From 4 to 9 May, the UNHCR eCentre presented the first of two Safety in the Field Workshops planned for 2010. The workshop, conducted in Hua Hin and Pran Buri, Thailand, was designed to raise basic skills and awareness of field workers in understanding, avoiding and responding to threats in their environment.

Areas covered in the workshop included mission preparation, safety on the road, handling checkpoints, mines and other weapons, dealing with crowds, using telecommunications equipment, information management, hostage survival, and dealing with stress in the field. As always, the workshop featured extensive practical application of skills, including an intensive, full-day field simulation exercise supported by the Royal Thai Army.

In all a total of 35 NGO, government and UN participants took part in the workshops, representing over 25 organizations and coming from 23 different countries. Most reported leaving with a greater understanding of the risks in their working environment and how to respond. They further left with greater confidence in their ability to work safely, and a network of peers and friends upon whom they can call upon for advice and support in dealing with future challenges at their duty stations.

The next Safety in the Field Workshop is scheduled for 24-29 October of this year.