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On 20 and 21 July, a Safety and Security Workshop was held in Ramallah. In attendance were staff of international humanitarian organization in the West Bank and Gaza. All of them were partners with ECHO (the European Commission’s Directorate General for Humanitarian Assistance). Training was offered by Wael Kirresh, Safety and Security Officer, Care International West Bank and Gaza; and Norman Sheehan, of the CARE Security Unit in Washington, DC. Norman is from Ireland, and he has offered safety and security training in countries around the world such as Sudan, Sirelyone, and Liberia. 15 people attended the training. It was an important opportunity to discuss common problems related to safety and security, and to create a network of organizations that work in the same field. ECHO provided the needed funding for this workshop. Training addressed security policies and procedures, vehicle safety, stress management, earthquakes, fire, and medical equipment. Also, Wael and Norman spoke about radio contact, mobility, and how to prioritize. Discussion focused on the upcoming disengagement from Gaza, and understanding the new environment where the humanitarian organizations will be working. The trainees were very pleased with the opportunity to meet colleagues from other NGOs, and to look for ways to work together and enhance coordination. Trainees who had attended safety and security training before described this workshop as one of the best. According to Norman Sheehan: ”I came to this workshop to help NGO staff to identify weaknesses within their structures, and to give them guidance how to address issues in a practical way. I came away with a feeling that we had awakened a desire among them to improve.” List of participants:
 
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