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Human Security Survey

The Human Security Survey (HSS) is a survey methodology developed by PAX’s Protection of Civilians department to expand civilians’ voice and agency on protection issues. The HSS is currently implemented in Iraq and South Sudan.

About the Human Security Survey

Through the Human Security Survey, civilians who are living in conflict have greater voice and agency on the protection issues that affect them personally. Using the data from the HSS, security policies and their implementations will be better tailored to local needs, priorities and capacities. To achieve this goal, PAX and its partners conduct large-scale quantitative research in conflict areas.

The HSS covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of security threats facing civilians, the impact of these experiences on their daily lives and civilians’ expectations for the future. We then bring the research findings back to local communities to create opportunities for dialogue about civilian security priorities with key authorities from local government, security forces, religious and social institutions, local armed groups and civil society.

At the international level, the HSS is used to influence the policy making efforts of diplomats and troop contributors active in these environments by providing first-hand information about the realities of conflict-affected populations. By continuing the survey over multiple years, PAX and its partners track trends and work towards 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.

Photo: PAX

Human Security Survey

We developed the Human Security Survey (HSS) to expand the voice of civilians and their agency about protection issues. Using the data gathered with the HSS, security policies and their implementations will be better tailored to local needs.

Human Security Survey in Iraq
In Iraq, every year our partners interview at least 650 civilians per governorate to gather deeper insights into their protection needs. Using these findings, we engage communities and authorities in dialogue about how to make security strategies more civilian-centered. The HSS is implemented in four governorates in Iraq with three partners.

Human Security Survey in South Sudan
The Human Security Survey is implemented in five states in South Sudan, together with two local partners. Data is collected both through one-on-one interviews and constructive dialogue between civilians and authorities. Local community security committees follow up on key recommendations.

Human Security Survey in Iraq

Human Security Survey in South Sudan

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HSS 2016-2022: Trend analysis of Payinjiar County (Unity), South Sudan

Since surveying in Payinjiar, Unity State, South Sudan, commenced in 2017, the general security perceptions of the local communities have improved. This document presents the main findings of the HSS in Payinjiar County from 2016 to 2022, as well as trend analysis and recommendations for security actors. This document presents the main findings of the Human Security Survey in Payinjiar County (Unity) from 2016 to 2022, as well as trend analysis and recommendations for security actors.

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HSS 2023: Data summary from Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan
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HSS 2018-2023: Trend analysis of Basra, Iraq (English)
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HSS 2023: Data summary from Basra, Iraq (Arabic)
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HSS 2022: Summary findings from Central Equatoria State, South Sudan
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HSS 2023: Data summary from Diyala, Iraq (English)
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HSS 2023: Data summary from Salahaddin, Iraq (English)
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HSS 2023: Data summary from Southern Unity, South Sudan
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HSS 2023: Data summary from Basra, Iraq (English)
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HSS Expert Panel Monitor: Q1-Q2 update from Greater Yirol, Lakes State, South Sudan