14 October 2023
In different parts of the world, Field Security Associates (FSA) reinforce UNDSS’ footprint and ability to enable UN operations in their respective areas. One such example is in Syria which in the recent past suffered an earthquake that devasted livelihoods. As such, to enhance the department’s ability to respond effectively, UNDSS Syria organized a weeklong FSA training.
The training encompassed security risk management (SRM), threat assessment, Security threat information (STI) process, FSA roles, premises assessments, and cost-effective measures. "FSAs are key interface between UN security and host government, moreover, one of their important tasks is to operationalize local perspectives of security environment to translate it to UNSMS organizations and to provide cost effectiveness measures in order to give valid recommendations to decision makers, noting that it is crucial for us to connect individuals with diverse backgrounds, as this is essential for becoming skilled professionals and enhancing performance,” said Mr. Carlos Frias, UNDSS Chief Security Advisor ad interim.
Badie Fateh, UNDSS Training Coordinator led the session attended by over 23 participants from UNDSS, WFP, UNRWA UNFPA, UNDP, FAO, UNHCR, UNICEF, OSES and UNOPS. “After the training I am feeling comfortable preparing SRM and responding to any other safety or security incident,” said one of the participants.
UNDSS Syria’s support has resulted in more field missions and improved programme delivery. UNDSS plans to hold another FSA training next year as well as Emergency Trauma Bag (ETB), Individual First-Aid Kit (IFAK), Warden, and Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environments (SSAFE) during the fourth quarter of this year. Three SSAFE, IFAK, and Warden sessions are scheduled in Damascus, two ETB sessions in Damascus, and one ETB session in Aleppo.