For staffs whose working in the field, especially those who are stationed in such humanitarian or peacekeeping mission, safety is one of the crucial issues, to be exact safety of the staff itself.

Through this entry, I would like to share that personal security is also our importance to observe.

Recent statistics display a slight increase in criminal trends towards persons, street crimes and property related crimes directed against UN staff members in the greater MONROVIA area . The majority of these crimes are crimes of opportunity; and with both international and national staff members being lucrative targets for criminals, caution is warranted whilst residing in Liberia (We tend to carry cell phones, ipods, and other nice electronic gadgets; we tend to have cash in our wallets and our homes/apartments often have high value items like DVD players, decoders,
generators, etc.).

Self Protection Reminders – “Prevention is the best protection.”

Avoid walking on foot. However if you must:

• Never walk alone (especially at night).
• Carry only a minimal amount of cash on you.
• Do not overtly show expensive jewellery; even costume jewellery may
  attract unwanted attention.
• Do not wear an IPod or personal stereo while walking in the street.
• Do not walk and talk on your mobile phone. Stop, put you back against a wall, keep the conversation short, and continually monitor
  your surroundings.
• Follow your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about a location or situation, leave immediately.
• Demonstrate confidence about where you are going (even if you don’t feel that way)
• Close and secure your bags before you leave the house.
• Always be aware and alert to your surroundings.
• Walk nearer to the curb to avoid passing too close to shrubbery, dark doorways and other places of concealment.
• Yell and run in the opposite direction if a car approaches and threatens you.

Driving Tips:

• Get into the habit of immediately locking all the doors on your vehicle when you get in it.
• Never roll your windows down to talk to a stranger. Just a small gap at the top to allow conversation easier.
• Always have an “escape route.”
• Do not follow too closely to the car in front. Make sure that you can see the bottom of the tires of the car in front.
• Constantly check all three mirrors on your vehicle. It is as import to know what is behind you, as in front of you.
• If your vehicle is disabled in any form, make sure that you always have enough room to allow you and your passengers to open the doors and escape.
• Keep your tank at least half full of fuel.
• Inform colleagues or friends when you are going somewhere (i.e. driving to PX or gym)
• Do not panic if someone tries to drive you off the road. Blow your horn constantly to attract attention. If you are forced over, as soon as
  you stop, put your car in reverse and back away. Blow your horn and keep the car in motion.
• When confronted by a crowd or an individual standing in front of your vehicle. Keep your vehicle moving, no matter how slow, keep
  moving forward.
• Keep your VHF radio turned onto Channel 4, and inform Security immediately of your situation. Try to remain calm, give your name, location, and brief details of the incident.

General Tips:

• Do not attract too much attention to yourself.
• If confronted, then draw as much attention yourself as possible; shout, use the car horn. (Carry a whistle).
• Mark your keys, so that they can easily be identified in the dark (for opening car door or if electricity goes in your apartment hallway)
• Establish different routines (when you leave and come back) and routes to work.
• Do not write your name and address on your key chain.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS: Calling for Assistance

• Carry Hand-held Radio, know how to use it, ensure the battery is charge, and call for assistance using the Security Channel
• Security Operations is manned 24hours – 7 days a week.
• Whilst travelling in a UN Vehicle, monitor the Security Channel and conduct radio checks with Zulu Base when moving outside your daily operating area.

Also, I would like to welcome the new member of Indonesian Peacekeepers joining the mission, they are Alkausar Badilla that is now joining the United Nations Mission in Timor Leste (UNMIT) and Vonny Ferdinandus, whom also embarking to her African journey to Liberia, joining United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Hopefully both Alkausar and Vonny will share their initial journey on their way to the mission area on the next posting entry.

Anyone else coming-up next? :-)

For Alkausar and Vonny, welcome to United Nations Peacekeeping – It is also your world.