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Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report

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Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji, which oversees security for U.S. government interests in Kiribati. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Kiribati. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Kiribati country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Kiribati at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime Threats The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Despite the minimal risk, crime can have an impact on the work and life of the community. Review their security practices to mitigate the risk of petty theft. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind. Sexual assault remains an issue. There are cultural taboos on reporting rape and domestic abuse. Police attitudes encourage reconciliation rather than prosecution. Cybersecurity Issues Kiribati has made several key advances in its cybersecurity roadmap. Kiribati participated in the inaugural Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) event in 2018 funded by the Australian government to enhance cyber resilience in the region. In November 2018, Kiribati announced it was beginning the process of drafting its first cybersecurity framework set to finish prior to the arrival of the new submarine cable system in late 2019 for high-speed internet connectivity. However, there is no indication that Kiribati has yet completed this framework. Use normal security precautions when using electronic devices. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? Transportation-Safety Situation Road Safety and Road Conditions With the assistance of the international community, Kiribati completed a road rehabilitation project in 2018 to upgrade the main road spanning the entire Gilbert Island network. This road is the only major paved road on Tarawa, and had previously been subject to frequent flooding, potholes, and various bumps that seriously affected safety and travel times. While authorities updated the roadway with a new drainage system, rainy weather may still impact certain areas, causing severe flooding. Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report Traffic moves on the left side of the road in Kiribati. While satisfactory in some areas, roads in urban Tarawa and Christmas Island (Kirimati) generally need repair. Much of the major island atolls, including North Tarawa, are actually closely connected islets. Unsealed roads in North Tarawa and on outer islands mostly lack bridges, making transit between islets possible only during low tide. Road safety is a major concern, with a growing incidence of road accidents due to increased traffic, the age and condition of vehicles, and dangerous driving. Many local residents use small motorbikes and mopeds for transport; be aware of these smaller vehicles sharing the road. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Kiribati, but drinking and driving is commonplace, especially on the weekends. Since visibility is poor, with no streetlights, avoid driving long distances at night, particularly outside of Betio. Traffic proceeds at a relatively slow speed, reducing in places to 20 km/h or less because of road damage. Mobile phone use is illegal while driving. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts. Car rentals are available for the Gilbert Islands and Christmas Island. Driving is legal with a valid domestic license or an international driver’s license for up to two weeks. After the two-week period, drivers must acquire a Kiribati license. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad. Public Transportation Conditions There are no taxis in Kiribati. A private minibus service travels on the Gilbert Islands as well as Christmas Island. While they usually frequent airports, passengers must hail a preferred minibus. A rental car will cost approximately A$60 a day; book before arrival. While Kiribati is an island nation dependent on maritime transportation, vessel conditions and inspection regimens can be less than ideal. Exercise caution while using ferries, as there have been several high-profile ferry accidents. In 2009, an I-Kiribati ferry was involved in a fatal accident while trying to rescue a crewmember. In 2018, another fatal accident, possibly caused by cargo overload, occurred after a ferry departed from Nonouti bound for Betio. Be aware of boat and ferry exits, and life jacket placement. Travel schedules and timetables can vary from advertised, with cancellations not uncommon. Build liberal extra timing into other- and outer-island transport. Aviation/Airport Conditions Bonriki International Airport (TRW) is the major airport in Kiribati, with the majority of flights coming from Fiji. There have been no reports of items stolen from checked baggage. Passengers should maintain awareness of their belongings at all times, use Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, and retrieve checked bags as soon as possible. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report Terrorism Threat The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tarawa as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There has not been an incident of civil unrest since a small riot erupted in 2004. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest. Post-specific Concerns Environmental Hazards Kiribati is a low-lying island nation subject to many natural disasters, including cyclones, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and landslides. Rising ocean levels threaten Kiribati with regular flooding damage. Although the probability of a major earthquake or tsunami occurring during a particular trip is remote, small earthquakes occur regularly due to its proximity to the Pacific Plate boundary. The South Pacific cyclone season runs between November and April. However, storms may occur all year. Cyclone activity frequently causes flooding along the coastline, often creating potholes and causing disruption to the infrastructure and essential services. Public services (e.g. water, electricity, transportation) are unlikely to be available for a significant period following a powerful cyclone. Critical Infrastructure Many buildings in Kiribati do not have fire alarms or fire suppression equipment in close proximity or at all. Fire alarms at tourist hotels are sporadic with some evacuation plans in place. Review OSAC’s report, Fire Safety Abroad. Economic Concerns Kiribati is not a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the WTO, or any organization protecting intellectual property rights. As a result, the frequency of pirated items has not declined and stores may sell pirated copies of movies, television shows, music, counterfeit clothing, jewelry, and other luxury goods. Personal Identity Concerns Kiribati is a religious and conservative country; women typically dress more modestly, especially in beach settings. Women are socially subordinate to men, and domestic violence is common. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers. Kiribati 2020 Crime & Safety Report Consensual sexual conduct between men is illegal, with a maximum penalty of five to 14 years of imprisonment depending on the nature of the offense, but there have been no reports of prosecutions under these provisions for many years. No law specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment, nationality laws, or access to government services such as health care. There were no reports of investigations into violence and abuse against persons based on sexual orientation or gender identity, but social stigma and the inaccessibility of government services may prevent reporting of incidents of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers. Accessibility of buildings, and communications and information for persons with disabilities is not mandated. There are no special accommodations for persons with disabilities. Public infrastructure and essential services does not meet the needs of persons with disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities. Religious groups with memberships equal to or greater than 2% of the population must register with the government. Arorae and Tamana, two islands in the southern part of the country uphold a “one-church- only” policy due to a stated
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