About us

EISF

The European Interagency Security Forum (EISF) is an independent platform for Security Focal Points from European humanitarian agencies operating internationally. EISF members are committed to improving the safety and security of relief operations and staff, in a way that allows greater access to and impact for crisis-affected populations.

EISF was created to encourage a more prominent role for security management in international humanitarian operations. It provides a space for NGOs to collectively improve security management practice, and facilitates exchange between members and other bodies such as the UN, institutional donors, research institutions, training providers and a broad range of international NGOs.

EISF fosters dialogue, coordination, and documentation of current security management practice.

Background

The Forum emerged in late 2006 as an ad hoc, loose alliance of security managers from several European NGOs. It was formalised with the appointment of a part-time Coordinator in early 2008, and institutionalised with the receipt of a DFID grant in April 2009, which allowed for the appointment of two full-time staff.

EISF now consists of over 50 European NGOs, who all deliver humanitarian assistance in insecure environments, and 6 observer organisations, ranging from institutional donors to Red Cross societies. In total, these organisations represent 80,000 national and international staff in field locations, and a wide range of national actors working in partnership with EISF members.

EISF has forged strong relationships with all members, as well as with UNDSS, NGO platforms and consortia in Europe, North America and further afield, institutional donors and the research community.

Vision

EISF's vision is to become a global reference point for applied practice, collective knowledge and current challenges in security management for humanitarian agencies.

Knowledge exchange, coupled with structured analysis and reflection, action research and external advocacy, will enable EISF to continue to challenge the international community and humanitarian agencies to incorporate security into all organisational activities, in order to achieve higher impact in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.