In July, USAID/OFDA piloted the Security in Humanitarian Operations (SHOP) course, which will be further developed and integrated into core training for overseas response.

USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/OFDA) staff and relief agency partners frequently operate in countries with security challenges. To mitigate risk, USAID/OFDA enhances the safety and security of the humanitarian community through outreach and dialogue with implementing partners and the donor community. USAID/OFDA supports established networks of humanitarian security personnel, improves security mechanisms and capacity at the global and country levels, and strengthens policies that promote safety and security.

USAID/OFDA’s Safety and Security Unit directly supports USAID/OFDA staff in the field by providing real-time analysis and guidance on security issues from Washington, D.C., and by deploying safety and security officers to the field. USAID/OFDA aims to enable humanitarian activities in volatile situations by increasing access while minimizing risk to staff and operations.

USAID/OFDA provided approximately $4 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 for activities that improved operational security, facilitated security-related coordination and information management, promoted best practices, provided innovative security training to humanitarian actors, and built a better understanding of the international humanitarian security landscape.

Safety and Security Archive

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