In December, the Peace Corps made the decision to suspend operations in Honduras due to safety concerns. As a result of this decision and the surrounding media coverage, volunteers and their families have approached us with questions and concerns regarding safety in Honduras. On December 23, we released this statement outlining our extensive safety protocols. We would like to take this opportunity to further discuss safety concerns and to explain how Global Brigades operates differently from the Peace Corps.
Global Brigades began operations in Honduras in 2004 and safety has always been our number one concern. We have had over 12,000 volunteers participate in our programs without a single incident related to an act of violence or kidnapping against our groups. We cannot guarantee safety, as there is always some risk in the nature of travel in general, but we have an outstanding track record and extensive safety protocols in place. We are continuously monitoring the safety situation on the ground in Honduras and are working closely with our Honduran security personnel, our staff, and our Research and Evaluation team to do all that is possible so that all volunteers have a safe Brigade experience.
As it relates to the Peace Corps decision, though the core mission and vision of Global Brigades and the Peace Corps are similar, the ways in which Global Brigades programs are structured are very different in terms of the participant experience.
Peace Corps volunteers have a specific job to perform within International Development work, and are in the same location for an extended period of time. The Peace Corps volunteers experience complete cultural immersion by living like locals. They use public transportation, travel independently, and do not have constant security personnel support.
In comparison, when Global Brigades volunteers arrive, they are met at the airport by Global Brigades Staff members and security personnel and are taken out of the city, directly to the secure and monitored Global Brigades accommodations. Global Brigades volunteers will not use public transportation, will not be alone, and will not be put in situations in which their safety is in jeopardy.
Global Brigades utilizes its very strong relationships with Honduran Military and National Police. These entities are supportive of our volunteer activities and we’ve worked together successfully for years to ensure a safe environment for all brigaders. These relationships allow each Brigade group to have around-the-clock security personnel present – both in the community during the day and at the dormitory each night. Unlike Peace Corps volunteers, every Brigade group is accompanied by a police officer, while larger brigades are accompanied by 1-3 military soldiers (in addition to a police officer) to serve as an extra security precaution and to assist with crowd control on Medical Brigades.
All of the communities where the Brigade groups work are located at least two hours outside of Tegucigalpa. Global Brigades is very thoughtful when selecting the communities where our volunteers will operate our programs. Through an extensive Research and Evaluation process, we build relationships with the community members prior to bringing volunteers to them, to be certain that the Brigades will operate with the high standard of safety and efficiency that Global Brigades established in 2004.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Shital Chauhan, Chief Programs Officer (Health) at shital@globalbrigades.org.
