Unit 2: General Issues
It should be noted that in addition to specific security procedures, the procedures that ensure fair,
transparent and consistent processing of individual refugee status claims throughout the RSD process
and effective channels of communication between UNHCR staff and asylum-seekers and other persons
of concern are also vital elements of the Office security strategy. Keeping Applicants informed, providing
timely responses to inquiries and concerns, and establishing confidence in the integrity of the procedures
will serve to reduce misunderstandings and diffuse frustration and tensions that could escalate into
security incidents.
2.4.2 Protection Staff Involvement in Security Guards’ Procedures
In each UNHCR Office, a Protection staff member should be designated to act as the Protection focal
point for RSD-related security issues in the Office. The individual who is assigned this role should, in
principle, be the RSD Supervisor or another Protection staff member who is responsible for, or directly
involved in activities relating to the reception of asylum-seekers in the UNHCR Office. Where this function
is assigned to a Protection staff member other than the RSD Supervisor, the designated Protection focal
point for RSD-related security issues should report to the RSD Supervisor.
Complaints by asylum-seekers or other persons of concern, or observations by UNHCR staff relating to
conduct by security company at the UNHCR office, regardless of whether they are appointed by the host
country, should be directed without delay to the Protection focal point for RSD-related security issues.
Security procedures should outline specific responsibilities for following up on complaints received
regarding security guards and procedures and reporting on action taken, in accordance with the principles
set out in § 2.6 – Complaints Procedures.
2.4.3 Staff Training on RSD-related Security Issues
As part of UNHCR’s security management policy procedures it is a requirement that all UNHCR staff
participate in a security awareness briefing upon arrival in an UNHCR Office and thereafter on a regular
basis as appropriate. This briefing should include RSD-related security aspect in consultation with the
senior protection officer.
TRAINING
THE SECURITY AWARENESS BRIEFING ON RSD RELATED-ISSUES FOR ALL UNHCR
STAFF SHOULD INCLUDE:
The overall procedures relating to security in the Office and plans of action in the event of an
emergency. Where possible, training should include exercises to allow staff to practice established
ways of responding to specific emergencies and security incidents that may arise in RSD procedures;
Briefings on the specific threats and relevant security factors related to RSD procedures in the
particular environment in which the Office is operating;
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