Archive:
Abduction of aid workers has risen sharply in particular contexts in the past decade. Abduction is a “unique form of critical incident”, characterised by its ongoing, “live” nature, often extended duration, the pressure of decision-making and uncertainty. Though the essential…
No matter how good the risk management system, aid workers operate in areas where risk of critical incidents cannot be eliminated. And thus agencies must form and constantly seek to update and strengthen robust crisis response mechanisms, from incident reporting processes through…
This GISF Report (2011) examines how humanitarian organisations express their attitudes to risk, and considers how priorities at different organisational levels might be better integrated when decisions are made on whether to accept or reject certain risks. Section 1 reviews the risk management…
Shaun Bickley through Safety First (2010) provides useful reminders and easy-reference chapters to be consulted as safety and security issues arise. Not only is this book essential reading for staff about to take up their first field positions, it should…
This report provides an index of various initiatives related to safety and security of aid agencies and their staff. The purpose of this report is to inform readers of the projects themselves, who is responsible for or participating in each…
In light of the attacks against the United Nations in both Peshawar and Kabul in autumn 2009, the UN has decided to “harden” itself as a target, using a protection-based strategy to reduce the vulnerability of its staff. But to…
What is scenario planning? Why use it? Scenario planning is a futures technique used for medium to long-term strategic analysis and planning. It is used to develop policies and strategies that are robust, resilient, flexible and innovative. Scenarios are stories…
This paper by David J. Topel (2009) aims to deconstruct negotiation techniques and agreements in Colombia. It does not deal specifically with any particular hostage crisis event but gives a short introduction to the groups and history of conflict as…
This report (2009) by CARE International provides an overview of the action steps that are necessary to do before, during and after a critical security incident. It gives detailed information on those steps also regarding the first 72 hours after…
This paper (2009) by Camille Tawill evaluates the strengths and weaknesses demonstrated by AQIM in the whole of the Maghreb during 2009 with particular comparison to the previous few years. In doing so, this paper takes into account the activities…