14 April 2022 | UNDSS Comms
In early 1991, as guns rented the air in different parts of Somalia, families were separated, lives were lost, and thousands of people were displaced. The country was experiencing a civil war that would leave a permanent mark for many years. Those lucky to survive the war ended up in internally displaced people¡¯s camps or fled to neighbouring countries. As more and more people crossed over to Kenya to seek refuge, the Dadaab Refugee Camps were born, and together becoming one of the largest in the world. The camps have remained active over 30 years later.
As part of its mandate, the United Nations, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya commenced humanitarian support to the refugees. However, due to the magnitude of the refugee operations, the UN had to work closely with other national and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to deliver relief. From emergency food aid, health and nutrition to water and sanitation, humanitarian organizations had to deliver. This called for a proper coordination mechanism and enhanced safety of humanitarians and refugees. ¡°Dadaab is considered a high-risk area due to its proximity to volatile Somalia and the existence of terror cells operating in the country. As such, information sharing of a security nature is an integral part of the operation,¡± narrated Bob Ngobi, the Field Security Coordination Officer for Dadaab.
Through the Savings Lives Together Framework (SLT), recommendations were put in place to enhance security collaboration between the UN and INGOs. The arrangement recognizes that with the existence of security threats in areas of operations, it is important to collaborate to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian and development programmes. ¡°We have 20 INGO partners working with the UN in Dadaab. As UNDSS, we support them by providing critical security-related information and offering specific security training such as the Safe and Security Approaches to Field Environments (SSAFE),¡± mentioned Bob.
In March 2022, UNDSS conducted two SSAFE training in Dadaab. This brought together participants from different UN agencies and INGOs. "We are delighted to conduct the first SSAFE training after the high peak period of COVID-19. As a department, we aim to ensure that all UN personnel and INGO staff have the requisite skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to various security threats and incidents they might encounter in the field,¡± said Mr. Andrew Pompey, the Deputy Chief Security Adviser, Kenya, during the SSAFE relaunch in Dadaab. Since its inception in Kenya, UNDSS has delivered 36 SSAFE training courses in Dadaab. The training covers modules such as active shooter response, mission planning, convoy security and basic life support. ¡°I am grateful to undergo the in-depth training on security in the field. I will carry the skills for the rest of my life,¡± expressed Emily Byaruhanga, a Programme Officer working for UNHCR.
Additionally, UNDSS also participates in activities organized by the partners, attends bi-weekly security briefings led by the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO), and provides security updates at the bi-weekly inter-agency meetings. ¡°Our main role is to support and enable the execution of UN and its partners' activities inside the refugee community within acceptable risk levels. In that case, we are always at the forefront of conducting assessments in the refugee camps for general security and aviation safety. Also, the INSO Security Focal Point participates in the UN bi-weekly security cell where we share security threat information and recommended measures," added Bob. Thanks to UNDSS' led support, UN agencies and INGOs can undertake humanitarian activities such as food distributions, sanitation and hygiene, resettlements, and education programmes. Additionally, humanitarian air services can operate flights to Dadaab. ¡°Our collaboration through the SLT framework has enabled a structured mechanism to manage operational and logistical challenges to achieve a common approach towards the safe delivery of humanitarian and development assistance,¡± pointed out Stephen Kayongo, the Head of Mission, INSO Kenya.
The framework has continuously borne fruits in enabling the Dadaab Refugee Operations. ¡°The number of kidnappings involving UN and partners have drastically reduced thanks to information sharing among the different actors,¡± highlighted Bob. Apart from information-sharing arrangements, UNDSS is also responsible for the overall security of the Dadaab Main Office, where many partners operate and reside. The services include physical security and access control. ¡°Other than informational collaboration, the UNHCR, through the Security Partnership Project, support the host government security apparatus in Dadaab through providing vehicles that enhance their mobility within the refugee camps. UNDSS also shares security threat information, enabling the Host Government to provide timely responses and security services," concluded Bob.