Training on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism Measures & Internal Risk Management for Humanitarians

Programme Introduction

Violent Extremism, Radicalization, and terrorism remain to be some of the key challenges faced by our world. Even though the Global Terrorism Index Suggests a downward trend (with a 15,2% fall in 2019), the complex and widespread terrorism landscape persists. While terrorist acts make the news nearly every other day, government responses to fear of terrorism intensify.

In the face of excessive counter-terrorism measures, many non-governmental organizations have found themselves clashing with the foundations and methods of principled humanitarian action. The actions taken to combat terrorist acts oftentimes hamper the rapid implementation of humanitarian action or prevent humanitarian access altogether. Therefore, it has become critical for NGO staff to gain a comprehensive overview of existing counter-terrorism measures and learn how to meet the growing demands.

Training on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism Measures & Internal Risk Management for Humanitarians in Paris intends to enhance the understanding of the links between counter-terrorism measures and humanitarian action and highlights the steps that organizations can take while addressing the challenges and risks associated with given restrictions and sanctions.

Target Audience

Training on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism Measures & Internal Risk Management for Humanitarians in Paris, France is designed for mid and senior-level staff of governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental, and humanitarian agencies that are involved in the implementation of humanitarian projects that are affected by counter-terrorism measures.

Programme Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this extensive training programme, its participants shall:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of counter-terrorism measures governing and influencing humanitarian work be it global, regional, or country-specific
• Comprehend ways the restrictions influence humanitarian aid and appreciate the outcomes of such provisions
• Understand how counter-terrorism measures affect the operations of their respected organizations and corresponding humanitarian activities
• Analyze relevant sanctions and match them with their humanitarian work
• Identify and assess the risks related to counter-terrorism within the organization by determining specific areas that might carry the higher likelihood of peril
• Allocate necessary resources, adopt the risk management toolkit and develop internal approach to preventing, minimizing, and mitigating risks associated with counter-terrorism measures
• Broaden their perspectives regarding risk management practices, sanction regimes, and counter-terrorism measures by sharing the experience and best practices of fellow organizations.

Programme Contents

First Day

• Introduction to Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism, and the Principled Humanitarian Action
• Concerns Related to Counter-Terrorism
• Laws, Resolutions, Donor Agreements, and clauses concerning Counter-Terrorism
• Counter-terrorism under international law (EU, UN, inter-governmental frameworks)
• The Two Countervailing Trajectories
• Defining the Measures that might restrict humanitarian work

Second Day

• Where and how to find specific counter-terrorism regulations and sanctions?
• Which Measures Restrict Humanitarian Work and How? Which Restrictions pose the greatest challenge to Humanitarian Activities?
• International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, Terrorism, and Counter-terrorism
• The Material Support
• How do Counter-Terrorism measures affect the financing of Humanitarian Action?

Third Day

• Criminalization of terrorism and related activities under domestic law
• How to determine which counter-terrorism measures affect the specific work of your organization?
• Determining and Understanding the Risks stemming from Counter-Terrorism Measures; Risk Categorization
• Defining and distributing the Responsibilities
• Enterprise Risk Management and Its Implementation

Fourth Day

• Understanding the Components of Risk Management Framework
• Risk Management Tools: Codes of Conduct, Counter-terrorism policies, and Due Diligence
• Risk Management Tools: Process Descriptions, HR and Anti-Diversion Policies
• Defining, Sourcing, and Allocating Resources needed for Risk Management
• Monitoring and Evaluation Tools and Guidelines for Risk Management

Fifth Day

The last day of the programme shall be dedicated to the study tour. Within the scope of this exposure visit, programme participants will be able to meet the employees of humanitarian agencies and NGOs located in the host country and share their experience and best practices regarding terrorism, counter-terrorism, and its risk management.

Programme Methodology

Training on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism Measures & Internal Risk Management for Humanitarians in Paris is planned to be a highly interactive event. The facilitator will encourage the participants to become actively involved in Group discussions and case studies. Knowledge and experience share will make up a fair share of the programme. The sessions will be led with open presentations with a key focus on the practical application of the material covered.

Before the start of the programme, Risalat will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each participant and his/her expectations along with the current standing of the knowledge. Based on the information acquired, the consultant will define the specific areas and work individually with each delegate to maximize the effectiveness of the programme. Q&A Sessions will serve to ensure that no topic of interest has been left unattended and participants are leaving the programme with a clear understanding of the subjects discussed.