Saferworld

Who we are

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work with local people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and conduct wider research and analysis. We use this evidence and learning to improve local, national and international policies and practices that can help build lasting peace. Our priority is people – we believe that everyone should be able to lead peaceful, fulfilling lives, free from insecurity and violent conflict. We are a not-for-profit organisation with programmes in nearly 20 countries and territories across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

Our culture and values

Our vision

A just and peaceful world, in which everyone enjoys the rights and freedom to live and thrive with dignity, free from fear and insecurity.

Our commitment

We work in solidarity with communities, civil society and partners to prevent and transform violent conflict, advocate for peace and social justice, and build safer lives.

Peace conditions

We believe there are essential conditions necessary for peace to become the norm. We work to create environments where the following three ‘peace conditions’ are in place:

• People have the freedom and resources to work together to transform conflict and hold authorities to account.
• People have access to fair and effective paths to address the grievances and inequalities that drive conflict.
• People and institutions with influence use their power and resources to promote justice, peace and equality for all.

We value and embrace the differences and multiple identities implied in the word ‘people’, and know that peace can only be achieved and sustained by removing structural inequality in all its forms.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Saferworld recognises that the international aid system has been fundamentally shaped by colonialism, and that institutional racism exists within our sector. We also recognise that international organisations often reproduce and reinforce inequality through their core structures and internal systems, and that the highest level of accountability for dismantling institutionalised racism sits with senior leadership. We acknowledge and aim to examine our own power and privilege as an international organisation to help change these flawed systems.

Our approach presents a unique and forward-thinking way that looks at Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Anti-racism and Solidarity (IDEAS), which goes beyond our internal scope and looks at commitments around external facing programming. We have made commitments that embed decolonial practices in areas such as Advocacy, Communication and Partnerships. Our aim is that our IDEAS principles are reflected both in how we operate internally and, in our impact, externally.  

At Saferworld, everyone has a responsibility to help create an environment where social, political and cultural differences are respected; where inclusion, diversity and equality are promoted; and where racism and other forms of discrimination will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly. We are fully committed to creating a workplace where everyone can be their true self, and can feel valued and understood for who they are and what makes them unique.

To realise this vision, we need to understand and address dynamics of power and privilege within our organisation, as well as commit to institutional changes. In 2021 we consulted our staff and developed a strategy of action and accountability for Inclusion, Diversity, Equality, Anti-racism and Solidarity. This strategy focuses on five areas:

• organisational culture 
• decision-making, governance and human resources 
• resource allocation 
• communication, representation and advocacy 
• monitoring, accountability and learning