To reach those who need our help most, we often work in unstable
regions. The provision of humanitarian assistance therefore
inherently involves exposure to insecurity and the risk of
violence. Depending on the context, MSF field staff can encounter
various risks, such as: confrontations with armed actors (rebel
forces or military troops), robberies and street theft, fighting
between armed groups and other violence.
Although we accept that it is impossible to
exclude all risks, we do our utmost to mitigate these risks as much
as possible. Before starting a new project and throughout its
period of activity, we carry out a process of risk analysis. Each
field mission has specific and detailed safety regulations and
plans in place, outlining strategies and specific security measures
and responsibilities. These protocols take into account the nature
of the risks facing MSF personnel in the field and provide
procedures to follow when confronted with various security
threats.
Field workers must abide by these rules and
procedures throughout their mission. There is a clear chain of
command regarding security management. The project co-ordinator is
responsible for managing team security at the project level. The
head of mission is responsible for managing the security of the
entire MSF mission in a specific country, and overall
responsibility lies with staff at headquarters. Team members must
respect and follow their instructions. MSF does not delegate the
management of our security to other organisations.
Depending on the context, the following
regulations may be in place:
- curfew
- availability of means of communication
at all times
- limitation on movement
- culturally sensitive behaviour
- use of MSF identification.
In some situations, a team may have to
temporarily suspend its activities and travel to a safer location.
Sometimes evacuation is not possible and the team has to wait for
the right moment to leave. If, at any given moment, a team member
does not feel comfortable with the security situation, he or she
may choose to leave the project (or mission) as soon as the project
co-ordinator or head of mission deems it safe to do so.
To discuss any questions you have or to
get more information on safety and security in the field, please
visit our information evenings.