Background On 21 February 2022, Russia officially recognized the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic, separatist states in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, as independent territories. Subsequently, Russian troops began deploying to the two separatist states. Three days later on 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine along three major fronts. As a result of… Read more »
Background Mankien is a small village in South Sudan near the northern border. Far from the capital Juba, this region has little to no police or government presence and is largely controlled by local militias through whom NGO aid groups gain permission to carry out operations. Initial Assistance Request An NGO worker in Mankien received… Read more »
AMERICAS A Focus on Territorial Disputes Across the Region On December 3, a national referendum was held in Venezuela to determine whether the nation should annex Essequibo, an oil-rich region of neighboring Guyana. Although the referendum was non-binding, and the United Nations (UN) has already publicly denounced it as illegitimate, the territorial dispute between Guyana… Read more »
Whether one is traveling to visit loved ones, heading back home from school, or traveling for business, flying during the busy holiday season can add an additional layer of complexity to any journey. While we cannot control traffic, weather, or seat assignments, here are some simple (and often overlooked!) tips and tricks from On Call’s… Read more »
With the end of 2023 around the horizon, are you ready to step into 2024 with a solid strategy for managing risks and keeping travelers safe? We can help! On Call’s email newsletter keeps pulse on the ever-changing travel risk management landscape so you don’t have to. Each quarter, subscribers of our newsletter, TRM: Today, will… Read more »
AMERICAS Severe Drought Severs Global Trade as Panama Canal Reduces Capacity This past October marks the driest on record for the Panama Canal, an interoceanic waterway that is reliant on fresh water to operate. The severe lack of water for the Panama Canal has caused a major traffic jam to occur on both the Atlantic… Read more »
Background Early on Saturday 7 October, conflict broke out between Gaza Strip-based militants and Israel. The conflict was claimed by the Palestinian Militant group Hamas which carried out a multi-pronged assault on Israeli territory bordering the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared war on Hamas and all other Palestinian armed groups. Operational Highlights… Read more »
Those who like to travel know that sometimes (perhaps more often than we’d like!) something comes up unexpectedly, and a last-minute trip needs to be planned. While these types of trips can be stressful, the good news is that there are some healthy preparations that can be made so you’re not caught completely off guard… Read more »
Should you find yourself in a country or region that has suddenly erupted in conflict consider the following standing advice from On Call’s Global Security Team: Review crisis management plans, business continuity, and communication protocols from your organization in the event of regional escalation in the conflict. Assess evacuation resources available on hand. If you/and… Read more »
AMERICAS Political Unrest and Transitions in Latin America In the dynamic landscape of Central and South American politics, nations often find themselves at crossroads, grappling with the dual challenges of political transition and societal unrest. While these challenges manifest differently across countries, the themes of governance, justice, and societal response remain consistently intertwined. For instance,… Read more »