There is no security without collaboration. That principle lies at the core of the Saving Lives Together (SLT) framework, bringing together the United Nations, national and international NGOs, and humanitarian partners to strengthen security across some of the world¡¯s most volatile environments.
In Afghanistan, implementing the SLT framework has long been a priority for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS. In recent years, financial constraints affecting the humanitarian and development community, combined with changes in the diplomatic landscape, created new challenges for humanitarian coordination. As some traditional SLT partners reduced their presence, the organizations that remained strengthened their collaboration, overcoming longstanding barriers to build more effective collective security arrangements.
Thanks to the PSA Afghanistan¡¯s early engagement with donors and their recognition of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS¡¯s added value in enabling risk informed decisions for safe delivery of assistance to communities in need, support from the European Union through ECHO has allowed dedicated SLT personnel to strengthen security collaboration with humanitarian partners across Afghanistan. The impact of this support is felt on a day-to-day basis.
A key breakthrough has been the creation of dedicated emergency communication channels for SLT partner organizations. Through the SLT hotline, as well as direct contact with SLT focal points whose numbers also serve as 24-hour support lines, partners can quickly seek advice, share concerns, and activate coordinated support when needed. On average, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS receives around 10 enquiries or calls per week through these channels, with volumes increasing significantly during periods of heightened crisis.
Information?sharing has?also?received a major upgrade;?Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS?launched?a dedicated incident database for SLT partners,?strengthening?trend analysis, feeding directly into the 2025 Annual Overview of Security Incidents, and?providing?partners?with sharper?understanding?of emerging threats so they can?adapt their operations?before?risks escalate.??
Beyond these efforts, more initiatives are being rolled out across Afghanistan, including improved field preparedness through trainings and joint risk assessments involving more than 200 partners. The progress has also reinforced donor confidence, helping sustain investment in Afghanistan¡¯s collaborative security model.
The experience in Afghanistan demonstrates that the strongest security arrangements are built before an incident occurs. It is the trust, relationships, and coordination established long before a crisis that enable humanitarian organizations to continue delivering assistance when it matters most.