Introduction

The United Nations has a comprehensive system of security management in order to ensure that they are able to perform their peacekeeping and other duties in potentially volatile areas.

In addition to requiring training like Basic Security in the Field (BSITF-II) and Advanced Security in the Field (ASITF), the UN also requires each area to be assigned a Security Level, as part of a Security Level System (SLS).

Each geographic area is assigned one of six security levels. In all of these levels, it’s important to keep the Acceptable Risk Model in place when reviewing staffing needs and security clearances.

Structured Threat Assessment

The Security Level below is assigned based on the results of a Structured Threat Assessment (STA) which is completed by a Designated Official (DO) for Security. STA assess five elements:

• Armed Conflict
• Terrorism
• Crime
• Civil Unrest
• Hazards

And each of these elements are assigned two elements, Likelihood of Occurring (from Very Unlikely to Very Likely/Imminent) and Impact (from Negligible to Critical) based on how badly an incident in each of the categories would be to the operation if it were to occur.

Security Levels

The six levels are listed below:

Security Level Extreme (6)

The Security Management Team is required to meet at least weekly (at the discretion of the Designated Official for Security.)

Security Level High (5)

The Security Management Team is required to meet at least weekly (at the discretion of the Designated Official for Security.) Staff that are not in critical posts should be relocated.

Security Level Substantial (4)

The Security Management Team is required to meet at least bi-weekly (at the discretion of the Designated Official for Security.) No external conferences are permitted.

Security Level Moderate (3)

The Security Management Team is required to meet at least monthly, and external conferences must be authorized by the Designated Official for Security.

Security Level Low (2)

The Security Management Team must meet at least twice a year, and external conferences must notify the Designated Official for Security. External conferences must be notified by the Designated Officials

Security Level Minimal (1)

The Security Management Team must meet at least twice a year. Travel Request Information Processing (TRIP) is required for all official travel.