2.4.5 Access procedure Unit 2: General Issues Access procedures are applied at UN facilitates. In addition to registration and identification verification, security screening of persons and any property will be conducted. In some instances this may be undertaken through a manual physical search where security equipment is not available, operational or initial electronic screening determines the need for further physical search. Where physical searches are deemed to be necessary, they should be conducted in a respectful and gender-sensitive manner. Physical searches should be conducted by a security guard of the same sex as the person being searched in circumstances where no guard of the same sex is available – UNHCR staff may be asked to assist. Clear training on this is required. 2.4.6 Unarmed Private security services (guard force) The Protection staff focal point for RSD-related security issues should ensure that the guards employed at UNHCR premises receive appropriate training and direction. These personnel must receive training on the following issues related to RSD. This training will be delivered by UNHCR staff: TRAINING TRAINING FOR SECURITY GUARDS „ Refugee protection principles and the mandate of the UNHCR Office; „ Rights of asylum-seekers and refugees, including the right to have access to UNHCR Offices and Protection staff; „ RSD procedures in the UNHCR Office; „ Appropriate treatment and protection of persons with specific needs (i.e relating to gender, age, disability etc.); „ Identification and appropriate response to persons who may be suffering from trauma or mental illness; „ Non-confrontational responses to diffuse security incidents involving refugees and asylum seekers; „ Direction to use physical restraint or force as a last resort, and only to the degree required to prevent a refugee or asylum-seeker from harming him/herself or other persons on the premises. This training is in addition to the training determined by the United Nations Security Management System see – Security Policy Manual and Security Management Operations Manual – Unarmed private security services. Every effort should be made to hire female security guards in UNHCR Offices, and to ensure that at least one female security guard is on duty during hours when asylum-seekers and other persons of concern are received at the UNHCR Office. Security guards should not perform other tasks related to RSD unless the tasks are assigned in consultation with the Protection focal point for RSD-related security issues, and the security guard has received the necessary training and direction to carry out the tasks assigned. 43