Patronus Analytical
A Thoughtful, Analytical Approach to NGO Security
kidnapping
Held by the Taliban - An interview with David Rhodes
29/10/09 15:15 Filed in: News
This MSNBC video interview with David Rhodes on his kidnapping by the Taliban is a little light but worth watching if you have the bandwidth. Rhodes reveals that his Taliban captors 'googled' him and his family members in their quest for information.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Update on kidnapped Greek aid worker
12/09/09 10:55 Filed in: Security Incident
Kalash children
A 12 member jirga left Chitral yesterday for Afghanistan’s Nuristan province in an effort to secure the safe release of kidnapped aid worker Athanasios Lerounis. Lerounis was kidnapped on 8 September from his room in the Bumboret Valley.
According to the police they have “... credible reports that the Greek national has been sifted to Nuristan.” A local shepherd is reported to have witnessed a group of men taking a foreigner to a location in Afghanistan near the AfPak border. In addition police have arrested a Nuristani man suspected of being involved in the case. He is a close relative of the guide who is suspected of having helped the kidnappers move Lerounis to Nuristan.
This incident highlights the strengths and weaknesses of acceptance as an NGO security strategy. Lerounis’s acceptance by the local community did not prevent the murder of his police guard. Nor did it protect him from being kidnapped by those elements, criminal or Taliban, who live outside local societal norms. Community acceptance may however prove crucial during efforts to secure Lerounis’s safe release. Kalash community members have been actively working to secure his release. Besides the formation of the jirga mentioned above community members have assisted police in their investigations and are bringing pressure on the government to work quickly and effectively in regaining Lerounis’s freedom.
[Photo credit: Simon Taylor]
Greek aid worker kidnapped in Pakistan
09/09/09 10:42 Filed in: Security Incident
Kalash woman and child-- courtesy Gul Hamaad Farooqi
Unidentified gunmen kidnapped a Greek national from his room in the Bumboret Valley, Chitral, after killing one of his guards and injuring another early yesterday morning. The man was sleeping in his room inside the Kalash House museum when up to twenty armed men broke in and forced him to accompany them at gunpoint. The assailants also seized a local Kalash teacher, identified as Ajmeer Kalash, but quickly abandoned him after they tied him to a pillar.
The Greek man, identified in some reports as Athunasius, had been living and working in the Bumboret Valley since 1995. He was supervising the construction of the Kalash House museum and primary school where he also volunteered as a teacher. The project is funded by small Greek NGO and is intended to help preserve and promote the unique Kalash culture. During his time in the valley Athunasius also helped establish two primary schools and three maternity centres.
Note: The local media does not seem to be any better at handling Greek names than I am. Local reports have reported the victim as being Athanasee Laironaise, Lerunis Athuanisis, or simply Athunasius.
While Chitral is generally considered peaceful, it does border the conflict-plagued Afghan provinces of Kunar and Nuristan. An Afghan government adviser visiting the region was kidnapped last year. Two years ago unidentified gunmen murdered a Spanish national and his Pakistani servant at their residence in the Bumboret Valley.
The museum in Bumboret
Aid workers released in Somalia and Chad
11/08/09 19:15 Filed in: News
Some good news for a change:
Six foreigners kidnapped in Somalia in November of last year have been released according to this AlertNet report. Four were aid workers with Action Contre La Faim (ACF) while the other two were the Kenyan pilots who had flown them in to Somalia.
Meanwhile MSF indicates that one of its staff members, missing since 4 August, returned safely last Friday. Unfortunately the international staff member is still being held by an unidentified armed group.
Six foreigners kidnapped in Somalia in November of last year have been released according to this AlertNet report. Four were aid workers with Action Contre La Faim (ACF) while the other two were the Kenyan pilots who had flown them in to Somalia.
Meanwhile MSF indicates that one of its staff members, missing since 4 August, returned safely last Friday. Unfortunately the international staff member is still being held by an unidentified armed group.
Somali gunmen kidnap three aid workers in Kenya
19/07/09 11:42 Filed in: Security Incident
Three aid workers — an American, a Pakistani, and a Mozambican — were kidnapped by armed men in Kenya’s border town of Mandera on Friday night. The gunmen reportedly seized the trio from an NGO run guest house where they were watching television with seven other expatriates. The victims were forced into a Land Cruiser and driven across the border into Somalia.
A ‘security guard’ cum ‘private tour guide’ was seriously injured during the incident.
Al Shabaab, the anti-government Islamic fundamentalist group that is holding two kidnapped French security officials, denied involvement in the incident calling it a “cowardly act” before pointing the finger at rival fundamentalist group Hizbul Islam. Al Shabaab’s promise to assist in locating the kidnapped aid workers is far from reassuring, however. It seems that Hizbul Islam, the original kidnappers of the French security officials, turned the pair over to Al Shabaab in order ‘to avert bloodshed’. In turn Al Shabaab has announced that they will try the Frenchmen under Shariah.
Al Shabaab ‘assistance’ in locating the kidnapped aid workers might best be avoided.
A ‘security guard’ cum ‘private tour guide’ was seriously injured during the incident.
Al Shabaab, the anti-government Islamic fundamentalist group that is holding two kidnapped French security officials, denied involvement in the incident calling it a “cowardly act” before pointing the finger at rival fundamentalist group Hizbul Islam. Al Shabaab’s promise to assist in locating the kidnapped aid workers is far from reassuring, however. It seems that Hizbul Islam, the original kidnappers of the French security officials, turned the pair over to Al Shabaab in order ‘to avert bloodshed’. In turn Al Shabaab has announced that they will try the Frenchmen under Shariah.
Al Shabaab ‘assistance’ in locating the kidnapped aid workers might best be avoided.
Deminers released, health workers still held
06/07/09 14:01 Filed in: Security Incident
The sixteen humanitarian deminers kidnapped in Afghanistan on Saturday have been released. Apparently tribal local tribal elders were able to negotiate the release of the team.
Two Afghan staff from the Netherlands based HealthNet TPO (HNI) who were also kidnapped on Saturday in nearby Khost province remain unaccounted for.
Two Afghan staff from the Netherlands based HealthNet TPO (HNI) who were also kidnapped on Saturday in nearby Khost province remain unaccounted for.
Sixteen humanitarian deminers kidnapped in Afghanistan
05/07/09 14:21 Filed in: Security Incident
Sixteen humanitarian deminers from the Mine Detection and Dog Centre in Afghanistan were seized by unidentified gunmen on Saturday, 5 July. The group was taken while travelling along the Logar to Gardez road. So far, there have been no claims of responsibility.
The Logar to Gardez road is considered unsafe for travel by many NGOs, who travel the route only when essential and in unmarked vehicles. Last August five IRC staff were killed in an ambush on the same road.
View Logar-Gardez Road in a larger map
More: Gunmen kidnap 16 Afghan UN demining workers-police
The Logar to Gardez road is considered unsafe for travel by many NGOs, who travel the route only when essential and in unmarked vehicles. Last August five IRC staff were killed in an ambush on the same road.
View Logar-Gardez Road in a larger map
More: Gunmen kidnap 16 Afghan UN demining workers-police
Two aid workers kidnapped in Darfur
04/07/09 13:05 Filed in: Security Incident
Two aid workers with the aid group Goal, were kidnapped in Sudan's western Darfur region on 3 July 2009. Goal chief John O'Shea identified the two women as Sharon Commins (32), from Clontarf, Ireland and Hilda Kawuki (40) from Uganda.
The pair were seized by armed men from their compound in the northern Darfur town of Kutum shortly after dark. Their Sudanese guard was also taken during the incident but he was later released.
The incident followed a growing trend in Darfur kidnappings; foreign aid workers being seized from their compounds shortly after dark by well prepared teams of armed men. Compound walls and unarmed guards can do very little to deter this type of attack.
More: Irish aid worker kidnapped in Darfur
The pair were seized by armed men from their compound in the northern Darfur town of Kutum shortly after dark. Their Sudanese guard was also taken during the incident but he was later released.
The incident followed a growing trend in Darfur kidnappings; foreign aid workers being seized from their compounds shortly after dark by well prepared teams of armed men. Compound walls and unarmed guards can do very little to deter this type of attack.
More: Irish aid worker kidnapped in Darfur
Four UN staff kidnapped in Somalia
16/03/09 18:21 Filed in: Security Incident
Update - Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Muktar Robow Mansoor is claiming that all four kidnapped staff have been released and are “... with me with their luggage and we are going to hand over the U.N. officers soon. They are free now.”
On 16 March gunmen kidnapped four UN aid workers in Wajid, Somalia. The UN staffers were preparing to fly from Wajid airport when they were seized. The presence of armed escorts did not deter the kidnappers. No shots were fired.
The kidnapped staff included one Azerbaijani and one Ghanian, both with UNDP, one French staff member of WFP, and a Somali from the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).
Kidnappings of aid workers and journalists are common in Somalia. Although many victims are released unharmed after the payment of ransom the process can drag on for months. A Canadian journalist and an Australian photographer abducted last August are still being held. Four aid workers with Action Contre la Faim and two Kenyan pilots have been held since November.
Foreign aid workers travelling to Somalia should ensure their financial affairs are in order and their families understand their wishes in the event they are kidnapped.
Somalia: Unknown Gunmen Kidnap UN Aid Workers
hawiye gunmen kidnap UN aid workers
On 16 March gunmen kidnapped four UN aid workers in Wajid, Somalia. The UN staffers were preparing to fly from Wajid airport when they were seized. The presence of armed escorts did not deter the kidnappers. No shots were fired.
The kidnapped staff included one Azerbaijani and one Ghanian, both with UNDP, one French staff member of WFP, and a Somali from the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).
Kidnappings of aid workers and journalists are common in Somalia. Although many victims are released unharmed after the payment of ransom the process can drag on for months. A Canadian journalist and an Australian photographer abducted last August are still being held. Four aid workers with Action Contre la Faim and two Kenyan pilots have been held since November.
Foreign aid workers travelling to Somalia should ensure their financial affairs are in order and their families understand their wishes in the event they are kidnapped.
Somalia: Unknown Gunmen Kidnap UN Aid Workers
hawiye gunmen kidnap UN aid workers
Five aid workers kidnapped in Darfur
12/03/09 16:22 Filed in: Security Incident
Three international aid workers with Medecins Sans Frontieres Belgium were kidnapped on Wednesday from their offices in Darfur, Sudan according to an MSF statement. MSF identifies the trio as a Canadian nurse, an Italian doctor and a French coordinator. Two Sudanese staff were also seized but were quickly released.
The kidnapping took place in Serif Umra in north Darfur, where MSF Belgium runs a health clinic and dispensary.
While MSF France and MSF Netherlands were among the thirteen aid groups expelled from Darfur last week MSF Belgium was not. The Swiss and Spanish branches of MSF also remain in Darfur.
More: International aid workers kidnapped in Darfur
Foreign Aid Workers Kidnapped In Darfur
Note: I’m on the road right now so can’t really give this incident the attention it deserves. Check out the sidebar for timely news and opinion on Darfur.
Update: The three kidnapped MSF staff have been identified as Laura Archer, Mauro D'Ascanio and Raphael Meonier.
The kidnapping took place in Serif Umra in north Darfur, where MSF Belgium runs a health clinic and dispensary.
While MSF France and MSF Netherlands were among the thirteen aid groups expelled from Darfur last week MSF Belgium was not. The Swiss and Spanish branches of MSF also remain in Darfur.
More: International aid workers kidnapped in Darfur
Foreign Aid Workers Kidnapped In Darfur
Note: I’m on the road right now so can’t really give this incident the attention it deserves. Check out the sidebar for timely news and opinion on Darfur.
Update: The three kidnapped MSF staff have been identified as Laura Archer, Mauro D'Ascanio and Raphael Meonier.
Links for 2/19/2009
19/02/09 23:51 Filed in: News
UN on alert ahead of Beshir arrest warrant decision - Unfortunate quote, “UNAMID spokesman Noureddine Mezni was unapologetic about the contingency planning.” Hmmm... need we ever be apologetic about contingency planning?
Italian nuns freed after kidnap by Somalis - Some good news for a change.
Security forces raid office, intimidate staff of NGO that reports on human rights abuses - Thai military forces NGO staff to reveal confidential information on victims of human rights abuses.
Sri Lanka to probe NGO activities - Having been directly involved in a previous Sri Lankan government inquiry into NGO activities I think the term ‘witch hunt’ is entirely appropriate.
Italian nuns freed after kidnap by Somalis - Some good news for a change.
Security forces raid office, intimidate staff of NGO that reports on human rights abuses - Thai military forces NGO staff to reveal confidential information on victims of human rights abuses.
Sri Lanka to probe NGO activities - Having been directly involved in a previous Sri Lankan government inquiry into NGO activities I think the term ‘witch hunt’ is entirely appropriate.
German aid worker, parents abducted in Yemen
Bani Thabyan tribesmen kidnapped a German aid worker and her parents in southern Yemen on Monday. The aid worker and her visiting mother and father were seized by the tribesmen in Dhamar province, 105 kilometres south of the capital, San'a according to security officials. The kidnappers are demanding the release of imprisoned fellow tribesman.
German and Yemeni officials have yet to release the identity of the captives.
Kidnappings of this type are fairly common in Yemen. In the majority of cases, the hostages are freed unharmed after negotiations.
German and Yemeni officials have yet to release the identity of the captives.
Kidnappings of this type are fairly common in Yemen. In the majority of cases, the hostages are freed unharmed after negotiations.
One released, another taken
03/12/08 21:48 Filed in: Security Incident
Dany Egreteau, the French aid worker who has kidnapped on 3 November in Kabul has apparently been released unharmed.
Unfortunately this good news is tempered by the apparent abduction of Jestina Mukoko, the Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. Jestina was forced from her home in Harare by armed men in civilian clothing at 5 AM on 3 November. The Zimbabwe Peace Project local intelligence and police authorities are involved in the abduction.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project works to document violence and torture across Zimbabwe through a network of Peace Monitors.
A JOINT STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ZPP DIRECTOR,
JESTINA MUKOKO
Unfortunately this good news is tempered by the apparent abduction of Jestina Mukoko, the Director of the Zimbabwe Peace Project. Jestina was forced from her home in Harare by armed men in civilian clothing at 5 AM on 3 November. The Zimbabwe Peace Project local intelligence and police authorities are involved in the abduction.
The Zimbabwe Peace Project works to document violence and torture across Zimbabwe through a network of Peace Monitors.
A JOINT STATEMENT CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ZPP DIRECTOR,
JESTINA MUKOKO
Reasons to be Thankful
27/11/08 20:03 Filed in: News
Today is the day that Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. Going through my email and news feeds I’ve been thinking of things to be thankful for.
First and foremost for me is that Bev did not make it as far as Mumbai on her break from the dangers of Afghanistan. Fortunately for her the attacks began before she could leave Delhi.
Afghanistan hasn’t been quiet either of course. A suicide bombing near the American embassy in Kabul disrupted Thanksgiving Day activities, killing at least four people.
Aid Worker Daily points to another reason to be thankful. I could have been born in eastern Congo rather than western Canada. Condition: Critical highlights the struggles of those living in war torn Congo.
Most of all this morning I am thankful that I am not Dany Egreteau the French aid worker kidnapped in Kabul on 3 November. Warning: The video contains graphic and disturbing images.
Have courage brother. Rest assured that there are many working for your safe return.
First and foremost for me is that Bev did not make it as far as Mumbai on her break from the dangers of Afghanistan. Fortunately for her the attacks began before she could leave Delhi.
Afghanistan hasn’t been quiet either of course. A suicide bombing near the American embassy in Kabul disrupted Thanksgiving Day activities, killing at least four people.
Aid Worker Daily points to another reason to be thankful. I could have been born in eastern Congo rather than western Canada. Condition: Critical highlights the struggles of those living in war torn Congo.
Most of all this morning I am thankful that I am not Dany Egreteau the French aid worker kidnapped in Kabul on 3 November. Warning: The video contains graphic and disturbing images.
Have courage brother. Rest assured that there are many working for your safe return.
Somali Gunmen Kidnap Aid Workers on Airstrip
05/11/08 18:13 Filed in: Security Incident | News
Somali gunmen have kidnapped a group of aid workers from an airstrip in central Somalia.
French Aid Worker Kidnapped in Kabul
03/11/08 14:02 Filed in: Security Incident | News
The details are still sketchy but it appears that a French aid worker has been kidnapped in Kabul this morning. According to various sources he was taken while walking in Karta Parwan, a suburb of Kabul. An Afghan, possibly with the National Directorate of Security, was shot when he tried to intervene.
More: Western aid worker kidnapped in Kabul, Afghan shot dead
More: Western aid worker kidnapped in Kabul, Afghan shot dead
Two French Aid Workers Kidnapped in Afghanistan
19/07/08 10:09 Filed in: Security Incident | News
Two French aid workers from Action Against Hunger (ACF) were kidnapped in Afghanistan on Friday. The pair were taken at 1 AM as they slept in their ACF guest house in Nili, Day Kundi Province. The kidnappers reportedly tied up the local guards before fleeing with thier two victims.
According to ACF they have knowledge that the two staff members are still alive.
Kidnapping in Afghanistan: Two ACF Humanitarian Aid Workers Abducted
Two French aid workers kidnapped in Afghanistan
According to ACF they have knowledge that the two staff members are still alive.
Kidnapping in Afghanistan: Two ACF Humanitarian Aid Workers Abducted
Two French aid workers kidnapped in Afghanistan
Gunmen Seize Aid Workers in Somalia (update 2)
01/07/08 11:45 Filed in: Security Incident
Gunmen have reportedly seized aid worker Mohamoud Abdi Adan while he was travelling to Mogadishu from Merka. Mohamoud is a local co-ordinator for Water for Life.
Reuters is reporting that a female staff member was taken in the same incident.
Somali gunmen kidnap workers with Italian charity
Update 2 July - Reports now suggest that at least four Water for Life staff may have been kidnapped. See Aid Worker Killed, at Least 4 Kidnapped Near Somali Capital for more info.
Reuters is reporting that a female staff member was taken in the same incident.
Somali gunmen kidnap workers with Italian charity
Update 2 July - Reports now suggest that at least four Water for Life staff may have been kidnapped. See Aid Worker Killed, at Least 4 Kidnapped Near Somali Capital for more info.
Aid Worker Killed in Somalia
01/07/08 11:36 Filed in: Security Incident
On 30 June, unidentified gunmen kidnapped and later killed Siyad Orow, a Somali aid worker in Mogadishu. Siyad Orow was the head of ASAL, a local implementing partner for WFP.
Gunmen kill aid worker in Mogadishu: officials
Gunmen kill aid worker in Mogadishu: officials
Two UN Mine Action Program Staff Abducted/Released in Somalia
29/06/08 08:44 Filed in: Security Incident
Somali gunmen seized then quickly released two Scandinavian UN Mine Action Program staff over the weekend. The gunmen kidnapped the pair and a local IMC translator when they stormed the IMC compound in Hudur, Somalia.
Noefolk Nelson and Ulf Felink were released on Saturday hours after they taken. A Somali translator was also released.
Four foreign aid workers, two Italians, a Kenyan and a Briton, abducted in April and May, are still being held by gunmen in Somalia.
U.N. says Somali gunmen release two of its workers
Abducted Scandinavian UN workers released by Somali gunmen (Roundup)
Noefolk Nelson and Ulf Felink were released on Saturday hours after they taken. A Somali translator was also released.
Four foreign aid workers, two Italians, a Kenyan and a Briton, abducted in April and May, are still being held by gunmen in Somalia.
U.N. says Somali gunmen release two of its workers
Abducted Scandinavian UN workers released by Somali gunmen (Roundup)
Somali gunmen kidnap senior UN aid worker
22/06/08 21:08 Filed in: Security Incident
On 21 June Somali gunmen reportedly seized the head of the UNHCR office in Mogadishu, Somalia. Ten men raided the house of Hassan Mohamed Ali in Elasha, south of the capital on Saturday, according to witnesses.
Medeshi
Reuters Africa
Yahoo News
Medeshi
Reuters Africa
Yahoo News
Armed Men Abduct Aid Worker in Somalia
17/06/08 14:24 Filed in: Security Incident
According to Mareeg Online a local representative of CARE International in Somalia was kidnapped in Galguduud Region on Saturday night. According to a member of the Ceel Dheer administration heavily armed men were seen taking the CARE staff member away.
Mareeg online reports that the staff member had received telephone threats prior to the incident.
Somalia: Unidentified men abduct aid worker in central Somalia
Mareeg online reports that the staff member had received telephone threats prior to the incident.
Somalia: Unidentified men abduct aid worker in central Somalia
Canadian Aid Worker Kidnapped in Haiti Released
30/05/08 07:12 Filed in: NGO Security | Security Incident
Medecins du Monde Aid Worker Kidnapped in Haiti
23/05/08 11:17 Filed in: Security Incident | NGO Security
A Canadian aid worker with Medecins du Monde was kidnapped on 21 May from the Tomasin neighborhood of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti has a well established kidnapping industry. At least 139 people have been kidnapped this year. Most kidnappings occur in the capital.
Haiti has a well established kidnapping industry. At least 139 people have been kidnapped this year. Most kidnappings occur in the capital.
Three Aid Workers Kidnapped in Somalia
Three aid workers from Cooperazione Italiana Nord Sud were kidnapped by gunmen on 21 May in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. Two Italians, one male and one female, and a male Somali colleague were kidnapped early in the morning in the village of Awdhegle.
Two Italians among three aid workers kidnapped in Somalia: officials
Somali gunmen kidnap two Italian aid workers-officials
Witness: Somali gunmen seize 2 Italian aid workers
Two Italians among three aid workers kidnapped in Somalia: officials
Somali gunmen kidnap two Italian aid workers-officials
Witness: Somali gunmen seize 2 Italian aid workers
Kidnapped Aid Workers Released in Pakistan
On 17 May, Taliban fighters operating in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan, released four employees of two NGOs. The four were kidnapped by the Taliban on 23 April.
The aid workers were reportedly released after a local Peace Jirga facilitated talks between the Pakistani government and the Taliban.
The aid workers were reportedly released after a local Peace Jirga facilitated talks between the Pakistani government and the Taliban.
Kidnapped UN Workers Released in Pakistani Raid
22/04/08 07:52 Filed in: Security Incident
KinderBerg Afghanistan Suspends Operations After Staff Kidnapped
14/04/08 14:13 Filed in: Security Incident
German KinderBerg has reportedly suspended operations for five days after the apparent kidnapping of two staff members near Charikar the capital of Parwan province. The area had previously been considered relatively safe.
Appropriate Response to NGO Kidnappings and Abduction
11/04/08 08:31 Filed in: NGO Security
In the past most NGO kidnappings were conducted by criminal groups seeking economic gain. However in at least the past five years we have seen a marked increase in the number of NGOs who have been kidnapped for political reasons. Confusing the issue are indications that some recent kidnappings may have been 'speculative' in nature. That is to say they were carried out by groups that were primarily criminal in nature but with the intent to sell the victim to the highest bidder.
"Experienced Advice Crucial in Response to Kidnappings" outlines the nature of the kidnapping threat and the steps NGOs should take to prepare themselves. Kidnap insurance, crisis management plans, family support, and media liaison plans are all covered in an accessible manner. If you are an NGO security officer the article might be useful for opening a discussion with senior staff. If you are a programme person you should read it and raise any questions you might have with your security officer.
The article was authored by Bob Macpherson, former director of the CARE International Safety and Security Unit, Christine Persaud, and Norman Sheehan. Between them they have a wealth of experience dealing with NGO security issues.
Kidnapped Aid Workers Reportedly Killed in Afghanistan
Aid workers Cyd Mizell and Muhammad Hadi have apparently been killed in Afghanistan according to this statement by Asian Rural Life Development Foundation. The pair had been kidnapped by armed men in Kandahar while they travelled to work in the morning.
Our prayers are with the families and friends of Hadi and Cyd.
Our prayers are with the families and friends of Hadi and Cyd.
Mexico's kidnapping business
24/02/08 14:42 Filed in: NGO Security | Security
According to AlJazeera kidnappings are big business in Mexico with an average of 900 kidnappings per day last year.
Watching the video reminded me of a kidnapping conference I attended a couple of years ago. Among the participants was Rachel Briggs, the author of "The Kidnapping Business". Her publication is well worth reading even without the extensive references to the NGO community.
To paraphrase her report a kidnapping business hotspot country can be identified by the following characteristics:
1. The presence of networked groups that can support the crime. Tribal groups, fringe political groups, religious groups, and pure criminal groups are the major classifications and they are by no means mutually exclusive.
2. Political or economic transition that results in ineffective policing, corrupt judiciary, or weak laws but avoids outright conflict which would likely limit the number potential victims.
3. A local middle class, significant numbers of expatriate businessmen, or I would argue the presence of large numbers of aid worker.
4. Areas where potential victims are poorly protected and do not manage risk well.
Does the country you work in have some or all of these characteristics? Does your organization have a kidnap and ransom policy? Do you know what it is? Do you know what personal security measures to take to reduce your risk? Do you actually use them?
Watching the video reminded me of a kidnapping conference I attended a couple of years ago. Among the participants was Rachel Briggs, the author of "The Kidnapping Business". Her publication is well worth reading even without the extensive references to the NGO community.
To paraphrase her report a kidnapping business hotspot country can be identified by the following characteristics:
1. The presence of networked groups that can support the crime. Tribal groups, fringe political groups, religious groups, and pure criminal groups are the major classifications and they are by no means mutually exclusive.
2. Political or economic transition that results in ineffective policing, corrupt judiciary, or weak laws but avoids outright conflict which would likely limit the number potential victims.
3. A local middle class, significant numbers of expatriate businessmen, or I would argue the presence of large numbers of aid worker.
4. Areas where potential victims are poorly protected and do not manage risk well.
Does the country you work in have some or all of these characteristics? Does your organization have a kidnap and ransom policy? Do you know what it is? Do you know what personal security measures to take to reduce your risk? Do you actually use them?
Aid Worker Kidnapped in Solmalia Freed
13/02/08 14:40 Filed in: Security Incident
According to this AlertNet report the GAA aid worker who was kidnapped yesterday in Somalia was freed by security forces.
Aid Worker Kidnapped in Somalia
12/02/08 18:36 Filed in: Security Incident
According to his colleagues a German aid worker of German Agro Action (Deutsche Welthungerhilfe) was kidnapped by armed gunmen in Era Gabo, Somaliland. Daniel Bronkal was apparently taken during an ambush on the GAA vehicle. The driver, who sustained injuries during the attack, and a fellow aid worker avoided capture in the confusion.
Although it the motivation for the kidnapping is not clear at this point the area has experienced a spate of criminal kidnappings for ransom. In January two MSF Spain staff were released by their kidnappers after being held for a week.
more from AlertNet
Although it the motivation for the kidnapping is not clear at this point the area has experienced a spate of criminal kidnappings for ransom. In January two MSF Spain staff were released by their kidnappers after being held for a week.
more from AlertNet
Terrorism, Economic, and Privacy Risk Maps
I love maps. Good maps can be a security analyst's best friend. A good map can summarize an entire analytical report.
A recent post on sources and methods led me to Aon Corporation's Terrorism Threat Map. Risk levels, regions of special risk, religious extremist groups, political extremism, separatist movements, and kidnap risk are all covered in a simple and easy to grasp format. The legends are chock full of information as well. One even contains a concise explanation of the terrorism risk assessment process.
Aon's 2008 Political and Economic Risk Map is another that deserves a place on your office wall. Not only does it illustrate the usual war, terrorism, and civil disturbance risks but it also highlights exposure to the current global credit crisis. You can get a copy here but unfortunately you'll have to fill in one of those annoying online forms.
Privacy International's map of Surveillance Societies Around the World isn't nearly as professional as the ones above but it is still effective at pointing out that the world's nosiest governments aren't necessarily where you might think. Although I think Privacy International tends to be somewhat alarmist my biggest problem with their latest report is that they still leave large portions of the world uncovered. Surely Africa, the Middle east, and South Asia deserve greater attention?
For extra analytical fun try overlaying the maps. How does surveillance intensity compare to terrorism risk? Kidnap risk?
A recent post on sources and methods led me to Aon Corporation's Terrorism Threat Map. Risk levels, regions of special risk, religious extremist groups, political extremism, separatist movements, and kidnap risk are all covered in a simple and easy to grasp format. The legends are chock full of information as well. One even contains a concise explanation of the terrorism risk assessment process.
Aon's 2008 Political and Economic Risk Map is another that deserves a place on your office wall. Not only does it illustrate the usual war, terrorism, and civil disturbance risks but it also highlights exposure to the current global credit crisis. You can get a copy here but unfortunately you'll have to fill in one of those annoying online forms.
Privacy International's map of Surveillance Societies Around the World isn't nearly as professional as the ones above but it is still effective at pointing out that the world's nosiest governments aren't necessarily where you might think. Although I think Privacy International tends to be somewhat alarmist my biggest problem with their latest report is that they still leave large portions of the world uncovered. Surely Africa, the Middle east, and South Asia deserve greater attention?
For extra analytical fun try overlaying the maps. How does surveillance intensity compare to terrorism risk? Kidnap risk?
Family Statement Regarding Cyd Mizell, Aid Worker Held in Afghanistan
Cyd Mizell's father asks for his daughters safe return in this video statement.
If your connection is too slow for the video you can read the text of the statement below.
If your connection is too slow for the video you can read the text of the statement below.
For further information: Bill Curry, spokesman for the Mizell family, +1-206-697-3684 Web Site: http://www.onlinefilefolder.comSEATTLE, Feb. 3 /CNW/ -- The family of Cyd Mizell, an American aid worker currently being held in Afghanistan, today released the following statementfrom her father, George Mizell: "I am Cydney's father. My family and I want to thank all those who have shown their deep concern for the safety and well being of my daughter, Cydney Mizell, and Muhammad Hadi. I am indebted to the Afghan people for their support of Cydney and Muhammad. "My family and I love Cyd very much. I'm confused why my daughter would be taken because she's a gentle, caring and respectful person. "When we talk to Cyd, she tells us about the friends she's made and the kindness that's been shown to her and her desire to help them. "To those people who are holding our daughter, please let Cyd come home. Each day that passes without knowing about Cyd is difficult for our family andfriends. "We ask that you work with us so Cyd can come home. Cyd knows how to contact us and her co-workers. All of us are waiting to hear from you."
Afghan Security Tight After American Kidnapped
29/01/08 14:54 Filed in: Security Incident | NGO Security
Cyd Mizell, an aid worker with the Asian Rural Life Development Foundation, and her driver, Abdul Hadi, were reportedly kidnapped in Kandahar on 26 January. This short AP video has a plea from her organization for her quick release.
According to relief web hundreds of Afghan women in Kandahar demonstrated to protest the kidnapping and demand her safe release.
According to relief web hundreds of Afghan women in Kandahar demonstrated to protest the kidnapping and demand her safe release.
Colombian Hostages Talk of Captivity
Two Colombian hostages, freed by the FARC after six years in captivity, describe what it was like to be a hostage. For a more in-depth interview from a former kidnap victim check out "Being Buried Alive - Surviving a Kidnapping".
Being Buried Alive - Surviving a Kidnapping
06/01/08 14:58 Filed in: Security
In this video from the Frontline Club BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston describes what it was like to be kidnapped and how he dealt with 114 days in captivity. Well worth watching if you or a family member have even a small chance of being kidnapped.
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This work by Kevin Toomer is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.5 Canada License.
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