A recent study released by the global organization for the safety of NGOs, known as the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO), has highlighted a significant concern for the safety of those involved in humanitarian missions, recording over the last year a total of 60 kidnapping incidents involving 146 staff members from various NGOs spread across 15 different countries. Operating in unstable regions, particularly those prone to conflict, represents a constant challenge for NGOs, who work to assist the most vulnerable communities. To counter these dangers, INSO is dedicated to detailed analysis of industry-relevant data and provides proactive support to organizations on the ground, including alerts, strategic meetings and coordination in emergency situations. Among the various threats, kidnappings of personnel emerge as the most frequent. Throughout 2023, INSO documented 60 cases, affecting 146 individuals in 15 countries, showing a slight decrease compared to previous years. Interestingly, almost half of these incidents involved local NGO staff. The Sahel region has shown an increase in kidnappings over the years, with a particularly critical situation in 2021 and 2022. However, in 2023, there was a reduction in such incidents, attributed more to a contraction in humanitarian activities than to a improvement of safety conditions. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) still stands out as a particularly at-risk area, with almost a third of seizures reported. Many of these crimes are motivated by profit, but there have also been cases where NGO staff have been targeted in retaliation or to influence public opinion. In particular, groups such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS) in Nigeria and around Lake Chad have shown targeted hostility towards NGOs. Cases of targeted kidnappings to influence or punish have also occurred in Cameroon. The data shows that armed groups are the main perpetrators of kidnappings, although they recorded a decline in 2023. For the foreseeable future, particular attention is recommended in five countries, including Mali, Haiti, DRC, Cameroon and Burkina Faso, identified as hot spots high risk. NGOs are urged to intensify monitoring and analysis of these incidents to strengthen safety plans and establish clear guidelines for staff in the most dangerous areas. Access to INSO’s CHDC is promoted as a key resource to inform informed decisions and risk mitigation strategies.
