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UNDSS' Emergency Response Team provides flexible, cross-functional support across security, analysis, planning and coordination, and logistics to assist field operations during emergencies. UNDSS / Chris Kariyo

Who we are

As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) worldwide. Present in 131 countries where UN operates, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing resources.

Our Mission

We enable United Nations system operations through trusted security leadership and solutions.

Our Vision

Security for the UN, for a better world.

Understanding UN Security

The United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) enables the activities of UNSMS organizations within acceptable levels of security risk. The UNSMS unites over 50 member organizations, with a primary objective of facilitating the operations of these entities while maintaining an acceptable level of security. Fifteen of these members serve as key decision-makers within the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), which is an integral part of the UNSMS. Within this framework, the UNSMS plays a pivotal role in guiding, supporting, and acting as recipients of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) services.

 

 

 

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Gilles Michaud, Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security, briefs the Security Council meeting on protection of civilians in armed conflict. UN Photo / Manuel Elías

Mister President, Members of the Security Council, In March of this year in Goma, a drone hit a home, killing a UNICEF colleague. In November 2025, a Haitian colleague working for WHO was killed in Port au Prince in an attempted kidnapping. In May of 2024, in Gaza, a tank fired at a UNDSS vehicle, killing one of our colleagues and severely injuring another.

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Behind Every UN Operation

 

United Nations Security Explained 2