Managing stress of the humanitarian aid worker: an integrated approach
Starting point
In September 2002 the Antares Foundation and CDC organized the second working conference on ‘Managing Stress of the Humanitarian Aid Worker: an Integrated Approach’, following the first conference ‘Managing Stress of the Humanitarian Aid Worker: towards an integrated approach’, held in 2001, also in Amsterdam. The first conference aimed to identify the mental health consequences arising from the work, environment and organizations where humanitarian workers function and to explore what has already been done in this field. The second conference tried to formulate some answers and solutions.
Purpose and aim
The purpose of both conferences was to raise awareness amongst decision makers, policy designers and donors, and at the same time to share information and to reach broad recommendations and plans for follow-up action.
Participants
The conference hosted 80 participants from humanitarian organizations, academic institutions and psychosocial specialists from 15 different countries. Those present were requested to participate actively, with relevant lectures, working groups and the sharing of knowledge, materials and information.
Thanks to this active participation of all involved, the working conference was yet again a success.
Preparation
In order to ensure a follow up, as requested by all participants, CDC and the Antares Foundation took the initiative to create working groups and networks; they addressed the recommendations coming out of the first conference. Each working group was headed by a Chairman, who was responsible for facilitation of the group and for drawing up the outcome and recommendations. Most members of the working group attended the first conference and came from different relevant disciplines and organizations. The Antares Foundation coordinated the groups and the overall coordination of the conference. The working groups formed a basis for the preparation of the next working conference. The outcome and recommendations of these four groups were presented at the second working conference.
Outcomes
Research
The research working group will continue to collaborate on a number of research issues and projects. There is consensus that a longitudinal study among humanitarian aid worker is necessary. Firm plans are now being made by the research group to initiate this multi-center, multi-agency research project. Protocol and budget proposal will be drawn up within several months.
Educational materials
A bibliography of published materials will periodically be augmented and updated with internet links to materials or information as to where to obtain materials where appropriate. An internet portal will be established. The group will seek to assemble additional manuals that already exist. This material will be evaluated by the ongoing working group as to their adequacy for use by other organizations.
Minimum standards
There is an English initiative: The People in Aid standards (PIA), which deals with standards for staff but is not specific about minimum standards for the kind of staff support that we need. There is SPHERE, an international initiative from a large number of NGO's, UN agencies, donors etc. to formulate minimum standards for the practical work in the field. (for healthcare, water and sanitation etc). The SPHERE standards are printed in different languages and used by many organizations. They say nothing about standards of staff support of aid workers.
The minimum standards working group will investigate the possibility to join the SPHERE group and add an extra chapter to their standards. If the working group achieves this they will be widespread and available for all aid workers.
Plan of action
- Try again to get the available standards from the different organizations
- Contact PIA and see how they managed to get the standards introduced in the UK
- Start the discussion with SPHERE and look into the possibility to join
The experience from last year was clear: a devoted person to the project is the only way forward. CDC will look into the possibility of providing funding for a part-time position. The first priority for this person will be to investigate the existing standards. The working group concluded that working with an e-mail survey wouldn’t give us the required information. A personal approach is needed. The second step will then be contact with PIA and Sphere and from there the lobbying can start.
National staff
The working group on this subject has not been able to come up with recommendations, but should not be considered a failure. They have achieved a high-level discussion on the interchange between national and international staff. In order to deal with this issue, we should address it not just on a cognitive level, but also on an emotional level. In the next conference, it would be relevant to have a good representation of national staff with a mandate from their organizations, in order to start a more profound dialogue. Although there remains a lot to be done, there has already been a great shift in the relationship between national and international staff. We should continue to influence the management of NGO’s, that it is fundamental that national staff come or remain into sight of international organizations.
For further details on the findings of this conference, please contact the Antares Foundation
Managing Stress in Humanitarian Aid Workers - Guidelines for Good Practice. English [PDF 559.2 kB]
Podcasts on Stress Management for Emergency Responders