NGO sector records spike in health and security risks, warns International SOS

Risks faced by workers at non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters are “rapidly escalating”, according to security expert International SOS, as it published guidelines to help NGOs strengthen health and safety support.

NGOs operate in complex environments, and aid workers travel and work in situations where they face an increasing number of threats, International SOS said. Last year, it recorded a 15% rise in security-related assistance requests from the NGO sector and an 8% increase in evacuation or repatriation requests from NGO workers. International SOS’s medical care subsidiary Iqarus treated 10,000 patients working in the humanitarian aid sector in areas of conflict last year.

“Organisations in the sector recognise the need to step up and take robust action on safeguarding their workforce and community, at multiple levels,” said International SOS, to mark World NGO Day. “It is important for NGOs to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their diverse workforce, including those in remote or unstable locations.”

NGOs must be proactive to mitigate threats to their workforce through comprehensive security awareness training and building crisis management capabilities, International SOS advised. It urged NGOs to use location-specific risk expertise to ensure continuity at their operations.

Dr Cat Davison, regional medical director, Europe, Middle East and South Asia, at Iqarus, said: “There is a critical need for NGOs to prioritise the safety and well-being of their teams. Having robust clinical care backup is essential to address the complex health challenges faced by aid workers in these environments. Proactive measures, such as comprehensive security training and crisis management plans, are vital to protect those on the frontlines of humanitarian aid and ensure their health needs are met.”

Mike Rogers, security director at International SOS, added that the nature of NGO work places teams in volatile political situations and humanitarian crises. “Effective mitigation demands a multifaceted approach combining robust security protocols, real-time as well as forward-looking intelligence, and tailored crisis response plans, adapted to the specific operating context. Access to location-specific risk expertise proves invaluable in these scenarios, providing critical insights to navigate diverse challenges and ensure smooth operations, particularly in extreme environments.”

International SOS advice for NGOs to safeguard their workforce

• Proactive risk management: regularly monitor and assess how medical and security incidents around the world may impact staff and volunteers.
• Provide tailored training: ensure the workforce understands their individual risk profile and how they might be vulnerable in a particular destination – particularly those who will be travelling to or living in remote, austere and hazardous environments.
• Empower with knowledge: provide comprehensive access to up-to-date medical, safety, and location-specific travel information, empowering informed decision making.
• Implement robust security measures: ensure protocols are tailored to different operating environments and risk levels. Conduct regular security audits and integrate security considerations into all operational planning and decision making.
• Foster personal resilience: enable individuals to recognise and mitigate threats by providing training in personal safety, cybersecurity, bystander intervention and cultural sensitivity.
• Streamlined communication: establish clear lines of communication between the NGO and workforces, for reporting security incidents and accessing support.
• Enhance mental health support: identify the unique stressors impacting the workforce and determine how the organisation’s culture can support positive mental health.