Trainer's Notes for the UNHCR Emergency Management Training
Personal Security Awareness
Session at a glance
Content / Approx. Time / Instructional ActivityIntroduction / 10 minutes / Plenary Q&A
Personal Security Planning / 30 minutes / Plenary Presentation
Case Studies in Personal Security / 15 minutes / Small Group Work
Case Study Reports / 30 minutes / Small Group Reports & Plenary Discussion
Wrap-up / 5 minutes / Plenary Presentation
Total Time / 90 minutes
Main objectives
After completing this session, participants will be able to:
· Understand the importance of taking personal responsibility for their own security.
· Describe the need to be aware of the risks inherent in one’s own operating environment.
Supplies
Flip chart and markers
Overhead or data projector
Applicable overheads
Exercise 3.3. Security Case Studies (annexed to these trainers notes)
General guidance
Facilitators should make clear that this session is intended primarily to indicate (1) that emergency work has increased risks; (2) that these risks can harm you; and (3) that staff need to increase their awareness of - and adapt their behavior to reduce their exposure to - these risks. It should not be confused with in-depth security training which requires a good deal more than the 90 minutes allotted to this session can possibly allow. Rather, the session is designed to raise awareness among the participants that each must take personal responsibility for assessing the risks that confront him/her in the operating environment and take appropriate actions – based on UNSECOORD policies AND common sense – to minimize those risks to him/herself and others.
Key Points
The main points in this session include:
· Despite the value, existence and functioning of the UN security system, the critical need for personal responsibility must be recognized by each individual and taken
· “Personal security” includes any measure, attitude, precaution or action that reduces security risks to you as an individual or as a team member in an emergency refugee operation - at home, work, or travel.
· Personal security relates to the multiple threats of:
· physical attack
· rape
· mugging, burglary, robbery
· mob or group violence
· kidnapping
· threats
· abuse
· and others including accidents and even simple negligence due to the emergency nature of the situation.
· The Five Principles of Personal Security are:
- be aware and suspicious
- be methodical
- don’t be conspicuous
- use common sense and initiative
- plan ahead for defensive actions in light of the possibility of security incidents
· Home, office, public spaces and traveling are all scenarios which should all be analyzed for threats to personal security and for which security precautions should be taken.
Session Activities
Introduction
10 minutes
Use slides 1-4 to introduce the topic and note that personal security is the responsibility of each of us; that each must take steps to optimize security in our daily lives – particularly in hostile or otherwise insecure environments.
Note that Security Awareness begins with an assessment of threats. Ask participants what is the meaning of a threat. Solicit responses from plenary, then note that a threat is simply something “out there” that can hurt you.
Solicit from participants examples of the security threats they confront in their countries. Ask participants what threats they confront in their daily lives. (Answers will range from robberies and thefts to assaults, rapes, mines, wars, etc.) Note that it is often quite difficult for us to do much about the threat itself – rather Security Awareness focuses on minimizing risks. Ask participants what the meaning of “risk” is. Solicit answers then add that a “risk” is quite simply the “probability” that something out there – i.e. a threat – can hurt you. Emphasize that this session will focus on ways to reduce the risks we face in our daily lives.
Personal Security Planning
30 minutes
Select from slides 5-10 as needed to present basic strategies for increasing awareness of and planning for increased personal security. This session is necessarily heavy with content; as you go through the points on the slides, make the session more interactive by taking participants’ questions and comments, asking whether any participants have confronted the situations that the slides are meant to protect against. Ask those with personal experience to explain the situations they confronted and what strategies they employed to increase their own security.
Case Studies in Personal Security
15 minutes
Divide the participants into five groups and ask them to turn to Exercise 3.3. Security Case Studies. Assign one case per group and give them no more than 15 minutes to discuss the case and respond to the questions.
Case Study Reports
30 minutes
Have each group briefly report by reading their case aloud and then responding to the questions. Make your comments after each report as each case focuses on different issues. Points to look for include the following:
Case #1:
Consequences:
§ if there is an accident and someone is injured or killed, it is quite possible that the UN Malicious Acts Insurance Policy (MAIP) would become null and void.
§ If there is a vehicle breakdown, there would be no other vehicle to provide transportation back to the base.
§ The staff member who knew that the NGO vehicle was going to leave the convoy could be reprimanded for jeopardizing the safety and security of the entire mission.
§ The mission is no longer in compliance with stated security guidelines.
Do now:
§ The team leader must immediately try to establish radio contact with the NGO vehicle to ask why they have deviated from the agreed itinerary and request that they return to your position for the mission to continue.
§ If radio contact cannot be established with the NGO vehicle or if they refuse your request for them to return to your position, call your base and tell them that you are aborting the mission and returning to the base as you are no longer in compliance with the security guidelines.
§ Ask the member of your team who knew of the NGO’s intentions, why they did not share the information with you before the mission started. Inform the UNHCR Representative of this problem.
§ When you return to the base, contact the NGO and issue a formal complaint with them and obtain their assurances that all further missions will be agreed to ahead of time and itinerary’s strictly respected.
Case #2
Done prior:
§ It would have been advisable to obtain advance information on rebel presence in the areas that you intended to travel and made provisions for this.
§ You should have better prepared your itinerary so that you arrived at the checkpoint at least one hour before it closed in order to allow enough time for your return to base.
§ In case of unforeseen delays on your mission, you should have established contact with the relevant rebel authorities (if possible) through the FSO or security focal point, to ensure that the authorities were aware of your movements and that you would be passing through this particular checkpoint on your way back to the base
Do now:
§ Do not panic or become agitated and do not act aggressively towards the militiaman.
§ Establish radio contact with your base and explain the situation to them. Your base should inform the FSO or security focal point of your dilemma and they should be in a position to provide instructions.
§ If at all possible, try to negotiate passage through the checkpoint with the militiaman. They are often looking for a small bribe; don’t get into this game. It could have negative consequences for later missions.
§ Be prepared to wait if necessary until help can arrive.
Case #3
Consequences:
§ By sharing information regarding UNHCR and it’s programmes with the rebels, the consultant is running the risk of providing false or misleading information regarding UNHCR or it’s sister agencies, thereby creating a possibility of the guerillas misunderstanding our true objectives and mandate.
§ By identifying the programmes UNHCR is funding, the consultant could jeopardize the safety and security of the beneficiaries if the guerillas decided to impose a “tax” or “levy” on the recipient population.
§ By discussing the resources that UNHCR may be bringing to the area, the consultant may put at risk any vehicle convoys that would be transporting humanitarian aid to the area if the guerillas decided to lay an ambush and steal the goods. It goes without saying that any personnel traveling in these convoys would also be at considerable risk.
§ If the humanitarian aid that UNHCR is providing is intended for the guerillas perceived enemies, UNHCR staff could be seen as an enemy as well.
Do now:
§ Tell the consultant that he is not to discuss UNHCR or it’s programmes with anyone outside of the organization.
§ When you return to base, inform the UNHCR Representative in writing of what occurred.
§ If real damage has been done, ensure that the guerillas understand that UNHCR is a humanitarian organization and that we are there to protect women and children and that our programmes are not at all political in nature.
Case #4
Propose to get around:
§ Explain your dilemma to the UNHCR Representative and tell him/her that you cannot safely conduct your mission unless you are in a properly marked and equipped UN vehicle. As it is not possible to use the taxis in the city, you may have to postpone or cancel your mission.
§ If time permits, and there are no ethnic or political implications, secure the services of a qualified UN driver. If there are no drivers available, the mission may not be able to proceed.
NOTE: If there has just been a ceasefire established, Taxis are NOT to be used.
Precautions:
§ If you can ensure that you have a properly equipped and well marked UN vehicle for your mission and that all necessary security clearances have been obtained, make sure that all mission participants are fully briefed by the UN FSO before departure.
§ Ideally, the UN FSO will accompany on your mission and will have prepared a detailed itinerary for the mission and notified all relevant authorities as to the nature and purpose of your mission.
§ Do not take for granted that all of the above has been done. Remember that there is an individual responsibility when it comes to safety and security and the more assurances that you have before the mission departs, the greater the chances of a successful mission.
§ If the mission proceeds, ensure that radio contact is maintained throughout your travel with regular contacts with your at predetermined times or locations. Maintain radio contact until your safe return to base.
§ Be prepared to abort the mission if there are any indications of insecurity
Case #5
Help:
§ There exists in the United Nations system, persons who are properly trained and qualified in Hostage Management techniques. Every effort will be made to ensure your quick and safe release.
NOTE: There is also a very comprehensive policy on hostage taking in the United Nations. The UN will not pay ransoms or allow substantive concessions.
Do now:
The following guidelines can greatly enhance the probability that you will survive being a hostage:
§ Your only job is to survive.
§ At the time of your seizure, do not attempt to fight back. The first 15 to 45 minutes are the most dangerous. Do not play the hero; do not talk back or act “tough”.
§ Be certain that you can explain everything you have on your person. Do not carry any items that may call into question your motives or status within the mission.
§ Fear is a normal reaction. Try to relax, pause, take a deep breath and accept the situation.
§ Keep a low profile
§ Be cooperative without appearing either servile or antagonistic. Follow the instructions of your captors.
§ Never beg, plead or cry.
§ Do not make threats against your captors or indicate that you would testify against them.
§ Avoid appearing to study your captor’s features, dress and mannerisms.
§ Try to gain your captors’ respect and try to build rapport with them without getting overly friendly. An excellent topic of discussion is family and children.
§ Emphasize that as a United Nations employee, you are neutral and not involved in politics.
§ Encourage your captors to let the authorities know your condition and whereabouts.
§ Take care of yourself; exercise, stay well groomed, eat and drink even if you are not hungry.
§ Be patient and mentally prepared for isolation. Focus your mind on pleasant scenes, memories or prayers.
§ Do not attempt to escape unless you are certain you will be successful.
§ If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop to the floor and keep your hands over your head. Once the situation stabilizes identify yourself.
§ Always be aware the UN has a structure and a process that will be going on even though you will not always know of it and even if the hostage takers may tell you otherwise.
Wrap-up
5 minutes
Ask if there are more questions or comments. Answer the questions briefly and note that the participants will now consider security awareness when traveling.
Exercise 3.3. Security Case Studies
Read the short case studies below and, as a group, answer the questions using your best judgement.
1. You are going to do an assessment in a sensitive area of eastern Suremia. The Security Officer's policy is that personnel must travel in convoys of two vehicles (minimum). The team leader has arranged for you to travel in one vehicle, accompanied by a UNHCR-funded NGO in a second vehicle. After your first stop, the NGO car departs, leaving your vehicle to travel on alone. The team member with whom you are traveling had prior knowledge that the NGO would split off from your group.
What are the possible consequences?
What do you do?
2. You and a donor government representative pull up to a Mardian checkpoint guarded by a teenage militiaman. The checkpoint closed at 1800 and it is now 1805. You show your diplomatic passports, but this just seems to anger the guard. He will not speak to you.