodation until you are sure that it is safe to go out
- Before you go out, establish where the demonstration has taken place and if possible avoid the area. Take along and consult a map so that you will know where you are at all times
- If you come across a demonstration, don’t become inquisitive, just leave the area and find another route to your intended destination
- Should you need to go to an area which experiences a lot of demonstrations, try not to go alone. Where possible take someone with you and operate as a team looking out for each other. Keep close and maintain visual contact
- Avoid any place where police or security forces action is in progress
If caught in a civil disturbance
- If you find yourself caught up in a demonstration keep to the edge of the crowd where it is safer. Try not to be identified as being one of the demonstrators by keeping well away from the leaders/agitators
- At the first opportunity break away and seek refuge in a nearby building or find a suitable doorway or alley and stay there until the crowd passes
- When leaving the fringe of the demonstration just walk away – don’t run as this will draw attention to you
- In the event that you are arrested by the police/military do not resist. Go along peacefully and rather contact red24 or your embassy to help you resolve your predicament
- If you are caught up in the crowd, stay clear of glass shop fronts, stay on your feet and move with the flow
- If you are swept along in the crush, create a space for yourself by grasping your wrists and bracing your elbows away from your sides; bend over slightly – this should allow you breathing room
- If pushed to the ground, try to get against a wall and roll yourself into a tight ball and cover your head with your hands until the crowd passes
- Remember to keep calm – the crowd should sweep past in a short space of time
- If shooting breaks out, drop to the ground and cover your head and neck, and lie as flat as you can
In Accommodation
Accommodation could be a hotel, guest house, apartment or house.
- Do not leave the accommodation and go into the street
- Contact your embassy or consulate and advise them of your situation and whereabouts
- On hearing gunfire or explosions outside, stay away from the windows. Do not be tempted to watch the activity from your window. Draw the curtains or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering
- If you are in premises which have doors or windows opening on to the road side of the property, ensure that all windows and external doors are closed and locked
- Sleep in an inside room which will provide greater protection from gunfire, rocks, grenades etc.
- If you are in business premises, secure your area (lock doors and safes; remove files, vital records and expensive equipment to a safer part of the building)
- If a demonstration is taking place outside your hotel, liaise with hotel management to keep updated on the situation outside the hotel
If in a car
Never drive through a crowd
If you find yourself in the path of a crowd, turn down the nearest side road, reverse or turn around and drive away calmly
- If you cannot drive away, park the car, lock it and leave it, taking shelter in a side street or doorway
If you don’t have time for this, stop and turn the engine off. Lock the doors and remain calm. Be sure not to show hostility or anger
Action after an incident
If it is unsafe to stay where you are seek a place of safety in a less volatile area
If you have suffered injury seek medical assistance. Report any loss or damage to your property to the police
Report your situation or whereabouts to family/friends/business associates
Report incidents to local police and obtain a report reference · Where applicable, report and claim on insurance
If you are injured
If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service (numbers below).
Be aware that any functioning hospitals and clinics may be busy caring for large numbers of people who have been injured in the unrest.
How does this affect my travel insurance?
If you are innocently caught up in an incident - there's a spontaneous riot or demonstration, a grenade explodes or there's a sudden eruption of violence - generally your insurer will look after you. Just don't go looking for trouble, don't get involved in or go to watch a protest. As always, take time to read the policy to make sure the cover is right for you.
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention.Please have your name, location and phone number ready when you call (and policy number if available).
Click here for a list of 24 hour emergency assistance hotline numbers.
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