General
The Human Security SurveyWorking with the real experts on security
Enumerators upon completion of their training in Yirol, South Sudan (2018)
Origins and Objectives
Origins and Objectives
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The Human Security Survey (HSS) is a unique methodology developed by PAX. It aims to help people in places under conflict have more say in their own security and protection.
Too often, security measures and policies that deeply affect people’s day-to-day lives are designed and implemented without their consultation. But people are the real experts on their own security.
To bridge the gap between people and policymakers, PAX's Protection of Civilians (PoC) team developed the Human Security Survey. This combines population-based research, community engagement and advocacy to in the long run better protect civilians. By collecting people's experiences, perceptions and opinions about their own protection, PAX can advocate for security strategies that are more reflective of people's actual needs and expectations.
Too often, security measures and policies that deeply affect people’s day-to-day lives are designed and implemented without their consultation. But people are the real experts on their own security.
To bridge the gap between people and policymakers, PAX's Protection of Civilians (PoC) team developed the Human Security Survey. This combines population-based research, community engagement and advocacy to in the long run better protect civilians. By collecting people's experiences, perceptions and opinions about their own protection, PAX can advocate for security strategies that are more reflective of people's actual needs and expectations.
In cooperation with trusted local partner organisations, the HSS team at PAX:
- Collects information about people's experiences, perceptions and priorities regarding security.
- Shares the data with community members and local authorities, and facilitates constructive dialogue about how to improve civilian protection.
- Conducts evidence-based advocacy with the UN, governments and security actors.
PAX and local partners implement the HSS methodology in two countries: Iraq and South Sudan.
The HSS in Iraq
6 years active (2017)
6 survey cycles underway/completed
9,658 interviews to date (January 2022)
>90 community dialogue sessions
Surveys conducted in: Salahaddin, Kirkuk, Basra, Diyala.
6 survey cycles underway/completed
9,658 interviews to date (January 2022)
>90 community dialogue sessions
Surveys conducted in: Salahaddin, Kirkuk, Basra, Diyala.
The HSS in South Sudan
6 years active (2016)
4 survey cycles underway/completed
6,403 interviews to date (January 2022)
15 Community Dialogue Conferences
5 Community Security Committees (COMSECCOM)
Surveys conducted in: Jonglei, Payinjiar, Greater Yirol, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria.
4 survey cycles underway/completed
6,403 interviews to date (January 2022)
15 Community Dialogue Conferences
5 Community Security Committees (COMSECCOM)
Surveys conducted in: Jonglei, Payinjiar, Greater Yirol, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria.
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The HSS in Iraq
6 years active (2017)
6 survey cycles underway/completed
9,658 interviews to date (January 2022)
>90 community dialogue sessions
Surveys conducted in: Salahaddin, Kirkuk, Basra, Diyala.
The HSS in South Sudan
6 years active (2016)
4 survey cycles underway/completed
6,403 interviews to date (January 2022)
15 Community Dialogue Conferences
5 Community Security Committees (COMSECCOM)
Surveys conducted in: Jonglei, Payinjiar, Greater Yirol, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria.
HSS Process
THE PROCESSThe HSS in Practice
The HSS team does not believe in just collecting data once and then leaving: people's needs change along with their security environments, and security and protection strategies need to change as well.
Moreover, we believe that - once data has been collected and analysed - the results should be brought back to the local communities where the survey findings can serve as a basis for constructive dialogue between civilians and the local authorities and security providers.
The HSS is therefore conducted every year in each location so that we can identify trends, analyse positive and negative developments, and pursue ongoing dialogue with communities and authorities to encourage greater bottom-up accountability.
Iraqi enumerators training with the smartphone-based questionnaire in Baghdad, Iraq (2019)
Moreover, we believe that - once data has been collected and analysed - the results should be brought back to the local communities where the survey findings can serve as a basis for constructive dialogue between civilians and the local authorities and security providers.
The HSS is therefore conducted every year in each location so that we can identify trends, analyse positive and negative developments, and pursue ongoing dialogue with communities and authorities to encourage greater bottom-up accountability.
Iraqi enumerators training with the smartphone-based questionnaire in Baghdad, Iraq (2019)
The HSS Cycle
Enumerator training in Payinjiar, South Sudan (2018)
THE LOCAL PARTNERS AND THE HSS
All aspects of the HSS project are implemented in close cooperation with local partner organizations that are respected, well-networked and that work inclusively .
In Iraq, the HSS works with the Iraqi al-Amal Association, the Iraqi al-Firdaws Society, and the Wand Al-Khair Human Organisation (WAHO).
In South Sudan, our partner organizations are Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA) and Justice and Peace Commission - Catholic Diocese or Torit (JPC-CDoT).
Our partners are crucial to the successful implementation of the HSS project:
One of our local partners in conversation with the local authorities (Iraq)
In Iraq, the HSS works with the Iraqi al-Amal Association, the Iraqi al-Firdaws Society, and the Wand Al-Khair Human Organisation (WAHO).
In South Sudan, our partner organizations are Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA) and Justice and Peace Commission - Catholic Diocese or Torit (JPC-CDoT).
Our partners are crucial to the successful implementation of the HSS project:
- They provide feedback on the survey design.
- They provide up-to-date information about local security dynamics, which enables us to send out teams into the field.
- The supervisors and enumerators who conduct the interviews are drawn from our partners' networks of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
- They take on many activities at the operational level, including data collection and local advocacy.
One of our local partners in conversation with the local authorities (Iraq)
TRAINING THE DATA COLLECTION TEAMS
Before each round of data collection, the HSS team travels to Iraq or South Sudan to organise a four-day training course for the enumerators and supervisors.
During these training sessions, the team members receive practical training in random sampling procedures, mobile data collection tools, physical and digital security practices and interviewing and listening skills. They also get the chance to practice these skills with each other.
In addition, they learn about conflict and gender sensitivity and research ethics, including the critical importance of guaranteeing respondents' anonymity and informed consent.
Enumerators training with the smartphone-based questionnaire in Bor, South Sudan (2018)
During these training sessions, the team members receive practical training in random sampling procedures, mobile data collection tools, physical and digital security practices and interviewing and listening skills. They also get the chance to practice these skills with each other.
In addition, they learn about conflict and gender sensitivity and research ethics, including the critical importance of guaranteeing respondents' anonymity and informed consent.
Enumerators training with the smartphone-based questionnaire in Bor, South Sudan (2018)
DATA COLLECTION
The HSS consists of a household survey where enumerators conduct face-to-face interviews, using a smartphone-based questionnaire on the KoboCollect survey platform.
We strive to gain insight into the security perspectives and experiences from people of all walks of life: men and women, young and old, displaced populations and host communities across all livelihoods, religions and ethnicities.
To that end, we apply a 'random walk' procedure, whereby every third household on the enumerators' route is surveyed. In each household, one randomly selected person is invited for a one-on-one interview. We always strive for a sample that is largely representative of the general population.
A more detailed description of how we aim to achieve this and of our overall research methodology can be found below:
Village in Greater Yirol, South Sudan (2019)
We strive to gain insight into the security perspectives and experiences from people of all walks of life: men and women, young and old, displaced populations and host communities across all livelihoods, religions and ethnicities.
To that end, we apply a 'random walk' procedure, whereby every third household on the enumerators' route is surveyed. In each household, one randomly selected person is invited for a one-on-one interview. We always strive for a sample that is largely representative of the general population.
A more detailed description of how we aim to achieve this and of our overall research methodology can be found below:
Village in Greater Yirol, South Sudan (2019)
HSS Questionnaire and Findings
The HSS Questionnaire and Findings
The HSS Questionnaire and Findings
One of our partners using the HSS findings for local advocacy efforts (Iraq)
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The Questionnaire
In the questionnaire, we ask people about a wide variety of topics related to security and protection, including their personal experiences with violence and the impact on their communities.
More specifically, respondents share information about if and how their security situation has changed over the previous year and the changes made in their daily lives as a result; what specific types of security threats they experience and whether there are effective means to resolve them; and which actors are responsible for security in their area and how they might improve.
We also ask respondents about their perceptions regarding conflict dynamics, including the factors most likely to cause future conflict in their communities; how men and women experience conflict and its effects differently, and what can be done to promote sustainable peace.
(next page: example of HSS infographic with a selection of answers to the questionnaire)
In the questionnaire, we ask people about a wide variety of topics related to security and protection, including their personal experiences with violence and the impact on their communities.
More specifically, respondents share information about if and how their security situation has changed over the previous year and the changes made in their daily lives as a result; what specific types of security threats they experience and whether there are effective means to resolve them; and which actors are responsible for security in their area and how they might improve.
We also ask respondents about their perceptions regarding conflict dynamics, including the factors most likely to cause future conflict in their communities; how men and women experience conflict and its effects differently, and what can be done to promote sustainable peace.
(next page: example of HSS infographic with a selection of answers to the questionnaire)
One of our partners using the HSS findings for local advocacy efforts (Iraq)
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Follow-Up On the HSS
Follow-Up On the HSS How we use our findings to facilitate a better security and protection environment for civilians
Follow-Up On the HSS How we use our findings to facilitate a better security and protection environment for civilians
One of our partners using the HSS findings for local advocacy efforts (Iraq)
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COMMUNITY DIALOGUE & ADVOCACY
Once the data has been collected, analyzed and translated into tables, reports and infographics, the PoC team seeks to use its findings to effect change.
In cooperation with our local partners, we therefore organize community dialogue sessions in Iraq and South Sudan after each round of surveys to discuss with local stakeholders the survey's main findings and its implications.
At the same time, we conduct advocacy at the local and international levels, using our findings to advocate protection and intervention strategies that correspond better to people's needs on the ground.
One of our partners using the HSS findings for local advocacy efforts (Iraq)
EVIDENCE-BASED ADVOCACY
The responses to the HSS questionnaire and the community dialogue discussions inform the Protection of Civilians team's further activities.
We use the HSS findings:
Presenting the HSS methodology at the 'Data for Peace and Security' conference in New York, USA (2019)
We use the HSS findings:
- To carry out evidence-based advocacy at the international level among organisations like NATO, the EU and the UN.
- To design and conduct training sessions for military personnel that are informed by knowledge of local security dynamics and needs.
Presenting the HSS methodology at the 'Data for Peace and Security' conference in New York, USA (2019)
Further Information
Want to learn more about the HSS?
For more information about the HSS project, its methodology and findings, and the Protection of Civilians team, please visit our website at protectionofcivilians.org
Or visit the PAX website at www.paxforpeace.nl
Further information about our local partners in Iraq and South Sudan can be found through the links below.
On the road from Yirol to Mingkaman, South Sudan (2018)
Or visit the PAX website at www.paxforpeace.nl
Further information about our local partners in Iraq and South Sudan can be found through the links below.
On the road from Yirol to Mingkaman, South Sudan (2018)
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Credits
Photos Protection of Civilians (PAX); SSANSA; AMA; al-Amal Association
Images Protection of Civilians (PAX); Microsoft Office Word (icons)
Text Erin Bijl / Protection of Civilians (PAX)
Composition Erin Bijl
The Human Security Survey is made possible through the generous support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Images Protection of Civilians (PAX); Microsoft Office Word (icons)
Text Erin Bijl / Protection of Civilians (PAX)
Composition Erin Bijl
The Human Security Survey is made possible through the generous support of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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The Human Security Survey
Origins and Objectives
Where & What?
The HSS in Practice
The HSS Cycle
Enumerator Training
The HSS Questionnaire and Findings
Infosheet HSS Basra, Iraq
Follow-Up On the HSS
Community Dialogue
Want to learn more about the HSS?
Credits