Today a growing number of people are exposed to disaster due to increased population, exploitation of natural resources, unplanned urbanization, climate change, and poverty. Many of the disasters mostly occur in vulnerable and conflict-sensitive areas. The need for improved practices and response mechanisms is felt more strongly in the Humanitarian work and previously.

Caritas India realized this essential need and started investing in disaster preparedness in all its programs. In this regard, a comprehensive capacity building training program on Protection and Security was conducted on 11-12 December 2023 in Guwahati, Assam. A total of 17 participants including Program Leads, Program Extension Associates, and Community Mobilizers from the states of Manipur and Mizoram participated in this training.

This targeted capacity-building session aimed to equip our dedicated program staff with the knowledge and skills essential for responding to and implementing program effectively in conflict settings. The training focused on managing security situations and ensuring a protection-focused response.

The training was inaugurated on Human Rights Day by the Assistant Executive Director (AED) of Caritas India, Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura. His opening remarks emphasized the core principle, that we are all humans first, underscoring the importance of restoring dignity to affected populations. Fr. Jeevan from Rising Sun Trust, Guwahati also shared his insights on integrating justice and peace into our response efforts.

On the first day, participants delved into fundamental concepts of protection, with a special emphasis on conflict settings. Interactive exercises provided practical insights, helping attendees identify potential risks and devise mitigation measures tailored to their response areas. They were given an in-depth understanding of the differences between protection threats and protection risks based on case studies and examples from the field and through group work.

Colonel Kulwinder Brar, an ex-Army Officer, and RedR India member, joined as an external resource person on the second day of training. His sessions enriched the capacities of both the organization and participants on integral security aspects including security risk assessment, security incident mapping and reporting, and the different kinds of security strategies that could be adopted by organizations including acceptance, protection, and deterrence.

The focus was on understanding different security threats, including the likelihood and impact of the same, and equipping staff to respond effectively in challenging situations, ensuring overall safety and security. Through the session, participants were also made aware of the dos and don’ts of road travel, vehicle accidents, and handling checkpoints in conflict settings. The importance of safety under crossfire and shooting and overall fire safety was also explained through a mix of theoretical sessions and group exercises.

This initiative not only strengthens Caritas India’s commitment to humanitarian aid but also reinforces the importance of a holistic approach to improving resilience in our mission to provide support and relief in times of crisis. By integrating the aspects of peace, protection, and security, the teams from Manipur and Mizoram are now better prepared to navigate complex scenarios, contributing to the safety and dignity of those we aim to serve.