21 October 2022 | UNDSS Comms
Sabir Mughal is the Chief Security Adviser in Ukraine since 2020. Before joining the United Nations over 25 years ago, he served as a police officer in Pakistan where he was deployed to various UN missions including Namibia and Cambodia. He tells us about his Ukraine crisis experience being part of the UNDSS team on the ground. I either follow war or war follows me, he says lightly.
As the Chief Security Advisor (CSA) in Ukraine, what are some of your day-to-day tasks in the Ukraine operation?
I not only lead the UNDSS team on the ground, but I also spearhead collaboration with other UN agencies, funds and programmes operating in the country. I also take part in different interagency network meetings to co-plan and co-implement humanitarian missions and high-level visits in Ukraine.
How did UNDSS support the UN mission to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant?
This was a one-of-a-kind mission supported by UNDSS team in Ukraine. You do not get these kinds of missions very often in an extra ordinary challenging security environment. This is because the mission was in proximity to an active war zone. In case of any significant incident to the plant, the effect would have been catastrophic. As such, we developed a comprehensive operational plan in coordination with UNDSS headquarters to ensure a successful mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Through UNDSS’ courage, professionalism, and commitment, we managed to cross frontlines safely, amid the fighting.
How did the USAID funding strengthen your response capacity in Ukraine?
I will say that this is one of the major contributions from an external partner that has bolstered our emergency operation in Ukraine. The funding came at the right time when we needed more capacity, operational equipment, and human resources to cover all humanitarian hubs within the country. The funding to UNDSS has enabled a scaled up implementation of humanitarian activities by UN and its partners within acceptable risk levels.
How do you handle high-tension moments and remain alert?
I can tell you one thing. When I was in Syria as a CSA in 2012 to 2015, the continued armed conflict made our lives very rough. On one occasion, the then Under Secretary General for UNDSS Kevin Kennedy visited. As we were talking about operational activities, he told me, “Sabir, in this situation you got to have your rhino skin on.” This meant, keeping yourself intact, tough, and calm while prioritizing what is the most critical while enabling programs in such an evolving and extreme security environment. Neutralize pressure and unnecessary things and focus on what is most important.
What is your most memorable moment in the Ukraine response?
The period between 20th February and 3rd March 2022 when we had to evacuate and relocate staff and their dependents across the country. We had to arrange several convoys and with the cooperation from members of the Security Cell, UNDSS managed to relocate UN personnel and their dependents to safer areas. Most significantly, when relocating from Kyiv, we had more than 150 vehicles joining the UN convoy to safer areas including non-governmental organizations and others. It was not easy to manage such a big number of vehicles amid the high tension, closure of various routes to and from Kyiv and constant fighting in nearby areas.
What words of advice do you give your team during high-risk operations?
I continuously remind my team that we are in the middle of a very stressful and tense situation and it’s not possible to do everything that we may want to do. As a result, we must prioritize what is practically possible within our available resources. Also, the team has effectively managed to put emotions aside and focus on the key priority at hand: safety and security of the UN staff members, their dependents and enabling UN operational activities.
Any words of advice to future senior security professionals when they find themselves in a similar situation like you, in an active conflict zone?
Finding yourself in such a situation can initially be very daunting. After all, as a security professional, your mission is to protect others – but keep in mind you can only do so if you also protect yourself. I don’t only mean physically. It is equally important to preserve your general state of mind to keep your wits about you. Have confidence in your acquired skills and knowledge. I urge all upcoming security professionals to never panic and always remain level-headed despite the high-stress levels that come with active conflict. I am cognizant that it is easier said than done. Nevertheless, in most cases, you may have limited time and resources and are under pressure to make critical decisions. But each crisis presents unique challenges and opportunities in equal measures. However, building good working relationships and partnerships with other UN agencies, funds and programmes is paramount.