Japan's Official Development Assistance White Paper 2013
(4) Securing the Safety of Personnel Engaged in Development Assistance
Security situations in developing countries where ODA personnel are involved in development cooperation vary considerably and change constantly. In addition, since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, tensions in the Middle East and South Asia have increased and frequent global terrorist activities still exist as well. In peacebuilding activities, how to safeguard development cooperation personnel has become a considerably critical issue.
Japan examines the domestic security situation in each country mainly through Japanese embassies, provides travel information, and shares information among people engaging in development cooperation. JICA takes measures such as providing particular training and seminars before they leave Japan, ensuring means of communication in emergency situations in the destination, deploying security management advisors*, and installing security equipment in the living quarters of development cooperation personnel. In addition, JICA prepares security manuals tailored to the security conditions of the various countries and regions by exchanging information with Japanese embassies and local offices of international organizations, and it implements other appropriate and timely security measures. In addition, efforts are being taken to enhance safety, as joint training for emergency and risk management is conducted with JICA and the UNHCR Regional Centre for Emergency Preparedness (eCentre). In terms of grant aid, JICA provides information for consultants and construction contractors, while also improving the system for communication during emergencies. As for loan aid, efforts are made to ensure the safety of Japanese corporations that take on projects through such measures such as the provision of information.
Glossary
- *Security management advisor
- In order to strengthen safety measures in the field, JICA has employed people who are well versed in the security and safety measures of the country concerned to serve as security management advisors. In this way, JICA ensures the collection and offering of information and around-the-clock response to a wide range of tasks from housing security to traffic accidents.