Aid Worker Security Database

1. Aid Worker Security Database

The **Aid Worker Security Database** (AWSD) is a comprehensive resource that tracks major incidents of violence against aid workers worldwide. It is an essential tool for understanding the risks faced by humanitarian workers and for developing strategies to enhance their safety and security.

Overview

The Aid Worker Security Database was established to provide a systematic record of attacks on aid workers, including kidnappings, killings, and serious injuries. The database is maintained by the research team at Humanitarian Outcomes, an independent research organization that focuses on improving the effectiveness of humanitarian action.

The AWSD collects data from a variety of sources, including media reports, official government releases, and information from non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The database is updated regularly to ensure that it reflects the most current information available.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Aid Worker Security Database is to:

• **Monitor trends**: By tracking incidents over time, the AWSD helps identify patterns and trends in violence against aid workers.
• **Inform policy**: The data can be used by policymakers and humanitarian organizations to develop strategies to mitigate risks and improve the safety of aid workers.
• **Raise awareness**: The database serves as a tool for advocacy, highlighting the dangers faced by aid workers and the need for improved security measures.

Data Collection and Methodology

The AWSD employs a rigorous methodology to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its data. Incidents are included in the database if they meet specific criteria, such as involving intentional violence against aid workers that results in death, serious injury, or kidnapping.

The database categorizes incidents by type, location, and the nationality of the victims. It also provides information on the context of the attack, such as whether it occurred in a conflict zone or during a natural disaster response.

Impact and Usage

The Aid Worker Security Database is widely used by:

• **Humanitarian organizations**: To assess risk levels in different regions and to plan security measures for their staff.
• **Researchers and academics**: As a source of data for studies on humanitarian security and the impact of violence on aid delivery.
• **Governments and international bodies**: To inform policy decisions and to allocate resources for the protection of aid workers.

Challenges

Despite its importance, the AWSD faces several challenges, including:

• **Data accuracy**: Ensuring the accuracy of reports can be difficult, especially in conflict zones where information is scarce or unreliable.
• **Underreporting**: Some incidents may go unreported due to security concerns or lack of access to affected areas.
• **Changing dynamics**: The nature of threats to aid workers is constantly evolving, requiring continuous updates and adaptations to the database.

Also see

• Humanitarian Outcomes
• Humanitarian aid
• Security in humanitarian operations
• Non-governmental organization