The Week Ahead: December 9, 2024

Date

Europe
  • The Hague, Netherlands: Protest Advisory | On December 10 from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM, protesters will gather at Den Haag Centraal before marching toward Parliament to highlight human rights concerns in Balochistan and commemorate Human Rights Day. Police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and exercise increased awareness in transit. Monitor local media for updates.
  • United Kingdom: Protest Advisory | On December 11, the Save British Farming group will protest in Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh, and London, United Kingdom. Farmers will use farming vehicles to block and slow road traffic to denounce plans to change agricultural inheritance tax rules. Travelers should expect significant road travel delays. Plan alternate routes and avoid the demonstrations. Monitor the local media for developments.
  • France: Travel Advisory | On December 11 at 7:00 PM, workers from the French National Railway Company (SNCF) will strike indefinitely in France. The demonstrators will demand a moratorium for the planned closure of freight operator Fret SNCF. Demonstrations are expected in major cities. Travelers should confirm all travel arrangements and prepare alternate routes. Avoid all demonstrations and maintain enhanced situational awareness. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Greece: Protest Advisory | On December 11, members of the Greek Confederation of Civil Servants’ Trade Unions (ADEDY) will strike nationwide. The ADEDY represents workers in the public sector and disruptions to public health, education, and other public services are expected. Travelers should confirm all medical appointments and avoid all demonstrations. Prepare alternate routes and monitor local media for updates.
  • Italy: Protest Advisory | Unionized workers in Italy will strike nationwide from 9:00 PM on December 12 to 8:59 PM on December 13, protesting government labor policies and demanding better working conditions. Public transport and taxi workers will strike from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM on December 13, with participation from workers in education, fire services, maritime, and air travel sectors. Disruptions are expected, particularly affecting transportation into December 14. Travelers should avoid protest areas, monitor local media, follow authorities’ advice, and plan alternative routes.
  • Tbilisi, Georgia: Protest Advisory | Over the coming weeks, exercise caution in Tbilisi, Georgia, following a heavily contested election. Demonstrators continue to gather in protest of the newly elected Georgia Dream Party’s decision to delay joining the EU. Over the coming weeks, severe unrest will continue throughout the city, including near the Georgian Parliament building. Clashes will continue to break out with police as demonstrators and police continue fighting. Travelers should avoid all demonstration areas. Follow all instructions made by police and leave the area at the first sign of unrest. Monitor local media for further updates as unrest can erupt with short notice.
Americas
  • Mexico City, Mexico: Security Advisory | From December 8-11, Mexico City will celebrate the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with up to 12 million people expected to make the pilgrimage to the Basilica de Guadalupe. 6,500 law enforcement officers will be stationed around the city. Disruptions to travel and businesses are expected. Travelers should expect large crowds, heightened security, and travel delays. Confirm travel arrangements ahead of time and follow the directions of authorities. Monitor local media for updates. 
  • Cuba: Security Advisory | Until at least late December, sporadic power outages are likely across Cuba due to a failure at Antonio Guiteras power plant. Opportunistic crime may increase as criminals attempt to capitalize on compromised security systems. Disruptions to travel and communication services are possible, with potential impacts on traffic signals and cellular networks. Travelers are advised to maintain a backup power source and emergency supplies. Ensure doors are secured with adequate locks. Exercise increased caution while traveling at night. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Peru: Security Advisory | Peru has extended the state of emergency (SoE) in Callao and Lima, including Callao Cercado, Bellavista, Carmen de La Legua-Reynoso, La Perla, La Punta, and Mi Perú, until February 3. The measure allows law enforcement and the military to conduct security operations, potentially limiting civil rights, security, and transit. Expect increased security, checkpoints, and random searches. Travelers should follow authorities’ instructions, carry ID, stay alert, and report suspicious activity. Monitor local media for updates.
  • Brazil: Health Advisory | Since early 2024, Brazil, particularly Bahia, Espirito Santo, and Piaui, has seen a significant outbreak of Oropouche fever, affecting mostly those aged 20-59. The outbreak is expected to continue. Spread by infected mosquitoes and midges, the virus can cause miscarriage in pregnant individuals. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, chills, and headache, with full recovery expected within a week. No specific treatment or prevention exists. Travelers should avoid insect bites by wearing protective clothing, using repellent, and staying in air-conditioned areas. Seek medical attention if symptoms arise.
Asia & Pacific
  • Hobart, Australia: Protest Advisory | On December 10 at 5:30 PM, protesters will gather at Parliament House Gardens to denounce gender-based violence and discrimination, and to demand increased protections for women. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Thailand and Malaysia: Weather Advisory | Until at least December 11, severe weather, including heavy rain, will continue across western Malaysia and southern Thailand. Areas include Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis and Terengganu, Malaysia and Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Trang and Yala. Travelers should defer travel to western Malaysia and southern Thailand or exercise caution during essential travel. Confirm travel plans ahead of time and ensure routes are passable. Monitor the weather through reliable channels. 
  • Vietnam: Health Advisory | Over the coming weeks, the risk of bird flu infection will be elevated. An individual from Long An province tested positive in mid-November and is now hospitalized. Hundreds of possibly infected birds were found at their residence in Tan An. Most cases involve direct contact with birds, though infection without direct contact is possible. The virus causes flu-like symptoms and can be life-threatening. Travelers are advised to maintain strict hygiene. Avoid farms, live animal markets, and bird habitats. Cook all animal products thoroughly. Seek medical help if symptoms develop. Monitor local media for updates.
  • South Korea: Protest Advisory | Through at least mid-December, protests, strikes, and unrest will continue throughout South Korea despite the lifting of martial law. Heightened security will likely be in place throughout Seoul, especially at government buildings, the National Assembly, and major gathering areas. Political and civil groups will likely hold protests and strikes demanding the impeachment and imprisonment of President Yoon. Thousands of people may participate.  Transport, business, and internet disruptions are expected. Travelers should exercise caution across South Korea and avoid all protests. Leave the area at any sign of unrest and expect travel and business delays and disruptions. Follow the advice of authorities. 
  • India and Nepal: Security Advisory | The Hindu festival of Vivah Panchami will be observed through December 12 between Janakpur, Nepal, and Ayodhya, India. Over 2,000 security personnel will be deployed in Janakpur, with 500,000 attendees expected. A parade from Janakpur to Ayodhya is scheduled for December 8, and heightened security will be in place at the Jathi Pipraun border. Disruptions at Ayodhya and Janakpur airports are possible. Travelers should expect heightened security and airport disruptions throughout the local area. Allow for additional travel time and expect delays. Exercise caution and situational awareness during the festival. Monitor the media for updates. 
Africa & Middle East
  • South Africa: Travel Advisory | Over the coming weeks, pilots with the South African Airways Pilots Association will continue to strike. The strike has led to the cancellation of 60% of all flights. The strike will continue to affect domestic and international flights. Related protests have occurred and are expected to continue. Travelers should confirm flight plans ahead of time and consider alternate transportation. Arrive at airports early and avoid protests. 
  • Nigeria: Protest Advisory | On December 10, human rights activists with the Take it Back Movement will protest in cities across Nigeria. Protesters will gather in Abuja at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Lagos at the Afe Babalola Chambers, and Ado Ekiti at the Police Headquarters. Protesters will denounce the arrest of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi. Travelers should plan alternate routes and avoid the protests. Monitor the local media for protest times and updates. 
  • Windhoek, Namibia: Protest Advisory | On December 10 at 10:00 AM, protesters will gather outside Windhoek Multi-Purpose Youth Center before marching to Ausspannplatz Park. The demonstration aims to advocate for cannabis legalization, associated healthcare benefits, and personal freedoms. Protesters will also demand records for non-violent cannabis offenses be erased. Police presence and disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.
  • Morocco: Protest Advisory | On December 10, protesters will gather across the country to commemorate Human Rights Day and denounce human rights violations. Activists will gather at Mohammed V Square in Casablanca at 7:00 PM, and at an unspecified time outside Parliament in Rabat. Protests are also planned at unconfirmed locations in Nador and Oujda. Additional demonstrations are possible. Police presence and localized disruptions on roads and walkways are likely. Travelers are advised to avoid demonstrations and protest areas. Plan routes in advance and monitor local media for updates.

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