Reducing  the  threat of explosive hazards in A'zaz and Al Bab through Risk Education, Contamination Impact Survey and Casualty Survey. Under this project, three teams will work to reduce the impact that ERW have on communities in A’zaz and Al Bab through Risk Education, Contamination Impact Survey and Casualty Survey.

Working with implementing partner Shafak, HALO will train three existing Risk Education teams (two of which were based in Eastern Ghouta prior to relocation in early 2018) to conduct additional Contamination Impact and Casualty Survey activities. The teams will operate in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps and host communities in A’zaz and Al Bab with emphasis on targeting groups who are particularly vulnerable to explosive hazards such as ‘people on the move’ and children. 

Each team will comprise five team members one team leader, one deputy team leader and three team members. All team members will be trained by HALO in Risk Education, Contamination Impact Survey and Casualty Survey. 

Risk Education will be conducted in IDP camps and host communities. Whilst the sessions will be open to all community members, the teams will be placing particular emphasis on reaching those who are most at risk of accident, including children, young men and IDPs who may not be familiar with the type of threat present in the area. The sessions will be held in both schools and community spaces. The teams will also distribute flyers and posters with Risk Education messaging to reach the wider community. 

To better understand the threat that explosive hazards pose in the area, HALO will also conduct systematic Contamination Impact Survey. Under this activity, the teams will visit communities and identify the type and level of contamination present. This information will be collected on an existing HALO ERW database and be used to create maps and identify areas of highest priority for Risk Education and future ERW clearance. 

Additionally, the teams will collect information about accidents and accident victims through Casualty Survey activities. To do this, the teams will visit local hospitals and medical centres who will direct them toward victims, or the families of victims who are willing to share information about accidents. The team members will be trained to conduct comprehensive victim interviews. Information collected through Casualty Survey will be used in several ways firstly, it will be used by HALO to map areas with high rates of accident, indicating areas of high priority. Secondly, it will provide a better understanding of how and why accidents are occurring, enabling HALO, and other actors, to better tailor Risk Education and victim assistance activities. Finally, with permission, collected data will be shared with other humanitarian actors providing rehabilitation or medical care for follow-up assistance. 

A referral mechanism will be established whereby those who are identified as being particularly vulnerable, can seek additional protection or support in accordance with international best practice for services and protection intervention. This process is already underway in the area where both HALO and Shafak have worked to develop relationships with other humanitarian actors, notably with Humanity and Inclusion.