The security conditions for aid workers in Pakistan is much worse than the United Nations publicly admits, according to a secret memorandum from the United Nations Security Service UNDSS that Politiken has seen. The memorandum describes how aid workers are in imminent danger of robbery, kidnapping, suicide bombing and military attacks.

The UNDSS adds that it is concerned at the possibility of social unrest that develops into violence aimed towards aid workers.

“It is quite possible that the UN’s and NGO’s personnel will be subjected to an increasing amount of demonstrations and confrontations in flooded areas – which eventually will result in a certain amount of violence – with an increased frequency of looting and possibly attacks against aid convoys and facilities,” the memo says.

“Since militant groups also provide aid through their own NGO networks, there is a risk of competition between the militants and the activities of the UN and NGOs. This challenge can lead to the militants going on the attack against UN and NGO personnel,” it adds.

Red Cross concern
Aid organisations are outraged that the United Nations is keeping its risk evaluation secret – not just from the public but also from the aid organisations working in Pakistan.

“It is alarming if the UN doesn’t share important security information with those who are operational. The new organisations in these areas, who do not have the same security system as we do, risk ending up in situations that they perhaps could have avoided. In the worst case it could cost lives,” says Red Cross Secretary-General Anders Ladekarl.

No-one has seen memo
Politiken has spoken to three security representatives for major NGOs in Pakistan who cooperate with the UN Security Service. None of them have seen the memo, which is dated August 26.

The UN Security Service holds twice-weekly briefings with NGOs, but since the memo was produced, UNDSS representatives have not mentioned their alarming risk evaluation for aid workers, according to several sources who were present at meetings last Friday and this Monday.

Danchurchaid Secretary-General Henrik Stubkjær says it is reprehensible that the UN has not chosen to share the document with organisations active in Pakistan.

“It is the least we can expect. This is the sort of information that we have to take decisions and act on so that we do not put our employees in unnecessary danger. In the worst case it can mean that we are not able to prepare our people who may then be attacked and killed,” Stubkjær says.

UN – no comment
The major aid organisations such as the Red Cross, Danchurchaid and Save the Children have their own security services.

“But everyone should share their knowledge with colleagues. If they don’t share, it is a danger for our people,” says Save the Children Secretary-General Mimi Jakobsen.

The UN spokesman has declined to comment on the risk evaluation which for ‘good security reasons is not a public document.’ Presented with the criticism that NGOs have not received the memo, the spokesman says:

“Security evaluations are shared as necessary with those who need information,” says UN Spokesman Farhan Haq in an e-mail to Politiken.