UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies - UNHCR eCentre

330
Depending on the circumstances and if authorized
by UNSECOORD from the UN system,
UNHCR can cover the costs of some of the
improvements listed.
Base Security
26. Base security should be improved by:
❏ Hiring guards:
❏ The host country authorities sometimes
provide guards. Guards hired by UNHCR are
not permitted to carry lethal weapons
while on duty. Guards should be trained
and briefed, and should wear a uniform or
some identifying garment;
❏ Ensuring there are lights:
❏ Lights should be powerful and should light
up an area outside the perimeter fence,
providing a barrier of illumination in which
intruders can be detected.
❏ Installing fences and controlling access:
Double fences with razor wires form an
effective barrier. There should be more
than one entrance/exit. Sensitive locations
(for example, the accommodation area,
communications room, generators and fuel
store) may need to be surrounded by a
barrier of sandbags. Procedures to control
access to the compound need to be established.
The fenced compound should
be self-contained and equipment (e.g.
spare tires, jacks, fire extinguisher, first aid
kits, generators, water pumps), should be
checked and maintained on a routine basis.
Field Security
27. Several steps should be taken by relevant
staff and heads of office to improve field security:
❏ Develop a movement control plan (see
above);
❏ When planning to travel, check the latest
security situation with the DO, others who
have been there, host country officials
other UN agencies, NGOs, traders;
❏ Get all required authorizations, from the
DO and host country authorities;
❏ Ensure that all staff know what to do in
case of accident or breakdown – simple
procedures should be established;
❏ Ensure that vehicles are properly equipped
with extra food and water, sleeping bags,
mosquito nets, tents, water filters, fuel,
tow rope, jumper cables, spare tire, tire
jack, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, travel
documents, radio, vehicle insurance papers,
shovel and maps;
❏ Ensure that vehicles are in good mechanical
condition and are checked regularly. Certain
items, such as brakes, tire wear, fluid
levels, lights, installed radios, should always
be checked prior to every field trip;
❏ Ensure that all staff know what to do at
checkpoints – establish procedures for staff
to follow. It is against UN policy to allow
anyone carrying arms in UN vehicles.
Cash Security
28. Ideally staff members should not carry
large sums of money in cash. If there is a functioning
banking system in the area, then this
should be used to the maximum extent possible.
29. If it is necessary to transport cash then
arrangements should be made with the host
country authorities for protection of the funds.
Cash in large amounts should be kept on hand
for the shortest possible time, and should either
be deposited in a bank or be disbursed
quickly to pay salaries or meet other legitimate
expenditure. Advance payments could be considered
to reduce amounts of cash being stored
(provided financial rules are adhered to).
30. Measures which can contribute to security
while transporting cash include making
use of:
i. Professional couriers;
ii. Armoured vehicles;
iii. Armed guards;
iv. Deception. There should be no regularity in
the arrangements: The timing, route, and
other details should change every time;
v. Discretion.
The number of people knowing about the
movement of cash, the identity of persons
carrying cash, their routes and timetables,
should be kept to the barest minimum
necessary.
Crowd Control and Security
31. If crowds cannot be avoided:
❏ Ensure that clear information is provided to
the crowd, so that they know what is going
on and what to expect;
❏ Work with representatives of the people to
organize the crowd into small groups and
get them to sit down;