Keep yourself safe: feet on the ground with an open mind Vadim Romashov (Tampere Peace Research Institute) Vadim.Romashov@staff.uta.fi - Banal tips

Introduction Most of the countries you will be travelling to are reasonably safe Usually, it is sufficient to respect basic safety principles (also in countries that are generally deemed “safe”) Very few parts of the world are actually considered dangerous, but it is good to be aware of the general security situation, especially because globalization means that conflicts happening in a distant place may be affecting “peaceful” countries Familiarize yourself with instructions for emergency situations in case of natural and technological disasters The most important guideline is to be aware of where you are, i.e. what is the situation in the region(s) you are travelling to Same basic precautions as you would have taken in Finland such as Keeping your belongings near and watched Bikes locked Avoiding aggressive social environment and, in general, any potentially dangerous situations Pay attention to the everyday precautions taken by local people In Finland, natural catastrophes rarely happen but some countries are much more affected by the natural cataclysms (volcano eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, forest fires, etc.) Check what are the most common natural disasters for the country of your destination and particular location you will be staying (coastline, mountainous regions) Safety instructions are usually easily available (+ take a notice of safety plates such as emergency exits, safest positions and places, etc.)

General Rules Before travelling, consult Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website, or other sources such as Crisis Watch in order to get updates about the latest security/political developments It is recommended to make a travel notification to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs (e.g. matkustusilmoitus.fi) that includes your contact details and trip information Check whether the travel warning has been recently updated, whether it applies to the whole country of destination or to some specific locations, etc. Keep yourself updated, while abroad, on the security/political situation As a rule, the state authorities are responsible for the safety of their own citizens and for the safety of foreigners staying in their territory  you must follow and observe instructions provided by authorities in the country of destination In case of an emergency or a crisis situation, follow local news and ask advices from locals Don’t forget about TAPRI: we are attentively following the crisis situations in many parts of the globe; our community is international; so, if you need a consultation, please, feel free to contact any of us When I am abroad I try to follow news about the place I stay in on constant basis (in local languages or in languages that I know). Sometimes I don’t even know the situation back home that well (which is not good as well because it can also affect your trip) In a emergency situation, the easiest way to find you by your home state authorities and relatives/friends is through contacting official authorities in the country of your destination In this case you have to take for granted that local people and authorities know the situation and local context better than you do (but avoid panicking people)

A Few Tips Enter in your phone a few emergency numbers for your country of destination (police, firemen, hospital, etc.) and contacts of the consulate of your home country Travel with colored photocopies of your passport and other important documents, and keep them in separate bags/places Don’t forget travel insurance, vaccinations, etc. and inform KELA Don’t forget that credit card payment is not everywhere accepted (and inform your bank that you will be travelling) Prefer official public transportation and registered taxi services Consider carefully which valuables you are taking with you, and which are safer to leave at your place of stay - Your relatives or closest ones in home country should always know your travel plans

Be Culturally Sensitive Do your homework about the country you are going to and once on site, ask your new local friends/colleagues Before leaving, try to learn a few common phrases of the local language Avoid discussing sensitive topics (politics, religions, etc.) and don’t get provoked Be careful with how you dress and behave, especially in religious places: what is perfectly standard in your opinion might be considered insulting or disrespectful by others Be extra careful with (local) alcohol and drugs: keep your wits about you! The same goes with taking photos (esp. army installations or security forces) The law is the law: inform yourself about what is allowed or not, and don’t think that local legal rules don’t apply to you If unsure - ask! Remember, that many countries are culturally diverse (different parts of one country maybe populated by various people with different traditions) Be open-minded, be kind and pay respect to everyone regardless their viewpoints (if you strongly disagree with someone on something, don’t debate, politely terminate the discussions and leave) Remember, there is no bad people, nation, ethnic/cultural group or country but bad persons that can be anywhere. Don’t generalize. Don’t pretend that your values are superior over the local values If authorities say it’s not allowed to take photos (or do something else) don’t do it (pay attention to signs with rules). Unless, you are willing to end up having troubles with the local state

An Insight from Ethnography You cannot be completely treated as “one among of us” by locals neither as “one among of them” by yourself Don’t “mimic” their way of everyday life, for example, by following their “dress code” and rituals For locals you remain an “outsider” with alien everyday practices and by mimicking their everyday practices you intentionally break up this imagination and so become a dishonest and insincere person for them BUT learn the history!  - Don’t practice religious rituals if you are not follower of them, e.g. namaz if you’re not a muslim. But respect the rituals and associated with them dress code and behavior

Thank you and enjoy your trip!