Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2007
Next PageMain Text > Part II ODA ODA Record for FY2006 > Chapter 2 Details about Japan's Official Development Assistance > Section 6. Formulation and Implementation of Aid Policy > 3. Matters Essential to Effective Implementation > (4)Ensuring the Safety of Personnel Engaged in Development Assistance
(4) Ensuring the Safety of Personnel Engaged in Development Assistance
Japan currently provides assistance using ODA to over 160 countries and regions and the public order in the developing countries where personnel involved in development aid work varies considerably and changes constantly. In addition, since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, with the increasing tensions in the Middle East and South Asia and terrorist attacks on a global scale, and in implementing peacebuilding assistance, how to safeguard these personnel around the world has become a critical issue.
In Japan, the Government examines the domestic security situation in the recipient country through Japanese embassies and local offices, provides safety and security information, and exchanges and shares information among people engaging in ODA. Meanwhile, JICA and JBIC take measures such as providing training and seminars for personnel before they leave Japan, ensuring communication means in emergency situations, deploying security advisors,17 and installing security equipment in the living quarters of personnel engaged in development assistance. JICA also has these persons involved in peacebuilding undergo emergency training provided by the UNHCR, and takes other steps to improve the security maintenance skills of the staff.
Furthermore, JICA prepares security manuals tailored to the security conditions of the various countries and regions by exchanging information with Japanese embassies and local UN offices, and implements other appropriate and timely security measures. JBIC takes similar measures in addition to providing information to Japanese companies that have won tenders in order to ensure their safety.