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Enhancing Humanitarian Efforts with Effective Security Risk Management

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a prominent member-led NGO forum dedicated to driving transformative change through its extensive global network of over 130 member organizations. GISF’s mission is to influence and promote good security risk management practices that benefit the entire humanitarian sector, thereby improving the security of aid workers and ensuring sustainable access to those in need. The importance of trained Security Risk Managers (SRMs) in the humanitarian sector cannot be overstated. Their role is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of risks faced by aid workers, programs, and organizations worldwide.

The Critical Role of Security Risk Management in Humanitarian Work

Aid workers and humanitarian organizations encounter diverse and significant risks in their efforts to provide aid globally. The alarming statistics from 2021, where 141 aid workers lost their lives—the highest number since 2013—underscore the urgent need for robust Security Risk Management (SRM) practices. These practices are essential for organizations to fulfill their duty of care obligations to their staff while reaching those most in need. Effective SRM facilitates safe and sustainable access for crisis-affected communities by putting in place necessary safeguards to protect the organization’s most valuable assets—their people.

GISF Recognizing and Enhancing Security Skills

GISF leverages digital badges to acknowledge the learning and development of its members and other network participants. These digital badges are awarded for participation in GISF-hosted events, such as webinars, workshops, and forums. This collaboration with not only enhances the recognition of SRM as a profession within the humanitarian sector but also allows network members to demonstrate the security skills and knowledge they have acquired. To earn a GISF badge, participants must attend at least 80% of an eligible event, ensuring meaningful engagement and learning.

One notable example of such recognition is the badge awarded for a joint webinar GISF held with INSSA in 2022. This webinar launched GISF’s NGO Security Toolbox, providing attendees with accessible guidance, resources, and tools to integrate good risk management practices into their operations. Over 80 participants who attended at least 80% of the webinar received this badge, symbolizing their commitment to enhancing their SRM knowledge and practices. The NGO Security Toolbox serves as a practical resource, especially for NGO staff who may be new to security policies and practices, helping them implement effective measures to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues.

The Future of Humanitarian Security Risk Management

The evolving landscape of global humanitarian efforts demands continuous improvement in security risk management practices. GISF’s initiatives, including the recognition of learning through digital badges and the provision of practical tools like the NGO Security Toolbox, exemplify the proactive steps being taken to enhance the sector’s security capabilities. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development, GISF is paving the way for safer and more effective humanitarian operations worldwide.

Keywords

• Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF)
• Security Risk Management (SRM)
• Humanitarian sector
• Aid workers
• Safety and security
• HPass digital badges
• INSSA
• NGO Security Toolbox
• Crisis-affected communities
• Professional development
• Sustainable access
• Duty of care