International Education > Archive > Category: World Status Report

022321 – World Status Report

February 23, 2021

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Central African Republic * GC.CA * The second round of the legislative elections is scheduled for March 14, 2021. The political and security situation is volatile and unpredictable. You should consider leaving the country when it is safe for you to do so. Central African armed groups are very active throughout the country. They have carried out several attacks since December 18, 2020, including in Bangui. On February 5, 2021, local authorities have declared a nationwide six-month state of emergency. There are reports of shortages of food and other essential goods due to disruptions in the chain of supply. Access to telecommunications, including Internet, could also be disrupted. A nationwide curfew is in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Further violent incidents are likely to occur. If you are in Central African Republic: shelter in place, plan to have adequate fuel, water and food supplies, monitor local media for information on the evolving situation, expect a heightened security presence, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

  • Myanmar * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Protests. (DG ECHO, media). On 20 February, at least three people have been killed and several wounded in Mandalay – Myanmar when security forces opened fire to disperse people protesting against the country’s military coup. The deaths on 20 February, marked the bloodiest day in more than two weeks of large demonstrations against the military takeover. The military authorities have responded with increasing force to the protests, deploying troops against peaceful rallies and firing tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets, with isolated incidents of live rounds being used. The civil disobedience movement is causing dysfunctions all over the country with a critical impact on the bank system. Civil disobedience has also disrupted humanitarian activities (food supplies and cash transfer have been severely delayed). Significant increase in prices for essential commodities has been reported by partners (e.g. +8.5% for rice, +25% for oil, +22% for gas). This will further exacerbate the vulnerability of food insecure people. People access to essential social services has been disrupted; access to health service in particular is of major concern.
  • Myanmar * GC.CA * Avoid non-essential travel to Myanmar due to the political tensions and high risk of civil unrest. If you are in Myanmar and your presence isn’t essential, consider leaving if you can do so safely.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

  • Egypt * GC.CA * Crossing the border between Egypt and Israel is strongly discouraged at this time. The status of all crossing points can be verified prior to arrival with the Egyptian embassy in Israel or the Israeli embassy in Egypt. Cross-border movement regulations and restrictions are subject to change at any time and are the prerogative of the responsible authorities. The Rafah border crossing point to the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by border authorities in both Egypt and Gaza, has reopened indefinitely. Global Affairs Canada advises against all travel in this area due to ongoing military operations against terrorists. Consult local authorities and refer to the travel advice for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip for further information.

Crime

  • Burkina Faso * GC.CA * The terrorist threat as well as the risk of banditry and kidnapping are high in Burkina Faso’s border regions, especially along its borders with: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Togo. States of emergency may be in effect in these regions. When a state of emergency is in effect, security forces have increased rights to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest. Some civil rights may be suspended, including the right to protest and to hold large meetings. Local authorities may also impose curfews without notice.

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

  • Ecuador * GC.CA * General elections took place on February 7, 2021. A second round is scheduled for April 11, 2021. Political demonstrations, civil unrest and outbreaks of violence may occur at any time in Quito, Guayaquil and other locations throughout the country. Roadblocks may be erected. Essential services could be disrupted.
  • Ecuador * GOV.AU * General elections took place on 7 February, 2021 and a second round is scheduled for 11 April, 2021. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Avoid areas where demonstrations or protests are occurring and follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Mali * GC.CA * On August 18, 2020, the Malian armed forces initiated a coup. This resulted a transitional government that should be in place until the presidential elections scheduled for 2022. Although the situation is currently calm, it could deteriorate quickly. Demonstrations could occur without notice and turn violent at any time.
  • Niger * GC.CA * The second round of the presidential and legislative elections is due to take place on February 21, 2021. In advance of the event, Nigerien authorities will close the land, air and water borders for the weekend of February 20 and 21, 2021. Demonstrations could occur before, during and after the elections. Monitor local media, Follow the advice of local authorities.
  • Uganda * GC.CA * General elections took place on January 14, 2021. Protests have occurred in Kampala since the arrest of a presidential election candidate on November 18, 2020. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in casualties. Some international reporters have been expelled from the country during this election period. Spontaneous gatherings could disrupt transportation and access to essential services. Access to telecommunications, including internet, could be disrupted without notice. Local authorities have declared a nationwide curfew in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., until further notice. Further demonstrations are likely to occur and they could turn violent at any time. If you are in Uganda: avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
  • Uganda * GOV.AU * Violent political protests can occur quickly and there remains an increased likelihood of protests across Uganda, particularly following recent elections.

Natural Disasters and Climate

  • Indonesia * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Floods. (BNPB, BMKG, Floodlist, media). Heavy rain has been affecting Java Island (in particular West Java, and Jakarta Provinces), since 19 February, causing rivers overflow and floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. The Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reports, as of 22 February, more than 4,180 displaced, 28,329 affected people and 8,539 damaged houses across Karawang Regency (West Java Province) due to the overflow of the Citarum River. In addition, five destroyed houses were reported across Bekasi Regency in the same Province. In the Jakarta City area, the same source reports more than 1,220 displaced and around 1,100 affected people. Flooding was also reported in Bekasi Regency on 21 February. Over the next 24 hours, more heavy rain with locally very heavy rain is forecast over the whole Java Island, including the already affected Provinces.
  • Japan * GC.CA * On February 13, 2021, an earthquake of magnitude 7.3 struck the Fukushima area, resulting in a few injuries and damage to infrastructure. Aftershocks could occur and essential services may be disrupted. If you are in the affected area: monitor local media for updates on the situation, follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Madagascar * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Floods and landslides. (BNGRC, MeteoMadagascar, NOAA-CPC, media). Heavy rain affected central Madagascar over the past week, causing floods, triggering landslides and resulting in casualties and damage. According to the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC) and media reports, one person has died and another has been injured in Antananarivo City (Analamanga Region), approximately 1,400 people have been affected and more than 200 houses damaged across the regions of Alaotra-Mangoro, Analamanga, Melaky and Menabe. On 22-23 February, moderate rain with thunderstorms is forecast over northern, central and eastern Regions.
  • Philippines * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Tropical Storm DUJUAN update. (GDACS, JTWC, PAGASA, NDRRMC, Philippine News Agency, media). The passage of tropical storm DUJUAN (locally named Auring) over Caraga Region (northern Mindanao) and Eastern Visayas Region on 21 February (UTC), caused evacuations and damage. The Philippine News Agency reports as of 22 February, more than 12,820 families temporarily sheltered across 308 evacuation centres and more than 13,810 affected families throughout Caraga, Northern Mindanao and Southern Mindanao Regions. In addition, nearly 180 damaged houses were reported in Caraga and 32 domestic flights were reported cancelled across Mindanao. DG ECHO partners are providing relief assistance. Over the next 24 hours, very heavy rain is forecast over northern Mindanao, the whole Visayas Archipelago and southern Luzon. PAGASA has issued an extreme flood advisory for Caraga and Eastern Visayas, a severe flood advisory for Northern Mindanao, Central Visayas and Bicol, as well as a moderate flood advisory for Western Visayas, Mimaropa and Calabarzon.
  • Sudan * GOV.AU * Parts of Sudan have experienced heavy rainfall and flooding.
  • Uganda * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Landslide. (Uganda Red Cross, UNMA, media). A landslide triggered by heavy rain occurred in Kyesika Village (Buhweju District, Western Uganda Region) on 18 February, leading to fatalities. According to the Uganda Red Cross and media, at least seven people have died and two people have been injured. The Uganda Red Cross and regional emergency teams have been dispatched to the area. For the next 24 hours, moderate rain is expected over the southern parts of the country.

Other

  • Kenya * GC.CA * You must obtain your visa online prior to your departure. Tourist visa: required, Transit visa: required, Business visa: required, Student visa: required, Work Permit: required. Tourist visas are valid for up to three months. You must have a visa if you are transiting Kenya to another destination. Your stay may not exceed 72 hours. If you are connecting to a flight directly without leaving the airport, you don’t need a transit visa. Be sure to check the visa validity immediately after issuance. If you don’t have a valid visa you could be detained, taken to court and charged for being in Kenya illegally. You could be subject to a fine or deportation.
  • Sweden * GC.CA * A congestion tax is imposed for vehicles entering and exiting Stockholm and Gothenburg. Consult the website of the Swedish Transport Agency to confirm the current hours and amounts for congestion taxes.
  • Yemen * ECHO Daily Flash of 22 February 2021 * Humanitarian Needs Overview. (DG ECHO, UN OCHA). On 21 February, the 2021 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) for Yemen was published. With 20.7 million people in need (66% of the population), including 12.1 in acute need (60 % of those in need) and over 4 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Yemen remains the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Health, food insecurity, malnutrition and WASH are the main sectors of need. Close to 16.2 million people will go hungry this year (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, IPC 3 or higher) and over 2.25 million children and more than 1 million pregnant and lactating women are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition. According to the HNO, 15.4 million people are in need of access to safe water and 8.7 million need access to sanitation. In his briefing on 18 February to the UN Security Council, Emergency Relief Coordinator Lowcock confirmed that the Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, to be published in March, will seek to mobilise close to 4 billion dollar, an increase of almost 14% compared to last year.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.