[governance] curious note on nairobi and brussels...

[John Curran]

Carlos - 

I also have travelled the globe (including to many locations
"off the beaten track"), and I support ICANN holding meetings
in many locations, not just the "supposed safe" more developed 
countries.  In general, this is a good practice which encourages
the commingling of many points of view to the benefit of all.

However, I will also note that the moment a report of potential 
attack on the meeting facility was made, it became extremely
difficult for many organizations to send attendees.  This has 
nothing to do with the actual level of unrest or warmth of the 
local hospitality as much as the liability that results for any 
type of organization when ignoring such a warning.  It would not 
have mattered if the meeting were in Nairobi, Paris, Washington,
or Geneva; the notice of a potential attack being planned will
always result in similar cancellations.

In addition to the personal tragedy that could have resulted,
staff hurt in attendance at such an event (or their families)
would rightfully claim that being sent into such a place with
a "known" risk was irresponsible, and with the result (at least 
in the lovely litigious US) that an organization might be risking
its entire existence and ability to perform its mission by deciding 
to send personnel once so forewarned.  It is not a reflection of 
the meeting venue or locale; it's the reality of the legalistic 
world that many organizations need to function in today.

/John

On Jul 6, 2010, at 9:16 AM, Carlos A. Afonso wrote:

> My notes aimed at just stressing the fact that certain organizations and
> agencies from developed countries made a big fuss of the risks in Kenya,
> scaring the hell out of would-be ICANN participants (as a result,
> several did not go), and nothing is said about unsafe areas (like train
> stations) when the event is in Europe or another "civilized" country.
> 
> Of course we all know every major city has similar problems regarding
> personal safety. I recall that recently in Geneva, I woke up up at 05:00
> in the morning to catch the bus to the airport, opened the room window
> and saw a traveller being mugged in the street by a group two blocks
> from the train station. I went to the bus thinking about the odds the
> same thing would happen to me. This was Geneva, not Rio or Nairobi. And
> I do not want to take your time with another story -- the terrible
> treatment by Belgian officials when we tried to recover our tax refund
> in the airport.
> 
> Not only the treatment in Kenya was far more friendly, but my group
> several times skipped official transportation to get in touch with the
> the real culture of the city -- and it was real great, as I am sure it
> will be great in Cartagena as well.
> 
> frt rgds
> 
> --c.a.

____________________________________________________________
You received this message as a subscriber on the list:
     governance at lists.cpsr.org
To be removed from the list, send any message to:
     governance-unsubscribe at lists.cpsr.org

For all list information and functions, see:
     http://lists.cpsr.org/lists/info/governance

Translate this email: http://translate.google.com/translate_t