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Risk Management Toolkit in relation to Counterterrorism Measures

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Risk Management Toolkit in Relation to Counterterrorism Measures. Commissioned by NRC, the toolkit forms part of the work-plans of the IASC Task Team on Principled Humanitarian Action. This toolkit builds on the 2013 NRC/OCHA Study on the Impact of Donor Counterterrorism Measures on Principled Humanitarian Action, commissioned at the IASC’s request. The study found that donor counterterrorism measures can have a negative impact on humanitarian action such as restricting funding, stalling project implementation, and leading to an increased climate of self-censorship by humanitarian actors. The toolkit provides examples of practical steps that humanitarian organisations can take, and are already taking, to strengthen risk management in relation to counterterrorism measures through an approach underpinned by humanitarian principles. It focuses on five areas where NGOs and UN agencies may be able to strengthen organisational risk management procedures. These are: codes of conduct and counterterrorism policies; due diligence measures; human resource policies; anti-diversion policies; and monitoring and evaluation procedures. Negotiation and review of counterterrorism clauses in partnership agreements, a typical area of concern for humanitarian organisations, are also included. Primarily directed at decision-makers with operational and risk management responsibilities and policy makers, we hope this toolkit will be a timely and useful resource for colleagues in both the field and headquarters. The toolkit is an inter-agency effort and was developed in collaboration with IASC colleagues. Substantial contributions were made by NGOs, UN agencies, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and some governments. The toolkit benefitted significantly from inputs by members of its expert advisory group, including ACF, IRC, UNICEF, WFP, Harvard Law School Program on International Law and Armed Conflict, InterAction, CARE, OCHA and CRS. I would like to take this opportunity to again thank all those involved for their continued engagement and invaluable support throughout this process. Jan Egeland