Camp Security. The army helps securing an IDP camp in Burundi. Photo: William Mikkelsen, NRC

Transcription

1 8 Camp Security The army helps securing an IDP camp in Burundi. Pht: William Mikkelsen, NRC 152 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

2 Chapter 8: Camp Security Intrductin The persnal security f refugees and internally displaced persns (IDPs) living in camps is an essential element f internatinal prtectin. Unless the fundamental rights f camp residents as human beings t life, liberty and security f persn are safeguarded, ther rights and benefits guaranteed by internatinal instruments and legal principles, r by natinal law, are f little use. Hwever, threats t persnal security are nt unique t displaced persns living in camps, but are manifestatins f the prblems f vilence, abuse f pwer and intlerance that afflict all human scieties. In the case f refugees and IDPs, these threats are ften aggravated by the displaced persn s wn vulnerability as an uprted freigner r natinal citizen, usually with few resurces, ften withut dcumentatin, wh des nt enjy the prtectin f his r her gvernment. The traditinal structures f family, clan and cmmunity have ften been disrupted. Already frced t flee vilence r human rights abuses in their wn cuntry r place f rigin, many face further danger en rute t a place f asylum r sanctuary. Mrever, refugees and IDPs are ften perceived nt nly as victims f cnflict (and thereby deserving refuge), but als as a ptential threat t security themselves, and as surce f internal and trans-natinal cnflict. This perceptin f refugees and IDPs is exacerbated by the fact that amng large-scale displaced ppulatins, there are smetimes armed elements, mercenaries and cmbatants as well as rdinary migrants simply in search f a better life. The prtracted nature f many situatins f displacement has ften led t «cmpassin fatigue» within hst ppulatins and ads t the bstacles t prtectin experienced by refugees and IDPs. Where refugee and IDP questins are increasingly cnflated with questins f security, it is imprtant t recall that refugees and IDPs are themselves victims f human rights vilatins. Camps and Security The security aspects f a refugee/idp camp must be cnsidered already during negtiatin f the camp lcatin. Camps lcated t clse t internatinal brders r areas f internal civil cnflict may be vulnerable t military attacks. Likewise, infiltratin by militant grups within a bna fide refugee r IDP ppulatin can als prvke attacks upn the camps. Mrever, the capacity, design and physical layut f the camp will impact n the security f the camp residents. (Cmmn facilities such as latrines, water taps etc. shuld fr instance be situated in central areas in rder t prevent attacks, vilatins and abuse.) In additin, the state authrities smetimes fail, r are unable r unwilling t exercise their verall respnsibility fr the security f civilians living in a camp, r t take adequate measures t ensure the respect fr the civilian and humanitarian character f the camp. Furthermre, cnflicts amngst different grups within the camp and/r the lcal ppulatin, cmmn crime and banditry are additinal factrs that may cntribute t verall insecurity. These prblems may be cmpunded by the deplyment f prly paid and undisciplined plice and security frces. (See chapters 2: Camp Setup and 5: Prtectin) 153 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

3 Stakehlders in Security State/Lcal Authrities Unquestinably, the state has the primary respnsibility fr prtecting IDP, refugee and hst cmmunities, and ensuring public rder and security frm internal and external threats. Preventative and crrective actin is in the hands f the authrities and shuld be taken reslutely. Criminal attacks and banditry against IDPs and refugees shuld be addressed by civil authrities and security frces f the cuntry. In many situatins, hwever, resurce limitatins, plitical, ecnmic and scial instability as well as cnflicting pririties and agendas may render this task extremely difficult. Mdern histry has shwn that the levels f engagement by the state and degrees f burden-sharing supprt have varied widely. When necessary and if pssible, pressure may be brught n authrities in rder fr them t meet their respnsibilities in this regard. Smetimes this alne will prve insufficient in prviding adequate security fr the refugee r IDP ppulatin. In such a situatin, camp management teams may have t seek cmplementary frms f supprt and resurces t uphld law, rder and security in and arund the camp. Camp Residents While the primary respnsibility fr ensuring refugee and IDP security lies with the state, it is just as imprtant t underline the respnsibilities f the refugees and IDPs themselves. Refugees and IDPs are liable fr acts f vilence, whether perpetrated upn fellw displaced, under the laws f the hst cuntry. Article 2 f the 1951 Cnventin states that: «Every refugee has duties t the cuntry in which he finds himself, which require in particular that he cnfrms t its laws and regulatins as well as t measures taken fr the maintenance f law and rder.» In particular, they shuld be instructed t refrain frm military r ther activities likely t jepardize the safety f the refugee cmmunity r the hst cuntry, while they enjy asylum. Camp residents shuld be invlved t the greatest extent pssible in decisin-making relating t the management and security f camps. Ideally, this shuld begin when the camp is first established and cnstructed with the help f the camp ppulatin itself, thus instilling a sense f vested interest and belnging. Cautin must be exercised, hwever, t ensure that particular grups d nt exercise inapprpriate cntrl. Similarly, it is imprtant that camps d nt becme «islands» areas utside f the cntrl f the state which can lead t a lack f accuntability in relatin t security management matters. Mrever, it is essential that a demcratic system f by-laws is encuraged, develped and prmted by the elected camp representatin. These by-laws wuld establish rules and cnduct which are t be fllwed and abided by the ppulatin. Input frm UNHCR and the lcal law enfrcement authrities regarding the review f these by-laws wuld be essential. It is assumed that the camp representatin wuld have an executive cmmittee supprted by a number f sub-cmmittees (fd, health, WATSAN, etc), f which ne culd be a grievance cmmittee. Such a cmmittee might hld weekly hearings n infractins f the by-laws. It shuld be agreed frm the beginning that penalties shuld take the frm f cmmunity service and nt cash payments, detentin r degrading acts. All ther infractins abve the level f severity handled by the by-laws and the grievance cmmittee shuld be directed t the lcal plice authrities. 154 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

4 UNHCR Security is ne element f prtectin, which, tgether with material assistance, shuld be cnsidered cmplementary parts f a single humanitarian peratin. When UNHCR, in agreement with the authrities f a cuntry, has taken n the respnsibility t run an emergency peratin, a registratin exercise shuld be cnducted at the earliest pssible stage. Registratin is a key tl in the prtectin f the displaced, in particular grups at risk, such as children and wmen (see chapter 4: Registratin and Data Cllectin). Once immediate prtectin is secured, arrangements must be made t mnitr the situatin and ensure cntinuing respect f the rights f the refugees. When UNHCR as lead agency fr an peratin designates anther rganisatin, lcal r internatinal, t undertake camp management, they will reprt all prtectin issues f cncern t the UNHCR prtectin fficer(s). All agencies and NGOs invlved in the camp shuld have a security cntingency plan. T facilitate this, a clse wrking relatinship shuld be established between the camp manager and the UNHCR field safety adviser. As a leading agency with implementing partners in refugee camp management rles, UNHCR shuld prvide fr adequate cmmunicatins in case f emergency. This can take the frm f bth VHF and HF radi systems (base and mbile) t cmmunicate nt nly essential infrmatin fr security and emergency situatins, but als fr general crdinatin purpses. Camp Management Agencies/NGOs The camp management agency has bvius respnsibilities t ensure that every effrt is made t prvide an envirnment as risk free as pssible in what will invariably be difficult circumstances. In any given envirnment, the threats faced by the camp ppulatin will differ. The mst likely and cmmn types f incidents are utlined in ne f the tls attached. The cmbinatin f ptential threats will dictate the best curse f actin by camp management agencies t safeguard against them. Frm their psitin, the camp management agency is ften best placed t identify ptential threats frm utside the camp, such as infiltratin by fighting frces, recruitment by frce, and theft r extrtin f fd and nn-fd aid by these grups. Threats shuld be analysed and reprted t the prtectin agency/fficer, the UNHCR field security advisr and/r the apprpriate lcal authrities/plice. An essential tl fr the camp management agency is the incident reprt, which allws quick dcumentatin f security situatins. It shuld be filled ut, cpied and frwarded t the apprpriate bdies (usually UNHCR/prtectin, the field security adviser r the lcal plice) as sn as pssible after the ccurrence f events. Any time-lss may have dire cnsequences fr victims. As well, the camp management agency shuld always try t carefully triangulate sensitive infrmatin. Ding s will help distinguishing between inaccurate and valuable infrmatin. The camp management agency must assume respnsibility bth fr its wn staff and fr the camp ppulatin. The basis f staff security needs t be an analysis f the threshld f acceptable risk. The risks faced by staff in their wrk must be weighed up against the benefits that their wrk brings. Shuld the risks (and pssible cnsequences f thse risks transpiring) utweigh the benefits f the wrk undertaken, the camp management agency shuld review the cnditins under which it is expecting its staff t perate. This calculatin and assessment shuld be cnstantly reviewed as situatins change and tensins build and diminish. Security planning shuld prvide staff with adequate training and resurces t react effectively t threats as they arise, and in particular t prtect themselves in the event f security incidents ccurring. This will ften mean withdrawing frm situatins that put staff at risk, such as a rit during a distributin. Prir planning as t hw this may be dne is essential. Stres and supplies shuld be pre-lcated fr emergency situatins, and training and briefings f all staff regularly undertaken in rder that all staff members are fully aware f plans and prvisins in place. Carrying ut practical training exercises is als gd practise and shuld fcus n the mst likely security scenaris that may be faced in any given lcatin. 155 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

5 Lcal Cmmunity Security issues can ften invlve, riginate frm r affect the lcal ppulatin utside the camp. Often this can stem frm a simple lack f trust, transparency and infrmatin. Lcal leaders and authrity figures shuld therefre be cnsulted and advised n all security measures in rder t lessen the likelihd f the abve factrs playing a detrimental rle in the security f the camp. Cnflicts between camp and hst cmmunities are ften avidable thrugh simple lw level dialgue and diplmacy, and such effrts shuld be undertaken as a pre-emptive measure. The camp management agency plays a key rle in crdinating these dialgues and shuld seek the establishment f signed agreements between the hst and camp ppulatins delineating issues f imprtance t bth. Fr example, the use f available natural resurces (fr shelter r fuel) can ften quickly becme a vlatile issue. This issue shuld be tackled at the establishment f the camp. (See als chapter 16: Peace-building and Recnciliatin) Respnsibilities f Camp Management Team The state authrities retain the primary respnsibility f ensuring the security f thse residing in a camp. This may be achieved thrugh the deplyment f a dedicated plice r security cntingent in and arund the camp, althugh it may be that the existing lcal plice r security frces are able t assume this respnsibility. On a few ccasins, camp security has been achieved in cperatin with internatinal peace-keeping frces. The camp management team, nevertheless, has an bligatin t supprt and build a culture f safety and security in the camp, and t mnitr what is ging n in and arund the camp. This can best be dne in clse cperatin with the camp residents thrugh their leaders/representatives and the varius camp cmmittees, the varius designated agencies in the camp as well as the lcal authrities and cmmunity. It is vital t always highlight the security aspects f a camp setting in the interest f the camp residents and the humanitarian persnnel wrking there. Ksv-Albanian refugees are crssing a Macednian railway accmpanied by lcal plice. Refugees and internally displaced persns are nt nly perceived as victims f cnflict, but ften als as a threat t security themselves. Ft: UNHCR 156 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

6 5 Key Respnsibilities f Camp Management team Fcus n security: The camp management team must always keep the security f the camp at the tp f their agenda in their cntact with the authrities and ther relevant actrs. Ptential threats frm utside: The camp management team has a key rle in identifying ptential threats frm utside, such as infiltratin by fighting frces, recruitment by frce and theft r extrtin f fd and nn-fd aid by these grups. These threats shuld be analysed and reprted t the prtectin agency/fficer, the UNHCR field security advisr and/r the apprpriate lcal authrities/plice. An incident reprt is an essential tl fr quick dcumentatin f such security situatins. Security cntingency plan: The establishment and fllw-up f a plan fr the security and, if necessary, the evacuatin f the staff is the main respnsibility f the camp management team. The staff must be trained and, n a regular basis, be updated n the security plan. Demcratically elected cmmittees: Establishment f demcratically elected leadership cmmittees shuld be prmted. Amng these cmmittees shuld be a representative grievance cmmittee (see chapter 3: Cmmunity Participatin fr an example f a grievance cmmittee). Wmen shuld be represented in such cmmittees, ideally by 50 %. See als «Stakehlders» in this chapter. System f by-laws: A demcratic system f by-laws shuld be created and enfrced by the elected camp representatin. The camp residents must be infrmed abut and understand the camp rules, the rights and bligatins. In this way expectatins are made very clear. Training n civic educatin and security: Frm the very beginning, camp ppulatins shuld be given rientatin r training n civic educatin and security. «Neighburhd watch» systems: This type f unarmed patrls can be put in place t discurage vandalism and theft f prperty at night. But such teams must be exercised with cautin in rder t avid abuse. The teams shuld be prperly trained, fr instance by UNHCR field security advisr, and might even receive a mnthly stipend. (Example frm Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana see bx belw). Mediatin effrts: In cases f internal cnflicts amng the camp residents, the team shuld initially encurage mediatin by the cmmunity, ften thrugh traditinal cnflict reslutin methds. If this fails, the team shuld request the authrities/plice f the cuntry cncerned t reslve the cnflict. Regular meetings with lcal cmmunity: In situatins that may give rise t tensin and cnflict between the displaced ppulatin and the lcal cmmunity, regular meetings with their respective representatives shuld be encuraged. Abuse f alchl and drugs: Abuse f alchl and/r drugs is linked t bredm, depressin and stress, and can result in vilent behaviur within the cntext f a family r their cmmunity. Measures shuld be taken t prevent such abuse. Temprary withdrawal f staff: In situatins f armed cnflict r tensins erupting int vilence, temprary withdrawal f staff may be necessary. 157 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

7 Liaisn with hst gvernment: Liaisn/crdinatin shuld be made with hst gvernment fr participatin f military escrts, where applicable, during mvements/shifting during camp cnslidatin. Stand-by emergency vehicle: If available, a vehicle shuld serve as a stand-by emergency vehicle. Quite ften, emergencies ccur at night and n weekends when camp management staff may nt be present. Crss-brder meetings: The team shuld participate in crss-brder meetings t prepare fr a return in safety and dignity fr the camp ppulatin at camp clsure. Neighburhd Watch Team (Example frm Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana) The limited capacity f the lcal plice in Buduburam cupled with a relative cngestin f the camp had resulted in increased incidents f crime, including several armed rbberies and assaults. Thrughut Greater Accra, Buduburam was becming knwn as «htbed» f criminal activity. In respnse, camp residents initiated the Neighburhd Watch Team t patrl the camp at night and enhance the capacity f the plice. UNHCR saw this as an invaluable pprtunity t assist the camp with security issues, cmbat a grwing negative reputatin and supprt refugee actin. Frm the very utset f the initiative, the camp management team and the plice greatly encuraged it. There are 200 vlunteer members f the Neighburhd Watch Team, bth male and female. The invlvement f female vlunteers in the watch team and their effrt t raise female specific security cncerns is a mst appreciated feature f the watch team. The training f team members n gender rles and incidence f gender-based vilence helps t define and cnslidate the rle f wmen in the watch team. The team is guided by a statute (attached as a tl t this chapter), defining the rles and respnsibilities f each member and f the rganisatin as a whle. This statute was accepted by the Ghanaian Plice Service, which screened and trained the Neighburhd Watch Team members. T further supprt the initiative, UNHCR prvided veralls, raincats, trches, whistles, wden batns and bts t all members. UNHCR als prvided training n the preventin f, and respnse t, gender-based vilence. Infrmatin prvided by the Surge Prtectin Prject (mre inf at C A M P S E C U R I T Y

8 Tlkit Incident Reprting Frm (IRC) See Tlkit chapter 5 Gender-Based Vilence Incident Reprting Frm See Tlkit chapter 7 Types f Crime and Pssible Respnses This list has been develped by the Camp Management Prject. It prvides a nn-exhaustive verview f ptential crimes and cncerns that a camp management team will have t deal with in the daily wrk in a camp, and suggests sme ways that the team can respnd t them. Checklist fr Setup f a Security Cntingency Plan This checklist has been develped by the Camp Management Prject and brings up sme essential questins and recmmendatins t cnsider when setting up a security cntingency plan, a main respnsibility f the camp management team. Statute f the Buduburam Neighburhd Watch Team (Surge Prtectin Prject, IRC) The Neighburhd Watch Team initiative was designed and implemented by a surge deplyment member in clse cperatin with the camp management team and camp residents in Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana in This statute can serve as an example fr TR fr camp residents wn watch teams. 159 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

9 Essential reading and references UNHCR Safety and Security. EC/53/SC/CRP.5 ODI/Kenraad Van Brabant Operatinal security management in vilent envirnments. Gd practice review 8. Humanitarian practice netwrk/overseas develpment institute, Lndn. UNHCR Handbk fr Emergencies. UNHCR Handbk fr Registratin. UNHCR Refugee Prtectin. A Guide t Internatinal Refugee Law. Handbk fr Parliamentarians. Geneva, UNHCR. UNHCR Guidelines n the Prtectin f Refugee Wmen. Geneva, UNHCR. UNHCR The High Cmmissiner s Five Cmmitments t Refugee Wmen. Geneva UNOCHA The Guiding Principles n Internal Displacement. Geneva UNOCHA Handbk fr Applying the Guiding Principles n Internal Displacement. Geneva, UNOCHA. Nrwegian Refugee Cuncil (NRC)/Glbal IDP Survey Rights Have n Brders. Wrldwide Internal Displacement. Geneva, NRC. Vincent, M./Refslund Srensen, B. (Eds). NRC Caught Between Brders. Respnse Strategies f the Internally Displaced. NRC, Osl. UNHCR Designing Prtectin Strategies and Measuring Prgress: Checklist fr UNHCR Staff C A M P S E C U R I T Y

10 Types f Crime and Pssible Respnses Crime/Cncern Minr Crime within Camp Cmmunity Petty theft Physical assault Minr dmestic vilence Crpral punishment Drunkenness Drug abuse Gambling Vandalism Civil dispute Mdest explitative and abusive behaviur frm any authrity (incl. UN agencies and NGOs) twards refugees Ptential Respnse Implement cmmunity supprt strategies Encurage discussins n a cde f cnduct by and fr the residents f the camp Strengthen refugee self-management and self-cping strategies Implement refugee cmmunity cnflictreslutin mechanisms as well as peaceful c-existence and peace-building prjects Apply and/r enhance cmmunity plicing mechanisms Increase UNHCR and NGO partner presence Strengthen prtectin mnitring, analysis and respnse mechanisms Minr Crime between Camp Residents and Hst Cmmunity Petty theft Physical assault Dmestic vilence Crpral punishment Drunkenness Drug abuse Gambling Vandalism Prperty dispute Frced marriage Envirnmental crime/veruse f natural resurces Civil dispute Mdest explitative and abusive behaviur frm authrities twards refugees and hst cmmunities Implement cmmunity supprt strategies Strengthen refugee/hst ppulatin netwrks and wrking grup cperatin Implement refugee/hst cmmunity cnflict-reslutin mechanisms as well as peaceful c-existence and peace-building prjects Enhance prgrammes that encurage lcal integratin Apply and/r enhance cmmunity plicing mechanisms Strengthen prtectin mnitring, analysis and respnse mechanisms Cnsider/implement QIP prjects which als benefit hst cmmunity 161 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

11 Serius Crime within Camp Cmmunity Child abuse Rape and sexual assault Rbbery (armed r therwise) Arsn Riting Lting Fraud Frgery and cunterfeiting Aggravated assault and battery Murder and/r nn-negligent manslaughter Frced prstitutin Frced marriage (as ppsed t agreed arranged marriage) Smuggling Human trafficking Drug trafficking Weapns (carrying, etc.) Insubrdinatin t undermine camp peratins Lbby fr an increase in arrest and detentin f perpetratrs as well as referral t lcal curts fr prsecutin Cnsider establishing human security fficer (HSO) psitins Demand increased supprt frm lcal authrities/natinal gvernment Imprve standards f humanitarian assistance Strengthen prtectin capacity Strengthen cmmunity services Strengthen refugee self-management and self-cping mechanisms Implement refugee cmmunity cnflictreslutin mechanisms as well as peaceful c-existence and peace-building prjects Apply and/r enhance cmmunity plicing mechanisms Increase UNHCR and NGO partner presence Strengthen prtectin mnitring, analysis and respnse mechanisms Serius Vilatins f Humanitarian and Human Rights within and/r between Camp Residents and Hst Cmmunities Rape (targeted, serial, rganised) Explitatin f men, wmen, bys and girls Withhlding f humanitarian assistance Extrtin Enslavement Trture War crimes Deplyment f UNCIVPOL r reginal plice bdy Remval f perpetratrs and referral t natinal human rights cmmissin, internatinal criminal curts Imprve standards f humanitarian assistance Strengthen prtectin capacity Strengthen cmmunity services Strengthen refugee self-management and self-cping mechanisms Implement refugee cmmunity cnflictreslutin mechanisms as well as peaceful c-existence and peace-building prjects Apply and/r enhance cmmunity plicing mechanisms Increase UNHCR and NGO partner presence Strengthen prtectin mnitring, analysis and respnse mechanisms Cnsider QIP prjects which als benefit hst cmmunity Train (capacitate) plice/ lcal authrities Increase arrest and detentin f perpetratrs as well as referral t lcal curts fr prsecutin Cnsider establishing human security fficer (HSO) psitins 162 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

12 Militarisatin f Camps Armed elements residing in camp Open display f arms and weapns Intimidatin and/r cercin Diversin f relief supplies fr military activities Cmbatants using camp as military base Impsitin f taxes n and cllectin f resurces frm refugees by armed entities Frced cnscriptin and training Abductin and/r hstage taking Attacks frm external surces (armed) Mutilatin and murder Enhance capacities f lcal security services Strengthen prtectin capacity Strengthen cmmunity services Strengthen refugee self-management and self-cping strategies Implement refugee cmmunity cnflictreslutin mechanisms as well as peaceful c-existence and peace-building prjects Imprve standards f humanitarian assistance Apply and/r enhance cmmunity plicing mechanisms Increase UNHCR and NGO partner presence Strengthen prtectin mnitring, analysis and respnse mechanisms Increase arrest and detentin f perpetratrs as well as referral t lcal curts fr prsecutin Cnsider establishing Human Security Officer (HSO) psitins Deplyment f UNCIVPOL r reginal plice bdy Remval f perpetratrs and referral t natinal human rights cmmissin, internatinal criminal curts Deplyment f DPKO r reginal military frce Separatin f cmbatants/armed elements Establishment f internment camps 163 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

13 Checklist fr Setup f a Security Cntingency Plan The establishment and fllw-up f such a plan is the main respnsibility f the camp management team. Checklist f essential questins t take int cnsideratin befre writing a security cntingency plan: Establish whether plice presence in the camp is a pssibility (24 hurs basis recmmended). A secure facility fr detainment is necessary with r withut a rund-the-clck plice presence. Be aware f the amunt f resurces may be needed t maintain security. What are the warning signs f ncming vilence? If vilence ccurs, what arrangements are there t infrm thers, UNHCR, Gvernment Security Frces, Camp Management Agency headquarters? Alternative mechanisms may be needed when plice have been part f the prblem. Are there any reprting requirements t natinal security authrities? Are there any mechanisms t activate, which might help t defuse the vilence? What steps have been taken in terms f physical security measures fr staff? Security plan? Staff briefing, ways t get in cntact with relevant persns? Warning equipment (whistles, sirens, hrns, signals?) Escape rutes, distance between ffices and gates? Prtectin f ffices (dr lcks, windw prtectin)? Available means f cmmunicatin (satellite phnes, radis)? Registratin f staff n arrival and departure? Lcking f filing cabinets? What arrangements are there fr helping staff t bear the stress? Wh decides when t evacuate, hw t prceed? Available means f transprtatin t relcate t a safe area? Recmmendatins: Where accepted by camp ppulatin plice presence shuld be ensured in all camps (plice cnsidered as a neutral bdy), Plice quarters (ffice and accmmdatin) t be built in camps. In the event gvernment desn t have necessary resurces, supprt shuld be given (thrugh UN agency?). Vluntary securities t be rganised in camps, incentive in kind r mney t be given t them. Encurage clse cllabratin between plice frces and vlunteer securities. Training f vluntary securities n Cde f Cnduct, gender issues, etc. t be rganised n a regular basis. Capacity building f vlunteer securities t be encuraged. Respect Cde f Cnduct in security implementatin (presence f armed persnnel in camp). If resurces allw, prvisin f security material is imprtant. If the camp has a main entrance alng a rad, a checkpint shuld be established t mnitr the carges f trucks that enter and leave. This measure can g far t discurage trafficking in fd air, arms r peple. The checkpint shuld als be clsed in the evening hurs until sunrise r an agreed time. 164 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

14 Statute f the Buduburam Neighbrhd Watch Team Intrductin Having been blessed by the Almighty Gd since we fled ur native land Liberia, as a cnsequence f the hrrible and dehumanized-armed cnflict amngst Liberia s warring factins. Having witnessed and experienced sme f the wrst atrcities ever cmmitted against fellw human beings. Having been accrded humanitarian services and hspitality by the Gvernment and friendly peple f Ghana, in cllabratin with the United Natins High Cmmissiner fr Refugees (UNHCR) and ther humanitarian agencies in Buduburam camp a hme t apprximately twenty tw thusands (22 000) Liberian refugees, lcated in Gma District, Central Regin f Ghana. Being cgnizant f the need t reinfrce security in ur cmmunity in rder t prevent r minimize the reccurrence f crimes like burglary, rape, armed rbbery. While acknwledging the ultimate respnsibility f the hast gvernment t prvide security in ur camp. We hereby reslved t rganize urselves as a nn-gvernmental, nn-plitical, and nn-prfitable rganizatin, t be knwn as the Buduburam Neighbrhd Watch Team t vluntarily assist the hst gvernment lk after the security in ur camp and f ur cmmunity. Article One: Aims and Objectives The aim f the Neighbrhd Watch Team is t enhance the security in the camp thrugh cmmunity mbilizatin. The Neighbrhd Watch Team perates thrugh a scheme f vlunteers t night surveillance. The specific bjectives f the Neighbrhd Watch Team are: a) t mnitr mvements n camp during the night r the curfew hurs (the necessity and time f the curfew is decided by the camp plice and camp management cncurrently): b) t register and reprt mvements as well as events disturbing public rder in the camp; c) t alert and seek assistance f the plice and/r the camp management in all events endangering the safety f camp residents r their prperty; d) T ensure that the necessary mvements during night/curfew (such as new arrivals) ccur withut disturbances t the public rder in the camp, and render apprpriate assistance and advice t persns sliciting help during curfew hurs/nights. Article Tw: Discipline and curtesy Members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team shall render curtesy, discipline and respect t all persns at all time; Members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team shall strictly adhere t the civilian character f their stay in Ghana and the civilian character f their residence in a refugee camp; 165 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

15 Members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team shall refrain frm: Spreading rumurs, lies and misinfrmatin; Drinking n r befre duty; Smking in unifrm; Dancing in unifrm; Sleeping n duty; Eating n duty in tw; Gambling; Fighting; Using prfane language; Prstitutin; Partaking in Ghanaian plitics; Partaking in chieftaincy plitics; Receiving bribe; Extrtin; Absence withut leave. Thse members wh break the abve rules shall be disciplined by cunselling, suspensin and/r expulsin frm the Team, depending f the gravity f the miscnduct. Fr any illegal actin r cnduct, members f the Team shall remain subject t natinal law enfrcement prcedures and agencies. Article Three: Membership Membership in the Buduburam Neighbrhd Watch Team is pen t any vlunteer wh resides n the camp as refugee. Hence fr nw membership shall be clsed t tw hundred (200) vlunteers including bth males and females; The Ghanaian plice shall screen each member f the Neighbrhd Watch Team Individuals with knwn criminal recrds will nt be eligible fr membership in the Neighbrhd Watch Team. Article Fur: Organizatinal structure The Executive Cmmittee shall lead the Neighbrhd Watch Team: The Executive Cmmittee shall cnsist f six executive members, including the Head f the team, the Deputy Head f the Team, the Operatins Crdinatr, the Investigatin Crdinatr, the Patrl Crdinatr and the Advisr. The Executive Cmmittee is the highest discussin and decisin making bdy f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. The Extended leadership: The extended leadership f the Neighbrhd Watch Team will include all znal Neighbrhd Watch Team leaders as well as the representative f the wmen auxiliary. The Operatives: Each zne shall cntain seventeen (17) gallant men r wmen (znal team leader and deputy inclusive) Hence eleven (11) znes shall be earmarked fr the Neighbrhd Watch Team activities. Article Five: Rles and Respnsibilities: Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team: The Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team is the verall leader f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. He shall ensure the functining f the Neighbrhd Watch Team in accrdance with the mandate as set hencefrth. The Team Leader shall als ensure that the Neighbrhd Watch Team perates efficiently and effectively and that the members are prfessinal in the discharge f their duties. The Team Leader shall als make sure that thse members wh vilate the rules f Neighbrhd Watch Team hereby set are prperly disciplined. The Team Leader shall reprt t the Security Crdinatr f the Liberian Welfare Cuncil. 166 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

16 Deputy Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team: The Deputy Team Leader is the secnd in cmmand f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. He shall ensure that the executive cmmittee f the Neighbrhd Watch Team is functinal and that the members exhibit high mral and disciplinary cnducts at all times. He shall chair the meetings f the Neighbrhd Watch Team and make apprpriate recmmendatins t the Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team fr implementatin n disciplinary matters. He shall mediate in all cnflicts between the members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team and shall infrm the executive cmmittee n all such matters. The Deputy Head shall reprt t the Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. Operatins Crdinatr The Operatins Crdinatr is the immediate supervisr f all the znal team leaders. He shall ensure smth functining f the Neighbrhd Watch Team as cncerns peratins methds. He shall review reprts frm the znal team leaders n a daily basis and shall frward the same t the ffice f the Team Leader. He shall persnally check n the wrking habits f the members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team in varius znes and ensure that they perate efficiently and effectively with high respect fr the right f ther refugees. Investigatin crdinatr: The Investigatin crdinatr shall ensure cntinuus gathering f infrmatin related t the security f the camp residents and their prperty. Patrl Crdinatr: The Patrl Crdinatr shall ensure smth functining f the night patrl. The patrl shall include ne perative frm each camp zne. The patrl shall meet at the main entry f the camp. The patrl shall be the first t respnd t the emergency calls f the znal Neighbrhd Watch Teams. Advisr: The Advisr shall assist the daily management f the ffice f the Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team with regards t cmmunicatin, lgistics and crdinatin. He shall ensure that written reprts and cmmunicatins f the Neighbrhd Watch Team are prepared as set hencefrth. Head f Female Auxiliary: The Head f the Female Auxiliary will be a member f the extended leadership f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. She shall represent the interests, cncerns and pinins f the female members f the team. She shall als prvide guidance n special needs f refugee wmen as cncerns security n the camp as well as prpse measures t address thse needs. Article Six: Appintments f Leadership a) The ffice f the Camp Manager upn nminatin and in cllabratin with the management f the Liberian Welfare Cuncil shall appint the six executive members. b) All ther appintments shall be made cncurrently by the Security Crdinatr f the Liberian Welfare Cuncil and the Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team, upn nminatin by the extended leadership f the Neighbrhd Watch Team. 167 C A M P S E C U R I T Y

17 Article Seven: Meetings a) All members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team are bliged t attend all called meetings and general musters at all times; b) All meetings shall be cnducted with a well-planned agenda; c) Hence it is bligatry that all executive members and staff attend all executive cmmittee meetings and sessins. When necessary znal superintendents and znal cmmanders shall be asked t attend. Article Eight: Supprt f UNHCR, ther humanitarian rganizatins and the Gvernment f Ghana a) The Neighbrhd Watch Team will gather supprt fr their activities frm UNHCR, ther humanitarian rganizatins and the Gvernment f Ghana; b) All gds cnferred t individual members f the team in their functinal capacity will be used in accrdance with the aims f the Neighbrhd Watch Team and will remain the prperty f the Buduburam cmmunity, administered primarily by the Neighbrhd Watch Team and secndarily by the Liberian Welfare Cuncil. Article Nine: Rle f wmen guardians a) The Neighbrhd Watch Team acknwledges the gender-specific security cncerns f refugee wmen in Buduburam camp and the fundamental rle f female guardians in addressing thse cncerns; b) The Neighbrhd Watch Team is cmmitted t invlvement f female guardians in it s ranks, leadership and decisin-making prcesses; Article Ten: Reprting Members f the Neighbrhd Watch Team shall ntify the camp administratr and/r the camp plice f any immediate threat t the security f the camp residents and their prperty disclsed in the curse f their duty. The Neighbrhd Watch Team shall render peridic written reprts t the Security crdinatr f the Liberian Welfare Cuncil. When the regular lines f reprting (thrugh the Welfare Cuncil) hinder the adequate respnse, the Head f the Neighbrhd Watch Team may decide t reprt directly t the camp manager, plice r/and UNHCR n matters f immediate urgency. January 27, C A M P S E C U R I T Y