Racial Attacks-How You Can Reduce The Risk Of Being A Victim.

By Timothy Ijala

Nowadays it is not uncommon to hear or read reports of people who have been attacked when visiting away from home because of their colour, nationality or tribe. Among the victims are people working in foreign lands, students doing courses abroad or even people just visiting from another country. Here are some things you can do to reduce the risk of being a victim of racial attack when visiting abroad.
1. Avoid trouble areas. Every town or city has areas which even the locals avoid unless they are residents of the area. It is important to do your research of such places before you travel abroad. Then when in that town or city it is best to avoid such places.
2. Try and befriend the locals. People who know you are less likely to attack you than those who do not know you. Even if you live in an unfriendly neighbourhood having at least one or two people on your side may come in handy in case you are attacked.
3. If you sense there is going to be trouble where you are get away from that place as quickly as possible. Do not get into arguments or fights with the local people. If the situation is tense because of lack of agreement on certain issues in which you are involved, be the peacemaker by trying to calm things down, if you notice you are not getting anyway excuse yourself and leave the place.
4. Do not call too much attention to yourself. This is easy by the way you dress or act. Also limit your use of jewellery or leave it altogether at home as flashing expensive jewellery around may make you a victim of attack.
5. Respect the culture of the area. If it is common practise to greet people then do so. Also watch the way people dress and follow suit. You are less likely to be attacked if you show you respect the culture of the people. If possible learn a few words of the language of the area or country you are visiting. People are always flattered when they see you are making an effort to speak their language. It is also easier to sort out a misunderstanding with people who can understand what you are saying than those who do not understand a word of what you are saying.
6. If you are staying in a place for long, register with your embassy or High commission. In case there is any trouble you can get help from your embassy if they know of your presence.
7. If you are staying with friends or relatives when visiting abroad, always let them know where you are going before you leave your place of residence or leave a note behind. It could help in case you get into trouble and need to be traced.