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Back to TopicsHuman 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.
