2.4.7 Security Guards Assigned by Host Country Each UNHCR Office is responsible to ensure that where security guards are appointed by a host country to provide security to UNHCR premises, the guards do not impede access to the UNHCR Office, and that they carry out their functions in a manner that is consistent with UNHCR standards for the reception and treatment of asylum-seekers and other persons of concern, and in line with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). The Protection focal point for RSD-related security issues should ensure that security guards who are appointed by the host country are briefed on the rights of asylum-seekers and on the international protection function of the UNHCR Office. In the absence of a Field Security Advisor/Field Security Assistant, the Protection focal point for RSD-related security issues should also monitor security guards’ activities to ensure that they are consistent with UNHCR’s protection function. Any concerns should be brought to Head of Office/ focal point responsible for overseeing the security guard company. UNHCR staff and host country appointed security guards should receive clear directions regarding the appropriate scope of the involvement of host country appointed guards with in UNHCR operations. This should include, at a minimum, relevant provisions of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and of the agreement between UNHCR and the host country (MOU, MOA or LOA). STANDARDS & GUIDELINES GUIDELINES REGARDING HOST COUNTRY APPOINTED SECURITY GUARDS „ Host country appointed security guards should not be involved in registration and RSD procedures for asylum-seekers in UNHCR Offices; „ Host country appointed security guards should not be used to disseminate information regarding the mandate or procedures of the UNHCR Office; „ Under no circumstances should host country appointed security guards be used to receive or distribute UNHCR documents or any materials relating to individual asylum-seekers; „ Host country appointed security guards should not enter UNHCR premises without the invitation of UNHCR staff, unless their presence is required to respond to an immediate and compelling security incident involving a threat to UNHCR staff or other persons on the premises or to UNHCR property. The Protection focal point for RSD-related security issues should be immediately advised if host country appointed security guards fail to observe the guidelines noted above, or engage in any other conduct that is inconsistent with the procedures established by the UNHCR Office, or UNHCR policies regarding the reception and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. As part of the office security plan, calling the local police may be useful under certain circumstances to diffuse a situation. If a person is self-harming, an immediate response by police and paramedics would be important to assist with a RSD-related security incident in a UNHCR Office. RSD-related security contingency plans should be drafted, regularly updated and rehearsed by UNHCR staff and security guards as part of the overall Office security plan. To ensure an effective, appropriate and timely response, the UNHCR Office should ensure that the host country security forces are briefed in advance on UNHCR’s mandate and operations, and that they formally agree to the proposed RSD-related security contingency plan and the overall response plan. 44 Procedural Standards for RSD under UNHCR’s Mandate