The Human Security Survey (HSS) is a survey methodology developed by PAX which includes a series of complementary activities, including population-based research, community engagement, and advocacy.
The intended purpose is threefold:
- to increase the understanding of local human security experiences, perceptions, and trends
- to enhance the ‘claim-making capacity’ of civilians to identify local protection priorities and hold security providers and authorities to account
- to inform the design and implementation of effective protection policies through evidence-based advocacy at local and international levels.
PAX currently implements the HSS in Iraq and South Sudan.
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Theory
The theory underlying the HSS is that by expanding the voice and agency of civilians on the protection issues that affect them every day, security policies and how they are implemented will be more reflective of and responsive to local needs, priorities, and capacities. In order to achieve this, the HSS generates both data outputs and dialogue. PAX and its partners conduct large-scale quantitative research i.a. about the nature of security threats facing civilians, the impact this has on their daily lives, their perceptions related to vulnerability, and their expectations for the future. We then bring the research findings back to local communities to create or leverage opportunities for regular people to engage in constructive dialogue with key authorities from local government, security forces, religious and social institutions, local armed groups, and civil society about civilian security priorities.
At the international level, the HSS also provides a means of influencing the policymaking efforts of diplomats and troop contributors active in these environments by providing valuable first-hand information about the realities facing conflict-affected populations. By continuing this cycle over multiple years, PAX and its partners can track trends and work to effect more sustainable change. The survey itself is therefore best seen as a means to an end, with the ultimate aim to facilitate more effective protection of civilians in the contexts in which we work.
HSS in South Sudan
Here are some details about the HSS in South Sudan (as of November 2021):
- PAX works in close collaboration with local partners, such as the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms (SSANSA), the Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA), and the Justice and Peace Commission – Catholic Diocese of Torit (JPC-CDoT);
- Surveys were conducted across South Sudan in: Jonglei (2017; 2018; 2020; 2021), (Eastern) Lakes (2017; 2018; 2020), Unity (2017; 2018; 2020-2021), Jubek / Central Equatoria (2017; 2018; 2020-2021); and Eastern Equatoria (2020-2021).
- So far, around 6200 respondents have shared with us their experiences, perceptions, and hopes for the future;
- We trained 130 enumerators and supervisors to serve on our data collection teams, and will continue to deepen their skills through more coaching and training in subsequent survey rounds. Participants receive extensive instruction in research ethics, listening skills, gender sensitivity, and digital security best practices, as well as in the technical aspects of the HSS methodology;
- In all years, community security dialogues were organized in all locations to present the initial survey findings, and subsequently have a dialogue with local community stakeholders about security issues that warrant follow-up;
- In all locations, a Community Security Committee (COMSECOM) is continuously working on issues and priorities identified during the community security dialogues. It is the COMSECOM’s primary task to develop an action plan on the identified priorities, and subsequently organize campaigns and other activities directed at working on these priorities;
- In 2022, we will return to all locations for a new round of surveys and community engagement, while hoping to expand to other areas when funding and security allow.
Learn more about the data collected in South Sudan by visiting the HSS Dashboard.
See also: Human Security Survey in Iraq
Learn more about the Human Security Survey and PAX’s Protection of Civilians work.
Contact
Anton Quist, quist@paxforpeace.nl