2020 – INSO - Supporting the safety and security of humanitarian non-governmental organizations

April 2020 – The changing nature of conflicts worldwide has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian needs and poses unique safety and security challenges for humanitarian organisations delivering assistance to vulnerable populations despite protections enshrined in international humanitarian law. Conflicts worldwide are resulting in countless and often deliberate attacks on medical and humanitarian personnel. More than ever before frontline humanitarian workers and non-governmental organizations require free and up to date information analysis and advice that supports informed decision making and enables humanitarian access helping them serve populations most in need. With GAC’s support INSO works to support humanitarian organizations in fulfilling their mandates safely by providing timely information and assistance in mitigating security risks. Project activities include: (1) providing daily reporting including incident reports analytical reports and thematic reports; (2) facilitating coordination meetings on access safety and security amongst humanitarian organizations; (3) providing expert advice on risk mitigation at all stages of clients’ program cycle; and (4) provision of capacity building and crisis response to humanitarian organizations including reviews of partner security plans and policies free training courses in security management and conflict analysis.

The expected outcomes for this project are that non-governmental humanitarian organisations in the countries in which INSO works have access to timely reliable and high-quality security related information that help them plan operate and deliver aid more safely and greater effectiveness of humanitarian action through improved protection of relief personnel ensuring that communities affected by humanitarian crisis can access assistance safely and with dignity. The ultimate outcome for this project is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.