I'm not sure there is a consistent set of training for volunteers who work for NGO's, church groups, humanitarian organizations, and medical groups. The standards and training very tremendously. This topic was recently discussed on a separate forum that is aimed at security professionals.
Most of the people there have experienced a lot of frustration with the NGO's and have largely given up on them. The security folks think that it's a real shame that volunteers from the NGO's might be seized and taken as hostages, but it almost inevitable. The root of the problem is that NGO's do not want to spend a significant part of their budget for improved security (since most of that budget comes from donations), and in addition they do not want armed guards to be visible around their operations (since this is an image conflict with their humanitarian work).
Interesting. Do you have a direct link to the forum thread?
Also it is not that they do not want to spend, more like they cannot afford to spend. Even if a country even allowed armed foreign guards, the prices commanded by private security contractors is horrendously expensive beyond belief.
Bingley is quite right - the few times I have spoken to volunteers of large NGO's I have found that when they got "training" it was often things like ... what to say if someone kidnaps you. Personally, it's more than a little alarming.
Through my SO, I have met and talked with aid workers many of times over the last 20 years and I can tell you from personal discussions with them that the above is not the norm and without the full context of your talks with them, is hard to believe.
I would rather see these groups set up proper security perimeters, post some 24-hour lookouts, and have a "rapid escape plan". Get people out of trouble, instead of coping with worst-case outcomes.
You have to remember that these aid groups do not have the manpower or resources to have 24-post lookouts etc. For the most part, any security issues that may occur such as what is going on South Sudan right now is beyond any aid group to defend against. As for the rapid escape plan, yes many have E&E plans but is the very last of the last resorts as no aid group can readily resist and outrun armed militia of any political stripe.
One thing that all these volunteers can do is to carry some sort of locator beacon or tracking beacon - so they could be found if there is an emergency. The single biggest thing that stops them from being rescued is that it is impossible to locate the kidnappers in a short period of time.
Most aid groups have some form of modern communications such as SAT phones etc. Keep in mind that if an aid group runs into trouble in an African desert hell hole and even if they have a SAT phone, they may get a chance to use it but they should never expect a SAR chopper or a US Marine Expeditionary Force coming to their rescue. It is just not that easy, logistically nor politically.
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