United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) May 2011
InterWorks co-facilitated the fourth Security Management Exercise (SMX) in Quito, Ecuador for UNHCR staff from the Quito, Lago Agrio, Ibarra, Tulcan, Esmeraldas, Cuenca and Santo Domingo offices from 6-13 May 2011. The workshops consisted of a three-day SMX (modeled on the SMLP) and a three-day High Risk Environment Security Training (HEST) for UNHCR staff in Ecuador.
The purpose of the SMX is for a UNHCR country team to walk through the UN Security Risk Assessment process step-by-step based on UNHCR’s operations in the specific country and its operating environment. Staff are trained on how to conduct the process and are able to identify specific follow-up activities that are needed in order to enhance the security risk management of their operations.
The HEST was specifically focused on security awareness and skills for staff operating in insecure environments. Staff had the opportunity to refresh their security knowledge and benefited from the practical exercises conducted on the last day (hostage survival and dealing with checkpoints). The topics for the HEST were selected in consultation with the Field Safety Advisor in Ecuador to meet the needs of Ecuador staff.
This course has given me a more responsible and applicable way to address risks.
– Workshop participant