Kidnapping in Foreign Countries

1. Kidnapping in Foreign Countries The Importance of Being Aware while you Travel!

2. World Map of Dangerous Places http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/travel-warnings/

3. Reasons for Kidnapping? • Ransom • Political elements or demands • Pirates

4. Egypt Kidnapped Victims Released (June 2012) • Two American tourists who were kidnapped in Egypt's Sinai region have been released unharmed http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/31/world/meast/egypt-americans-kidnapped/index.html

5. Australian Tourist Kidnapped in Ecuador (October 2012) • Two tourists, freed after being kidnapped in north-eastern Ecuador, have recalled their ordeal. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19782345

6. Terrorists • Terrorist groups often target foreigners • They have killed their kidnap victims when their demands were not met • Foreign employees, particularly those in the oil and mining sectors, aid and humanitarian workers, journalists, tourists and expatriates are regularly targeted.

7. Pirates! • Pirates have kidnapped hundreds of people, usually holding them for ransom • Pirates have attacked all forms of shipping, including commercial vessels, pleasure craft (such as yachts) and luxury cruise liners. • Somalia pirates cruising the Indian Ocean is a hot spot • The Captain Philips Story

9. Strategies to Stay Safe • Use your common sense. If there is a war and political unrest, don’t go there! • Find out about the local political situation of the country you want to go to, either through the Foreign Office (best) or the Internet (okay). • Make sure you have the most recent guide to tell you what's going on in the country concerned. • Don’t walk the streets wearing fancy jewelry or clothing – dress appropriately!

10. More Tips • If living somewhere high-risk like Mexico City or Medellin, change your route into town on a regular basis so that your movements becomes that extra bit unpredictable and you become harder to apprehend. • If you’re passing through a country that’s experiencing civil war or is notorious for bandits, travel only by day and preferably in company.

11. Oh no, I’ve been kidnapped! What do I do? • Try to establish some kind of rapport with your captors. • Avoid political dialogues, but listen attentively to their point of view. • Plan on a lengthy stay, and determine to keep track of the passage of time. • Maintain your dignity and self-respect at all times. • Manage your time by setting up schedules for simple tasks, exercises, daydreaming, housekeeping.

12. More Tips • Build relations with fellow captives and with the terrorists. • Maintain your physical and mental health • Eat food provided without complaint; keep up your strength. • Request medical treatment or special medicines if required. • Keep your mind active; read anything available. Write, even if you are not allowed to retain your writings. • Take note of the characteristics of your captors and surroundings: their habits, speech, contacts; exterior noises (typical of city or country); and other distinctive sounds.

13. *Important Website!!!* • Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada • Look up travel advisories • Register as a Canadian Abroad!!! http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp