In partnership with JICA, the eCentre co-organizes the fourth annual Security Risk Management Workshop in Tokyo, Japan
For humanitarian and development workers, the security environment remains as challenging as ever. Armed attacks, kidnapping, robbery, detentions and many other threats are prevalent in areas where aid workers must operate. 2009 was a particularly traumatic year for UNHCR, which suffered three staff casualties in Pakistan alone.
It is with these realities in mind that the UNHCR eCentre, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized the Security Risk Management Workshop in Tokyo, Japan. The SRM workshop presented the tools and techniques of managing risk to an audience of humanitarian and development workers representing NGOs, government agencies and international organization. Emphasis was on methods of understanding and analyzing threats, vulnerability and risk; preparing security plans and planning; taking appropriate preventive and mitigation measures; and responding to critical incidents. Other issues including managerial accountability, managing information and the media and handling stress in critical incidents were also discussed.
This year's Security Incident Management Workshop was attended by twenty participants representing JICA and other Japanese Government entities (including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japan Self Defense Forces), various Japanese NGOs, Japan Red Cross and one journalist. A highlight of the workshop was presentations from participants based in Pakistan and Afghanistan of the security challenges in their duty stations and how their organizations are handling them.
As in past years, the workshop featured not only theory but extensive practical application of risk analysis and mitigation tools. A dynamic critical incident management exercise challenged participants to apply lessons learned in a realistic situation.
Participants reported leaving the workshop with greater understanding of risk management practices and confidence in their ability to apply these in their duty stations. In today's environment where dangers show no sign of abating, this can be critical in helping aid workers continue their vital duties in difficult places, and ensuring that they come home safely.
The Security Risk Management Workshop was organized jointly by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Other supporting partners include Interworks LLC.
