The implementation process

Managing Risks: Safety and Security in Human Rights Work Module 2: Implementing Safety and Security Measures The implementation process

In this video, you will:

Get familiar with the third stage of the risk management process, which focuses on implementing decisions
Be able to develop security measures applicable to your own context
Learn how to develop an effective implementation plan
Understand what it means to develop realistic measures that can be put into practice

Main Takeaways:

The third stage of the risk management process focuses on the implementation of safety and security measures. It is best to approach this stage in three steps.
First, develop security measures. It is crucial to apply the problem-solution approach and clearly indicate the risk together with corresponding measures or solutions. A risk may have many possible measures, which can all be considered depending on the context.
Then, develop an implementation plan. Precise tasks are needed for each security measure, answering the questions on WHO does WHAT, WHEN, and WITH WHAT RESOURCES. If the answers are not clarified, it is likely that the task will not be done.
Finally, put the measures into practice. Implementing the measures means making sure that the decisions we have made are actually implemented. To put them into practice, it is crucial that the measures developed are realistic, practical, and that the allocated roles and responsibility are appropriate.

In this video, you will:

Identify possible physical, digital and psychological risks, and explore effective strategies to mitigate them
Recognise the interconnected nature of risks and apply a holistic approach to security
Analyse an example of an implementation plan to understand how security measures can be put into practice
Differentiate between organizational and individual responsibilities in developing and implementing measures

Main takeaways:

The organization plays a critical role in providing and fostering a safe and secure environment for their team members. Therefore, you should always aim to balance the measures from the angle of the organization’s responsibility and not rely solely on individuals’ own protective measures.
Always take a holistic approach to security. Stress affects psychological well-being but may also impact behaviour and attention, potentially compromising your physical and digital security. For example, it may reduce our ability to focus, making tasks like managing online security measures more challenging.
The stressful nature of the work of human rights defenders may contribute to the development of unhealthy habits, such as excessive alcohol, drug consumption, or eating disorders. If you are concerned about these behaviors, you should immediately seek professional help from a doctor or psychologist. Have a look at the additional materials to learn more about stress management and well-being.
When drafting an implementation plan with safety and security measures, think of:
- Person(s) responsible for each task;
- Timeline for the implementation, making sure it matches your resources and capacities;
- Several action points, which will allow you to tackle a risk in depth and make it easier to follow-up on.

Before moving on to the next lecture, make sure to have a look at the resources under the “Materials” tab above. There, you will find additional resources related to digital security and stress management, which will help you when taking the quiz.

Mandatory Resources:

Video Animation: Your Data and the Internet: Security Behind the Screens
Factsheet: Your Data and the Internet: Security Behind the Screens
Factsheet: Well-being and Stress Management
Exercise Template: The Risk Management Process