EXTREME OVERALL RISK TO IFRC PERSONNEL.

Additional Security Requirements Apply.

Travel requires GSU approval.

OVERVIEW

The overall security risk to IFRC personnel is extreme. There is widespread violence and/or attacks impacting humanitarian personnel. The security conditions do not allow IFRC to continue working (with the exception of security risk assessments and related work). Travel to red areas requires the approval of the Global Security Unit (GSU) on behalf of Secretary General.

INDICATORS: RED PHASE

If one or more of these indicators are present, the phase may be Red.

  • There are widespread armed confrontations.

  • There are violent attacks directed at, or impacting IFRC, RCRC and/or humanitarian personnel.

  • There are violent attacks directed at, or impacting the public.

  • Governments are advising their foreign nationals to leave.

  • Diplomatic and humanitarian organisations are relocating/evacuating their personnel.

  • Direct attack on or against RCRC personnel or premises.

  • Total breakdown of law and order.

SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ORANGE AND RED AREAS

The IFRC Minimum Security Requirement (MSR) policy states that “the higher the risk, the more measures, instruction, and training must be provided to manager and personnel.”  The following requirements outline the security measures that are required to operate in orange and red areas.. IFRC operations must be suspended if these requirements cannot be met in Red Locations.

Only the GSU can provide (written) exemptions for these requirements.

Management Requirements:

  • The HoD/Senior Manager must always appoint an acting HoD/Senior Manager (who will act as CIMT leader if needed) when traveling out of the country.

Training Requirements:

  • The HoD/Senior Manager must complete the IFRC Security and Critical Incident Management (SCM) training within 12 months of their deployment. Contact the Regional Security Coordinator to arrange.

Personnel Requirements:

  • A full-time security delegate or senior security officer is required at the country level.

  • A full-time security officer is required at sub-offices (within orange and red locations).

Information Sharing Requirements

  • The security delegate/senior security officer must provide frequent security updates to all IFRC personnel (weekly in Orange, daily in Red).

Field Movement Requirements:

  • All movements must be monitored/tracked centrally.

  • Field movement forms must be completed for all movements outside urban areas and signed off by the security delegate/officer.

  • Personnel must report all their movements at departure and arrival.

  • Two vehicles must be used for all movements outside urban areas.

  • For RED ONLY: All travel into Red areas must be approved by the GSU (on behalf of the SG) using the security clearance form (contact GSU for details).

Communication Requirements:

  • Management must be able to contact all staff quickly 24/7. This must be tested monthly (at least).

  • Country offices must be equipped with a satellite phone (with an external antenna).

  • Sub-offices (located within orange or red areas of the country) must be equipped with a satellite phone (or radio capable of reaching the country office).

  • All personnel must carry a satellite phone when traveling outside urban areas (to the field).

  • Personnel must always carry two independent means of communication within urban areas (e.g. phone and VHF handset).

Contingency Preparation Requirements:

  • All personnel must maintain 1 week of non-perishable food and 1 week of water at their residences (paid by the personnel) in case of hibernation.

  • The HoD/Senior Manager must routinely re-assess relocation plans and run drills, at least once per year.

  • The HoD/Senior Manager must ensure there is always sufficient transport capacity to relocate all personnel.

Threat Specific Requirement:

  • The HoD/Senior Manager must implement risk mitigation measures for all high and severe risks identified in the Security Risk Assessment.

  • Explosions: Blast film must be installed on all windows of IFRC residences and offices if there is a high risk of explosions.

  • Kidnapping: Personnel must complete the IFRC Personal Security Information Form (Proof-of-life) if there is a high risk of kidnapping.

CHECKLIST - MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

The following questions are designed to help managers and security personnel assess their preparedness for orange and red phase locations.

Continual Risk Assessment:

  • Are security risk assessments conducted regularly for all your operational areas?

  • Have you established a reliable network of local contacts who can provide timely information about the security situation? Can you expand your network to obtain better coverage?

Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT):

  • Has the CIMT undergone training?

  • Are CIMT members familiar with all contingency plans (medical, relocation, CIM).

  • Are the CIMT roles and responsibilities clearly defined?

Training and Drills:

  • Have you run drills for personnel to ensure familiarity with evacuation procedures, safe room usage, and other security protocols?

  • Do all personnel know how to use their backup communication equipment properly?

Medical Emergency Preparedness:

  • Are all CIMT members familiar with the medical emergency/evacuation procedure?

  • Do all personnel know who to contact in case of a medical emergency?

  • Are all personnel adequately trained in first aid, and medical kits readily available?

  • Are all the medical facilities listed in our plans still operating? Are their phone numbers and addresses still up-to-date?

Relocations Planning:

  • Have detailed evacuation plans been developed, including multiple exit routes and transportation options?

  • Are safe assembly points identified and secured where personnel can gather during evacuations?

Communication Redundancy:

  • Are redundant communication channels established? What is the plan if your primary and secondary means of communications fail?

  • Is communication equipment regularly tested?

  • Are all personnel proficient in using their primary and alternate communications devices?

Data Security:

  • Are IT measures implemented to protect sensitive information?

  • Are contingency plans in place for data backup and recovery?

Community Engagement:

  • Is engagement with the local community prioritized to build goodwill and facilitate a better understanding of your organization's presence and mission?

  • Are community-based security measures considered to enhance overall safety?