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Neglect and Failures of Human Security in Humanitarian Settings: Challenges and Recommendations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2013

Robert Macpherson  and
Frederick M. Burkle Jr.
Robert Macpherson*
Affiliation:
Cosantoir Group, Charlotte, North Carolina USA
Frederick M. Burkle Jr.
Affiliation:
Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts USA Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Washington, DC USA
*
Correspondence: Robert Macpherson, BA Cosantoir Group 2823 Providence Road, Suite 125 Charlotte, NC 28211 USA E-mail [email protected]
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Abstract

The lack of attention to basic safety and security standards by the humanitarian community is endemic. The tragic bombing and loss of life of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq in 2003 is but one of many unfortunate examples; these incidents are increasing in number. Tools for establishing an organizational security framework are readily available. Capacity to implement this framework requires understanding the culture of safety and security and individual and organizational leadership. This report outlines the essential steps and components necessary to meet this requirement.

MacphersonR, Burkle FM Jr. Neglect and Failures of Human Security in Humanitarian Settings: Challenges and Recommendations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(2):1-5.

Keywords

humanitarian aidhumanitarian organization securityrisk mitigationsecurity planningwar and conflict
Type
Special Report
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , April 2013 , pp. 174 - 178
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2013

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