IOM Pakistan and the Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department of the European Commission (ECHO) have renewed their partnership to continue the successful Pakistan Security Awareness Induction Training (PSAIT) programme.

Aimed at enhancing the understanding of humanitarian aid workers about their wellbeing and safety, this programme contributes towards minimizing risks of working in potentially insecure environments.

Programme activities are planned and implemented in close coordination with aid workers and agencies that work towards enhancing staff security and safety.

IOM staff train humanitarian workers to analyze and understand security constraints, threats and risks, adopt life-saving practices and effectively deliver humanitarian assistance.

"The new ECHO funds of EUR 850,000 will support the safety and security awareness of over 500 humanitarian aid workers in Pakistan," says David Sevcik, Head of ECHO's Pakistan office.

PSAIT has been run since November 2008 and to date 1,078 humanitarian aid workers, including 161 women have been trained. The trainings are open to all humanitarian and not-for-profit agencies working in the country and there is a strong focus on including national NGOs.

PSAIT has a highly flexible training schedule. Over the years it has evolved into a comprehensive package of training programmes which can be tailored as required. They include security management planning, standard operating procedure design, basic and advanced first aid, trauma training, female security awareness, fire safety, equipment use and guard training.

"IOM frequently receives requests to conduct these trainings according to an organization's specific requirements, and whenever possible, the trainings are planned with participation from a mixed group of people from different backgrounds to enrich the exchange of experiences," says programme manager Steve Mayall.

For more information, please contact pessu@iom.int