(2) Securing the Safety Measures for People Involved in International Cooperation Projects
Ensuring the safety of people involved in international cooperation projects is a prerequisite when ODA projects are implemented. The threats are complex in the countries and regions where not only JICA-related personnel, but also a variety of people involved in international cooperation projects such as consultants, contractors, and NGO staff are working. The situation differs in each country and region and is constantly changing. Especially in 2020, in response to the spread of COVID-19, MOFA and JICA supported return and re-departure of people involved in international cooperation projects, such as Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) who had been working on development cooperation on the ground in developing countries and other countries around the world (see Part I for details).
Furthermore, in response to the terrorist attack in Dhaka, Bangladesh in July 2016, MOFA and JICA, together with the relevant ministries and experts, reviewed safety measures for people involved in international cooperation projects and released a “Final Report” in August of the same year Note 22. The Report recognizes that “safety is no longer free of cost” and that organizational leaders must take initiative in implementing safety measures. In order to secure the safety of a wider range of people involved in international cooperation projects including NGOs, the Report put together a list of actions to be taken relating to the following:
(i) Strengthening the collection, analysis, and sharing of threat information
(ii) Code of conduct of project partners and NGOs
(iii) Physical and non-physical protective measures, and strengthening training and drills
(iv) Post-crisis response
(v) Heightening crisis management awareness and improving organizational structure of the MOFA and the JICA
MOFA and JICA have been making efforts to implement the safety measures mentioned in the Final Report. They are also continuing and enhancing actions to ensure the effectiveness of safety measures for people involved in international cooperation projects.