“Ideally, the organization’s management should serve not only as a helper but, first and foremost, as the initiator of all security processes within the organization, because management fully understands the risks and consequences and has the authority to allocate resources and enforce rules.”
- How is the responsibility for security and risk management balanced between management and staff members? What are the obstacles you may face in setting up the risk management process, either as an individual human rights defender or working in the organisation?
Module 1 introduces the key concepts of the risk management process, highlights its cyclical nature, and explores the first two stages of the cycle. Through three video lectures, you will learn how to identify and address potential threats, explore various risk response strategies, and understand the roles and responsibilities involved in risk management. By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of the PROBLEM, SOLUTION, REPEAT approach, and the key management responsibilities within the risk management process.
Remember to explore all three topics of this module and the mandatory additional materials. After completion, you will be encouraged to apply your knowledge in an exercise and the Module 1 quiz.
Mandatory Resources:
| Handout: The risk management process |  |
| Handout: The risk matrix |  |
| Handout: Risk response strategies |  |
| Exercise template: The risk management process |  |
Recommended Resources:
| 📄 Starlight Stadium: Episode 2, Scene 2 |
| 📄 Workbook on Security: Practical Steps for Human Rights Defenders at Risk, Front Line Defenders |
| 📄 The Security Risk Assessment Tool, Open Briefing |
For additional resources on security and safety, feel free to also explore our Repository of Tools.
Please note that the recommended external resources listed are not managed by FreedomLab. Please exercise caution when reviewing them.