UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies - UNHCR eCentre

❏ Do not engage in unruly group discussions;
❏ When discussing grievances, meet with a
small number of representatives of the
crowd, never with the mass meeting;
❏ Provide sanitary facilities, water, shade and
shelter;
❏ For crowd control, use monitors from
among the people themselves;
❏ If confronted by a crowd when in a vehicle,
do not get out. Check that the doors are
locked and drive away carefully;
❏ Maintain poise and dignity if confronted by
a hostile crowd, do not show anger.
Mine Awareness
32. In countries with high risk of mines, all
offices should ensure there is appropriate
training and reference materials (see references)
– the information contained here is not
sufficient, but provides only broad guidance.
33. It is extremely difficult to spot a mined
area, so the first priority is to ensure you have
up to date information about possible mined
areas from local residents and de-mining
organizations. Travel with a map marked with
this information and update it by checking
with local residents.
34. Be aware of the following:
❏ Signs: learn which signs indicate known
mined areas (whether local signs, UN or
other signs);
❏ No-go areas: avoid areas which are avoided
by the local population;
❏ Visible mines or indicators: some mines are
visible. There may also be evidence of mine
packaging;
❏ Disruption in the local environment: for example
disturbed soil if recently laid, and depressions
in the ground in an old mine field;
❏ Trip wires;
❏ Mine damage (e.g. dead animals) which
could indicate the presence of other mines.
35. When driving, the following precautions
should be taken:
❏ Wherever possible stay on hard surfaced
roads.
❏ Always follow in the fresh tracks of another
vehicle, at least 50 m behind the vehicle in
front.
❏ Flak jackets can be used as a seat cushion
and as a foot protection.
❏ Wear the seat-belts, and keep windows
rolled down and doors unlocked.
36. If you encounter a mine:
❏ Keep away, do not touch it;
❏ Do not try to detonate it by throwing
stones at it;
❏ Stop the vehicle immediately;
❏ Stay in the vehicle, even if it is damaged
and call for assistance.
37. If you have to leave the vehicle:
❏ Notify your location by radio;
❏ Do not move the steering wheel;
❏ Put on any protective gear available;
❏ Climb over the seats and leave the vehicle
by the rear, walk back along the vehicle
tracks. Never walk around the vehicle;
❏ Leave at least a 20 m gap between people;
❏ Close the road to other traffic.
38. When travelling on foot:
❏ Never walk through overgrown areas: stick
to well used paths.
39. If there is a mine incident:
❏ Do not immediately run to the casualty.
Stop and assess the situation first. There
may be other antipersonnel mines in the
vicinity, and administering first aid to one
victim could result in another victim;
❏ Only one person should go to the casualty,
walking in his exact footprints, to apply
first aid;
❏ Do not attempt to move the casualty unless
absolutely necessary, call for mine-clearing
and medical assistance.
40. Within the UN system, mine clearance
and related issues are primarily the responsibility
of DPKO. Chapter 19 on voluntary
repatriation contains some information about
programme aspects of mines.
Protection Equipment:
41. Typical equipment that has been used by
UNHCR includes:
i. Bullet proof vests for protection against
most bullets;
ii. Flak jackets for protection against shrapnel;
iii. Helmets for protection against shrapnel;
Staff Safety
23
331