Afghanistan has entered a period of transition as International Military Forces (IMF) prepare themselves for departure and Afghan factions, on both the Government and the opposition sides, prepare themselves, and their country, for what comes after. However, we are not there yet and the intermediate period (2012 to 2014) is characterised by a far more volatile palate of risks. While Armed Opposition Groups (AOG) attack volumes retracted by 41% in the first four months of 2012 compared to 2011 - a dynamic largely driven by less kinetic activity in the South - the risk of NGO exposure to conflict engagements and criminality remains high as illustrated by 57 incidents impacting NGOs in the first four months of 2012 alone.

To assist humanitarian and development organizations in fulfilling their own mandates through the provision of essential security cooperation and information services.

To provide dedicated safety and security services to NGOs working in Afghanistan which improve their understanding of the operational environment and security management practices. Outcomes:

1. Information, Analysis and Advice – Credible and reliable security information, analysis and advice is provided to NGOs.
2. Security Related Emergency Preparedness and Response – NGOs are assisted in emer¬gency management and preparedness.
3. NGO Capacity Development – NGOs are assisted in understanding and improving their own safety and security management capacity.

International NGO Safety Organisation INSO INSO is an international NGO, registered in England & Wales as well as in Afghanistan. As of 2011 ANSO is recognized by the Afghan Ministry of Economy as a project of INSO

284 NGOs. This number reflects the overall number of NGOs currently registered for ANSO services in the internal ANSO Registration Database and is subject to change. The figure of 284 encompasses the vast majority of established international and national NGOs operating in Afghanistan. This figure does not represent the registration of the ICRC and UNDSS, the latter of which is registered as a key interlocutor under the Saving Lives Together Framework. The NGO must be registered with the Afghan Ministry of Economy. Registration with ANSO requires submission of the certificate and a cover letter. ANSO requests the NGO recipients to adhere to a Code of Conduct, which INSO applies globally, and which stipulates the rights and responsibili¬ties and the confidentiality rules among ANSO and the service recipients.

In general, the services were delivered as per set targets. The change from project to Institution (founding INSO) led to gaps in the NGO Directors briefings during 2011. - Increased longevity of regional staff in-situ allows greater depth in the analysis provided. The report is also now archived on the ANSO website (www.ngosafety.org) 60 days after publication. ANSO provided emergency-specific assistance, primarily involving advising, liaison, and facilitating communication and contact during 11 different circumstances countrywide.