Ahead of COP16, US Embassy issues security recommendations

With COP16 getting closer, entities have begun to activate the security protocols to address situations that may arise from an event of such magnitude. This includes the United States Embassy in Colombia, which issued a statement with recommendations that international visitors should take into account.

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To get into context, the conference, which will take place in the city of Cali between October 21 and November 1, hopes the attendance of about 12,000 participants from all over the world.

In this sense, the Embassy recommends that American citizens be aware of their personal safety and be alert to street crimes. This, also considering that during the event protest activity could occur by environmental groups and other activists that could cause logistical disruptions.

“US citizens should incorporate mitigation measures while in Cali to limit their risk of becoming victims of crime or being caught up in protests”points out the text.

(Read more: Authorities reinforce security in Cali ahead of COP16)

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The entity also recalls that Colombian security forces have adopted a proactive approach to guarantee the security of COP16. Nevertheless, “strongly recommends conference attendees to remain vigilant about their safety.”

Along those same lines, it highlights that the US government has a limited capacity to provide emergency services to US citizens in Cali, so it is important to follow the instructions of local authorities and remain in designated safe areas during the conference.

It is important to emphasize that the Colombian National Police will install 14 security checkpoints on the main routes leading from the airports to the city, while secondary routes and secondary roads will remain closed during the event.

In the same way, two have been established “safe zones” in the surrounding areas of Cali that will have a greater presence of security forces: a Blue Zone located in Yumbo and a Green Zone in the central-west of the capital of Valle del Cauca.

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