FOREWORD
Security is an important concern for those engaged in humanitarian action. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is anxious to give to its staff all possible training and guidance in this field. That is the purpose of this book by David Lloyd Roberts.
Mr Roberts joined the ICRC in 1993 on a three-month contract. When he recently retired from full-time duties, the three months had grown to 11 years. Mr Roberts advised the ICRC on practical security and safety measures for present-day conflicts. Over the years his extensive military experience and thorough knowledge of the organization’s working methods have enabled the ICRC to make considerable progress in this field. He was also involved in promoting knowledge of the law of armed conflict among armed forces personnel, as well as remaining ‘‘on call’’ for security missions.
In 1999 it was suggested that he should write a book specifically aimed at humanitarian staff working in conflict areas. The book would deal with the dangers and lay down safety guidelines. More general matters such as threat assessment, security concepts and a number of security-management aspects were deliberately not included so as not to overburden an already dense text. In addition, the author confined himself to areas in which the ICRC could make a valuable contribution because of its unique status.
The resulting book, ‘‘Staying Alive’’, has been a great success and demand for it has prompted the ICRC to ask Mr Roberts to write a revised and updated edition. The result is here before you. It retains all the successful elements of the first edition, most importantly its user-friendly presentation of practical advice. Its wealth of information is intended as much for the staff of other humanitarian organizations as for ICRC personnel. A greater awareness of security-related issues will in some cases help avert incidents and in most cases lessen their consequences.
The new edition reflects the ever-changing conflict environment in which humanitarians have to work. It deals with new threats such as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and encompasses wider issues not covered in the first edition such as protection of humanitarian volunteers under international law and practical life-
saving first aid. The telecommunications chapter includes advice on the use of modern equipment such as mobile phones.
I am grateful to David Lloyd Roberts and all those other contributors who have generously given of their time in the production of this book. I hope it will play an important part in enhancing the safety of ICRC delegates and other humanitarian staff.
Jakob Kellenberger
ICRC President
INTRODUCTION
At the outset it is perhaps important to focus on the title and aim of this book. It is not being written for any specific non-governmental organization (NGO) or humanitarian organization. Every organiza- tion has its own particular rules and regulations and the reader will naturally be expected to implement them. The aim of this book is to highlight the common features of safety and security that apply or could apply to us when working in conflict areas. It will attempt to explain in layman’s terms the dangers we might face and some of the likely threats to our work.
Through explanation we can hopefully lay to rest some of the mystique surrounding the subject. Yes, there are dangers, but if you have a basic understanding of them, they can be avoided, or certainly dramatically reduced. As the old saying goes, “Knowl- edge dispels fear.” Since you are ultimately the guardian of your own safety and security, knowledge also puts you in a better position to define that important line which it is perhaps too dangerous for you, and those in your charge, to cross.
Humanitarian workers ---- especially new volunteers ---- are bom- barded (even before they reach the conflict zone!) with a plethora of good advice, rules, regulations and check-lists. My aim is certainly not to burden you further. On the contrary, it is to combine the main features of these rules in one simple and useful book.
Before going on, I should like to make a few points about terms used in the title.
GUIDELINES
This is important. These are not rules. Rules will no doubt be issued by your own organization. For example, “No driving at night in such- and-such a place,” or “Because of the curfew, be in your house by such-and-such a time.” These are quite clear and should be obeyed.
Guidelines, on the other hand, are just that: the best available advice in a general setting or situation. They should be viewed as such and not as the definitive answer to every problem. For example, one might suggest that if caught in the open with artillery
shells falling very close to you, the best guideline would be to get out of your vehicle and take cover. However, if 20 metres in front of you there is a tunnel through a mountain, you would be very wise to put your foot down and seek its protection! Therefore, please combine the contents of this book with your own common sense and judgement.
There are times in this book when guidelines might become obvious rules, e.g. “Do not touch a mine.” In such cases the “Do not” will be clearly highlighted.
VOLUNTEERS
Remember, you have volunteered for this work. In conflict there is inherent danger. You owe it to yourself to know what those dangers are and how to minimize them.
CONFLICT AREAS
The book deals only with conflict areas. The subjects covered are therefore fairly specific and do not encompass the other wide- ranging areas of humanitarian work such as disaster relief. It is nevertheless well to remember that relative calm and tranquillity in our modern world can quickly disintegrate into violence. Also, some of the topics are relevant in whatever theatre you find yourself: basic security measures against crime, use of the radio, fire precautions, etc.
We hope this book will be of some assistance to you in your vital work of assisting the victims of armed conflict.
LOCALLY RECRUITED STAFF
This book is intended as much for the locally recruited staff of humanitarian organizations as it is for their expatriate staff.
It is now generally agreed that good security for the individual and the organization depends on the following interrelated factors:
. how we are perceived and thus whether we are accepted by the local people;
. our behaviour as individuals;
. our ability to listen, as opposed to preaching, and our ability to put our message across and project a professional image.
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