EISF | European Interagency Security Forum

Humanitarian Aid and Social Media: Possibilities and Considerations

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:40:30 GMT

The rise of social media has dramatically altered the way we communicate and interact with each other. Numerous articles have explored the use of social media as a political tool or a means for raising awareness and mobilisation. This can have both positive, as well as negative outcomes. The humanitarian community is increasingly looking into ways how it can capitalise on the recent rise of social media, as well as other advancements in technology.

Shrinking �Humanitarian Space� Challenged

Fri, 4 May 2012 16:41:45 GMT

ODI’s Humanitarian Policy Group recently presented the report: ‘Humanitarian space: a review of trends and issues’. The report challenges the dominant narrative on the ‘shrinking of humanitarian space' that is said to be the result of an increased integration of politics and aid. The authors argue that this thinking is not based on evidence, but instead on flawed definitions of the concept of humanitarian space, a disregard of historical perspectives, mistaken interpretations of the principles of humanitarian action and lack of scrutiny on the humanitarian system itself.

Update on Security Issues in the Sahel

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:36:41 GMT

Against the backdrop of a deteriorating food crisis in the Sahel region, old and new security threats are being highlighted. Recent military coups in Mali and Guinea-Bissau will not help to strengthen the regional response to the food crisis, nor the growing instability due to rebel activities.

Colombia: New Possibilities for Peace?

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:52:25 GMT

On Sunday the Colombian rebel group FARC announced it would halt kidnappings for ransom and would release ten remaining ‘prisoners of war’. Although the statement can be seen as an important step towards renewed negotiations, the announcement was greeted cautiously. There are doubts on whether or not the FARC will keep to the statement, as they promised to release prisoners earlier this year, but postponed after renewed clashes with government security forces. Moreover, it seems that the announcement does not apply to civilian hostages as it focuses on so-called ‘prisoners of war,’ a term the FARC uses to refer to police and military forces, as well as politicians.

Senegal: Election violence intensifying a week before polls

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:56:47 GMT

Over the weekend police forces clashed with opposition protesters in Senegal’s capital Dakar. Protests have been ongoing since President Wade announced his bid to seek a third presidential term in the elections that are due to take place on the 26th of February. If incumbent President Wade wins in the upcoming elections, it is likely that political unrest will further escalate - opposition groups have already announced they would make the country ungovernable if Wade does not withdraw his candidacy. Meanwhile the ECOWAS heads of state have endorsed a joint African Union-ECOWAS mission to oversee the Presidential elections this coming weekend.

Rebellion in Mali hampering Aid Effort in the Sahel

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:53:49 GMT

Recent fighting in Northern Mali between Tuareg rebels of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Malian government forces has sparked refugee movements across Mali into neighbouring countries. Aid agencies are now challenged by growing insecurity in a region that is already facing food shortages that could affect millions throughout the Sahel region. Last week, as a result of the recent rebellion, the NGO Medecins du Monde suspended its operation in Northern Mali. Meanwhile, other agencies also cite difficulties in scaling up operations in the current unpredictable environment.

Private Military and Security Companies: the New Humanitarians?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:20:49 GMT

An interesting new article sheds light on the relationship between private security providers and humanitarian actors. The article studies how private military and security companies (PMSCs) construct images of themselves as new humanitarian actors. Addressing similar points to the EISF paper on ‘Engagement with Private Security Providers’, the article highlights how PMSCs see the humanitarian sector as a business opportunity, as well as a way to help legitimise their business. As it becomes more difficult to distinguish between PMSCs and traditional humanitarian actors this can have consequences for the acceptance of aid workers and their security.

Risks of NGO-Journalist Collaboration & Security Tools of Journalists

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:28:00 GMT

Like aid workers, journalists often operate in the midst of conflict and are targeted because of their profession. The killings of a local journalist in Pakistan (claimed by the Taliban) and of a local reporter in Nigeria last week, indicate the dangers faced by journalist on a daily basis. While the risk profile of journalists differs significantly from that of aid workers, there are some similarities in risks, trends and developments related to security that are worth highlighting. This alert identifies some of the tools that are used by journalists to improve their safety and security, as well as looking into the risks that may result from NGO/media collaboration.

Nigeria: Sectarian violence and the threat of civil war

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:32:37 GMT

A sustained campaign of violence attributed to, and claimed by, Islamist sect Boko Haram in which many Christians have been killed, has triggered retaliatory attacks against Muslims in the south, and given rise to fears of civil war in Nigeria.

The terrorist threat has this week been combined with civil unrest over the abolition of fuel subsidies, leading to violent street protests in some areas, and escalating insecurity.

Counter Terrorism Legislation: the Impact on Humanitarian NGOs and New Developments

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:21:09 GMT

On the 14th of December 2011 European Parliament passed a resolution that calls for an assessment of the post 9/11 counter-terrorism measures taken in Europe, including on their cost, effectiveness, democratic scrutiny and impact on civil liberties. In a previous alert of February 2011 EISF looked at the evolving counter-terrorism legislation and its impact on humanitarian organisations. Two new documents review existing counter-terrorism legislation and the negative implications on the work and functioning of NGOs, including reduced access to people in need and delayed provision of assistance. Possible solutions and recommendations are also suggested by the writers.