How To Stay Safe & Serve Smart

1. Conduct Thorough Risk Assessments

Risk assessments involve understanding the unique security environment of each region. For example, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) carries out detailed risk assessments in conflict zones, including local cultural dynamics and recent incidents. In 2014, during the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone, MSF used risk assessment to identify high-risk areas, helping teams avoid exposure to unnecessary dangers while delivering aid.

2. Establish Communication Protocols

In 2021, during the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, humanitarian organizations relied on satellite phones due to limited cellular networks. Organizations like International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) implemented structured check-ins and emergency codes for their workers, ensuring continuous connection even in remote or conflict-heavy areas.

3. Follow Local Security Advisories

In Iraq, organizations like UNICEF regularly monitor security advisories issued by local authorities and international bodies. For example, after advisory warnings of insurgent activity near Mosul, field teams adjusted routes and postponed travel in high-risk areas. This practice helped them avoid volatile regions, ensuring safer routes for aid delivery.

4. Blend In with the Local Environment

Aid workers in Afghanistan often adapt their clothing to fit local customs, blending into communities rather than standing out. By dressing in traditional attire, Red Cross staff reduced the risk of becoming targets and improved rapport with community members, enhancing both safety and mission effectiveness.

5. Prioritize Situational Awareness

Situational awareness was crucial during the Syrian conflict for UNHCR teams working near Aleppo. Team members were trained to monitor changes in civilian activity, military presence, and unfamiliar vehicles. When an unusual buildup of forces was observed, workers quickly evacuated to safer zones, avoiding a sudden escalation.

6. Work in Teams and Have an Emergency Plan

During the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, many humanitarian organizations operated in teams. Oxfam staff members had designated meeting points, and team leaders ensured everyone was accounted for during chaotic moments, particularly when aftershocks struck. Having a buddy system and a clear emergency plan helped minimize risks to staff.

7. Build Relationships with Local Communities

In South Sudan, World Vision has collaborated with community leaders to establish mutual understanding. Community members, in turn, shared information on safe paths, conflict flashpoints, and local needs. This approach fostered mutual trust, helping aid workers avoid dangerous areas and maintain essential support from locals.

8. Limit Movement to Daylight Hours

During operations in Yemen, humanitarian teams limit travel to daylight hours due to higher security risks at night. Doctors Without Borders has followed this protocol, allowing workers to navigate more safely and avoid checkpoints prone to aggressive confrontations.

9. Carry Basic Emergency Supplies

In 2020, Save the Children teams working in war-torn parts of Somalia carried first-aid kits, emergency rations, and water supplies. When sudden violence erupted, having these supplies enabled them to endure extended waits for evacuation without running out of essential resources.

10. Practice Psychological Resilience

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides stress management training for workers deployed in high-stress areas. In Lebanon’s refugee camps, where stress levels are high, IRC offers psychological support, helping workers process traumatic experiences and preventing burnout.

11. Respect Local Laws and Customs

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, humanitarian organizations like CARE International emphasize understanding local customs and laws. They avoid actions that could be perceived as disrespectful, such as certain gestures or attire, thereby maintaining good relationships and minimizing local hostilities.

12. Engage with Security Experts

Before deploying to conflict zones, many NGOs consult security advisors. In Ukraine, Mercy Corps worked with experts familiar with local conflict dynamics, who provided tailored advice on navigating the shifting frontline areas and training on potential threats such as landmines.

Conclusion: Balancing Safety and Service

Safety in conflict zones requires a combination of strategies, including risk assessment, situational awareness, local collaboration, and training in resilience. Humanitarian organizations committed to their mission in these areas must blend security and compassion, creating a framework that allows aid workers to safely carry out their life-saving tasks. Through these strategies, workers can protect themselves while delivering aid, providing a model of resilience, dedication, and effective humanitarian response.