Syria and Iraq Crises - Supporting the Safety of Humanitarian Workers

January 2020 – The ongoing crises in Syria and Iraq continues to drive protracted displacement and humanitarian needs across the region. Over 9 years into the Syrian conflict an estimated 11 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance in Syria and 4.1 million persons in Iraq. In both countries these needs have been met with large-scale humanitarian responses implemented by hundreds of implementing organizations working in high-risk environments. These humanitarian responses in Syria have also been marred by countless attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel. With GAC’s support this project works to support humanitarian organizations in fulfilling their mandates safely by providing timely information and assistance in mitigating risk. 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 of this project include those identified by humanitarian organisations in Iraq and Syria have access to timely reliable and high-quality safety services 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.