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Executive summary

The security programme will continue to focus on developing a culture of security both within the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and amongst member National Societies. The programme will provide security training and education, promotion of best practices, security assessments as well as ensuring 24/7 security support to the secretariat and National Society staff seeking advice and guidance. The programme will also focus on providing guidance to field managers on actions required to comply with the IFRC¡¦s minimum security requirements (MSR) as well as establishing a sound security management process.

Overall, the programme aims to increase the security awareness, skills and capabilities of IFRC and National Society managers, deployed personnel, staff and volunteers while concurrently improving their security management capacity. This will enable the IFRC and National Societies to fulfil our humanitarian mandate and to operate in a safe and secure manner within any given security context.

The process to achieve the security programme¡¦s overall objectives is outlined in section four; however, the following provides a synopsis on how we will aim to achieve these objectives:

• Monitor and report on the implementation of and compliance with MSR.

• Continue to advocate for the deployment of security professionals/specialists to ensure adequate global coverage.

• Continue to provide timely advice and support to IFRC managers and National Societies, in particular within the context of complex operations where security needs are identified.

• Provide the IFRC and National Society managers, delegates, staff and volunteers with appropriate security training that will enhance their ability to operate in a secure manner. Our two self-learning CD-ROM based and online security training courses will reach an increased number of staff and volunteers within the Red Cross Red Crescent.

• Ensure that the security team continues to provide 24/7 support and advice to field operations, secretariat and National Societies.

• Ensure efficient and effective security management through incident analysis, constant reporting,debriefings and field security assessments. This will include the development and introduction of a security incident database project, which will assist us in determining the reasons for the occurrence of IFRC and National Society security incidents, additionally it will enable us to identify trends.

• Ensure cooperation and information sharing with ICRC, ECHO as well as the inter-agency community.

The security programme contributes to reducing the numbers of deaths, injuries and impact from disasters and increases local community, civil society and Red Cross Red Crescent capacity to address the most urgent situations of vulnerability by creating an effective culture of security within the IFRC and National Societies. This will further enable Red Cross Red Crescent personnel to operate safely and securely. In addition, it will support the IFRC in addressing more effectively the strategic imperatives identified in Strategy 2020.