Civil unrest can range from small, organized rallies to large-scale demonstrations and rioting. It is rare that travelers or expatriates are directly targeted unless they work at or engage with a business or government element that is the direct cause of the unrest.
People may also be harmed simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, wearing or standing out differently to the demonstrators.
Civil unrest can arise in any country, globally, and it should be noted that no location is completely free of this risk. We have witnessed significant cases of social unrest occurring across the globe, including; USA, UK, France, and Hong Kong, all of which are considered relatively low-risk travel destinations.
The ability to anticipate civil unrest is only an advantage if the information we are receiving is accurate and we take action to mitigate the risk.
The most effective way to reduce your vulnerability is to monitor the environment for public calls to action and avoid areas where people have gathered to grieve their issues. Even peaceful rallies can spur violence or be met with an aggressive security response. Bystanders may be arrested or harmed by security forces using water cannon, tear gas, rubber bullets or other crowd control measures. In certain jurisdictions, it is illegal for foreign nationals to participate in political demonstrations.
Pre-Departure
To mitigate the risk of potential civil unrest to the location you are visiting, the following recommendations are provided.
Research
Gather information on the current situation of the location you are visiting. Follow local developments by monitoring media reporting and consulting the information made available by your Foreign Ministry or equivalent. Follow their directives. Should you be traveling to a country with an unstable social climate, be sure to contact your embassy and inform them of your whereabouts.
Government websites such as the US State Department https://www.state.gov/ and the British Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice are good sources of information and are normally up-to-date.
Security Support
Engage your organizations HSS/Security manager who may be able to provide information on the location you are visiting and may be able to provide you with organizational guidelines and security policies and directives for you.
Request from your security company provider the latest intelligence and mitigations to assist you in country.
Insurance
Before any travel is booked, enquired from your corporate insurance as to whether they have any recommendations or procedures you must follow. Ensure the insurance is suitable to cover all aspects of your travel destination and itinerary.
During Your Stay
Daily Routine
Once you have arrived in location, familiarize yourself with a map and make a note of local Police stations, Hospitals, embassy/consulate, your hotel and meeting locations, routes to the airport, and Government buildings of interest. Demonstrations usually take place close to Government buildings, police and military installations, Universities, and religious sites. If you do not have security assigned to you, ask your hotel staff about known hot spots and locations.
Avoid getting into political, religious, or sensitive conversations, keep all personal views to yourself, and stay impartial to prevent antagonizing & upsetting local personnel.
It is recommended to dress down and maintain a low profile to avoid standing out in public. Carry a copy of your travel documents (Passport, Visa, driving license) and the contact numbers for your company's Point of Contact, the local embassy 24/7 contact number, and the insurance 24/7 number.
Requesting updates from your security provider, Company HSS POC, and logging on to your embassy & local media websites should be a daily routine to keep track of local events.
Actions to Be Taken during Civil Unrest
On occasion, demonstrators have worn the same garment, color, or symbol to show a united common cause. Examples of this are the French Yellow vests Protesters (2018), Thai protestors wore yellow shirts (2008), while during post-election protests in Iran, opposition demonstrators wore token items in green (scarves, bracelets, etc.). Pay attention to such differentiators and make sure that you are dressed in a neutral manner.
Before Leaving Your Accommodation
- Check local media / your company security platform / local embassy or consulate for reports of demonstrations/rallies and stay away from these areas.
- Speak to hotel staff, pre-arranged security for any rumors/street gossip for unplanned gatherings.
- Ensure your phone is fully charged and you have copies of your travel documents and emergency contact numbers.
- Inform POC / Security you are leaving the accommodation and provide an ETA at your designated location.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to arrive at your planned location allowing for route changes.
- Avoid locations where police and security forces are conducting operations or expected areas where clashes with the demonstrators may occur
If You Are Caught up in a Demonstration
Driving:
- If you see a gathering/rally/demonstration ahead of you. Turn off the road as soon as possible but ensure the road is not a dead end and that you are able to maneuver around the gathering safely.
- If you unexpectedly turn a corner and find yourself amongst demonstrators, Remain calm, Ensure your doors are locked, keep the vehicle revs low, and speed down so as not to draw any more attention than you already have.
- Quickly assess the best direction (Side street) to head to so as to remove yourself from the area. (Do not drive through a crowd).
- If you are unable to drive away, it is recommended to park the vehicle, lock the car and leave it. Take shelter in the nearest safe location.
- If the crowd is upon you quicker than you anticipated, stop to the side and switch off the engine. Lock the doors and remain calm.
If You Are Walking Outside:
Remain calm – The demonstrators do not know who you are and will believe you are part of their protest. Be confident but don’t draw attention to yourself.
- Walk with them and remain discreet, slowly move to the edge of the crowd and stay away from the aggressors/ring leaders.
- Look for a safe exit away from the crowd and slowly walk away, don’t run; this will bring attention to yourself.
- If you are caught up in the dense crowd, stay away from glass shop windows and doors, stay firm on your feet, and move with the flow until you are able to move away in a safe direction.
- Should you be mistaken by the police/security forces as a demonstrator and get arrested, do exactly as they say and do not resist. Contact your embassy and company POC for assistance.
Crisis24 provides in-depth intelligence, planning, training, and swift and actionable responses to keep your organization ahead of emerging risks. Learn about our risk management capabilities or talk to one of our experts.
