Youth Services Student Safety
Posted by Steve Youtz
on Nov 24, 2015
Many Rotarian are concerned about student safety in lite of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. It is important you know what the International Youth Exchange organization does so you can answer question of the community and potential outbound exchange students and their parents. Rotary and its supporting entities do an outstanding job at monitoring and reports as evident in the following report.
CISI is continuing to monitor the ongoing situation in Paris, France following the tragic events on 11/13/2015. While a security evacuation has not been triggered, we will keep you updated with any new information that we receive.
Our Security Assistance provider, iJet, has provided the following intel recommendation for U.S. citizens in Paris.
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UPDATE 6: Mass security response continues in Paris and across France. French borders open; public transport operational. Expect travel delays.
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Locations affected by this alert: France
This alert began 11/16/15 13:59 GMT and is scheduled to expire 11/18/15 23:59 GMT.
Paris Attacks Nov. 13-14
ｷ Locations: 10th and 11th arrondissements; Stade de France, Saint-Denis
ｷ Fatalities (Casualties): 129+ (352+)
Updated Information
A massive security operation is ongoing amid a state of increased security following several attacks that took place in Paris late Nov. 13-early Nov. 14. Major developments include the following:
A massive security operation is ongoing amid a state of increased security following several attacks that took place in Paris late Nov. 13-early Nov. 14. Major developments include the following:
ｷ Investigation: Police are continuing their investigation into the seven perpetrators of the attacks. Searches are ongoing for at least one additional suspect. Authorities have gradually released information concerning the attackers, although some initial reports concerning their identities and backgrounds have been retracted. The Islamic State (IS) jihadist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Police in Belgium have also conducted a number of raids since Nov. 14, with at least seven people detained. A large-scale security operation took place the morning of Nov. 16 in the Sint-Jans-Molenbeek district of Brussels; official reports indicate the operation was specifically targeting the suspect who remains free and those connected to him. One individual was reportedly arrested during the raid.
ｷ State of Emergency: The nationwide state of emergency that President Francois Hollande declared shortly after the attacks remains in effect. The declaration affords police more powers and could allow for restrictions on movement or assembly. The duration of the state of emergency remains unknown; unconfirmed reports suggest that Hollande will ask Parliament for a three-month extension.
ｷ Security Operations: Police conducted raids in over 160 locations across France overnight Nov. 15-16; over 100 people have been placed under house arrest, 23 individuals taken in custody, and dozens of weapons seized. Further raids are likely. Localized transport disruptions and road closures are possible in areas where operations take place.
ｷ Border Status: France's international borders remain open and Channel crossings operational; however, the government has re-instituted strict border controls. Searches of incoming and outgoing vehicles will likely continue to cause extensive delays at all crossings.
ｷ Airspace: French airspace remains open. Operations at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) are continuing; however, delays are likely at CDG and at other airports due to heightened security, including extensive screening measures.
ｷ Public Transport: Traffic has returned to normal on all metro, RER, bus, tramway, and Transilien SNCF lines. However, sporadic disruptions could recur due to security operations or scares.
ｷ Period of National Mourning: President Hollande declared a three-day national period of mourning for the victims of the attacks early Nov. 14. Government offices and many businesses may remain closed through Nov. 16. Many public landmarks - including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre - are slated to reopen at approximately 1300 Nov. 16.
Security
Expect a heightened security presence across central Paris as authorities search for any perpetrators and accomplices that may remain at large. Authorities will likely storm the residences and/or hideouts of suspects during their investigations, prompting manhunts, area lockdowns, and transport disruptions in Paris and other locations across the country. Officials have increased security around all vital installations, including airports, train stations, bus terminals, and nuclear power plants across France. Some 1,500 soldiers have been called in as reinforcements and have been observed conducting armed patrols throughout Paris. Both authorities and the local population are hypervigilant, and seemingly innocuous incidents could prompt a sudden and large response by security forces.
An initial imposition of a state of emergency can last up to 12 days per French law. The measure gives police exceptional legal authority and removes legal barriers to execute searches of private property. In addition, the movement of all civilians, including cargo vehicles, could be restricted. All potential protest actions are suspended under the state of emergency; however, a significant solidarity movement will likely form, and may prompt mass rallies and marches as soon as security conditions are relaxed. While the identity of the assailants remains unknown, the attacks could also prompt retaliatory acts against Muslim cultural centers, places of worship, or areas with large immigrant or refugee communities.
Other Western European countries may bolster security as the investigation progresses in the coming days, including increasing security warning levels and implementing border controls.
Background
A number of coordinated attacks took place in locations across the Ile-de-France region late Nov. 13-early Nov. 14, killing at least 129 people and injuring over 350 others. Three explosions, including two suicide bombings, occurred near the Stade de France soccer stadium in the Saint-Denis suburb (banlieu) north of Paris. Several gunmen also struck in the 10th and 11th arrondissements; the assailants targeted at least three restaurants and the Bataclan Theater, where the majority of the casualties occurred.
Advice
Confirm all travel plans and transportation availability. Allow significant extra time to clear security at airports, railway stations, and border crossings. Reconfirm business appointments through Nov. 16. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Heed the instructions of authorities; remain calm and cooperative if stopped and questioned by law enforcement officers.
Expect a heightened security presence across central Paris as authorities search for any perpetrators and accomplices that may remain at large. Authorities will likely storm the residences and/or hideouts of suspects during their investigations, prompting manhunts, area lockdowns, and transport disruptions in Paris and other locations across the country. Officials have increased security around all vital installations, including airports, train stations, bus terminals, and nuclear power plants across France. Some 1,500 soldiers have been called in as reinforcements and have been observed conducting armed patrols throughout Paris. Both authorities and the local population are hypervigilant, and seemingly innocuous incidents could prompt a sudden and large response by security forces.
An initial imposition of a state of emergency can last up to 12 days per French law. The measure gives police exceptional legal authority and removes legal barriers to execute searches of private property. In addition, the movement of all civilians, including cargo vehicles, could be restricted. All potential protest actions are suspended under the state of emergency; however, a significant solidarity movement will likely form, and may prompt mass rallies and marches as soon as security conditions are relaxed. While the identity of the assailants remains unknown, the attacks could also prompt retaliatory acts against Muslim cultural centers, places of worship, or areas with large immigrant or refugee communities.
Other Western European countries may bolster security as the investigation progresses in the coming days, including increasing security warning levels and implementing border controls.
Background
A number of coordinated attacks took place in locations across the Ile-de-France region late Nov. 13-early Nov. 14, killing at least 129 people and injuring over 350 others. Three explosions, including two suicide bombings, occurred near the Stade de France soccer stadium in the Saint-Denis suburb (banlieu) north of Paris. Several gunmen also struck in the 10th and 11th arrondissements; the assailants targeted at least three restaurants and the Bataclan Theater, where the majority of the casualties occurred.
Advice
Confirm all travel plans and transportation availability. Allow significant extra time to clear security at airports, railway stations, and border crossings. Reconfirm business appointments through Nov. 16. Carry proper identification and travel documents at all times. Heed the instructions of authorities; remain calm and cooperative if stopped and questioned by law enforcement officers.
The CISI Crisis Team will be watching this situation closely and will continue to gather intel from our Security Assistance provider. Please let us know if you have a participant who feels that they are in danger and we can work with them in conjunction with our Security Assistance Provider.
Do not hesitate to contact me (Steve Youtz) with any additional questions or concerns. We are here to assist!