Safer Access for all National Societies

Increasing acceptance, security and access to people and communities in need

National Red Cross and Red Crescent Produced in cooperation
with National Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies

Practical tools and reference materials

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Access practical toolbox

Security and Safety Toolkit for Safer Access

This practical resource toolbox provides safety and security tips, tools, and guidance for National Societies. We are grateful for the contributions from the Georgian Red Cross, Sudanese Sudan Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Who can use this toolkit? National Societies exposed to any forms of security and safety risks, such as conflicts and other forms of violence as well as natural disasters can use the toolkit to assess and respond to safety and security challenges.

What can the toolkit be used for? First, this guide is meant to help National Societies assess and analyze their context in relation to access, safety and security for NS staff and volunteers. Second, the toolkit helps NS to prevent and manage incidents linked to safety and security. Third, it can be used to run workshops to strengthen safety and security preparedness of NS. Fourth, it facilitates coordination with Movement partners regarding safety and security.

What is in the toolkit? The tools are organized along elements one (Element I Context and risk assessment) and eight (Element 8 Operational security risk management) of the Safer Access Framework. To accede the Safer Access Practical Resource Pack guide, please go to www.saferaccess.icrc.org)

Please find hereafter the details of the toolkit.

 

I. Context and risk assessment

National Societies have a clear understanding of the interlinked political, social, cultural and economic aspects of the evolving operational environment and the inherent risks, which forms the basis for preventing and managing those risks.

II. Legal & Policy Base

National Societies have sound legal and statutory instruments and develop policies that provide a basis from which to carry out their humanitarian mandate and roles in conformity with Movement policies, international humanitarian law and domestic legislation.

III. Acceptance of the organization

National Societies have attained a high degree of acceptance among key stakeholders by providing relevant, context-sensitive humanitarian assistance and protection for people and communities in a manner consistent with the Fundamental Principles and other Movement policies.

IV. Acceptance of the individual

Staff and volunteers have attained a high degree of acceptance among key stakeholders by working in a manner consistent with the Fundamental Principles and other Movement policies.

V. Identification

National Societies take all necessary steps to protect and promote the organization’s visual identity and that of its staff and volunteers.

VI. Internal Communication and Coordination

National Societies implement well-developed internal communication and coordination strategies and mechanisms, which enhance coordination with other Movement components.

VII. External Communication and Coordination

National Societies implement well-developed external communication and coordination strategies and mechanisms, which enhance coordination with external actors.

VIII. Operational security risk management

National Societies assume responsibility and accountability for the safety and security of staff and volunteers by developing and implementing an operational security risk management system and structure.