Building Resilience Beyond Security: Archer International Recognised with ICoCA Responsible Security Award 2025
At Archer International, we have always believed that responsible security extends far beyond protecting people and assets. In fragile and conflict-affected environments, security providers have a responsibility to support the communities in which they operate, uphold human rights, and enable humanitarian organisations to continue delivering essential services.
We are therefore proud to announce that Archer International has been recognised by the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) as a recipient of the 2025 Responsible Security Award, an initiative supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Our award-winning case study, Building Resilience Amid Flooding and Conflict, highlights our work in Fangak County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, and demonstrates how responsible private security can make a positive contribution in some of the world's most complex humanitarian environments.
Operating in One of the World's Most Challenging Environments
Fangak County presents extraordinary operational challenges. Every year, seasonal flooding inundates vast areas of the county, cutting off communities for months at a time and leaving many locations accessible only by boat or air. Combined with recurring conflict, limited infrastructure and significant humanitarian needs, organisations operating in Fangak must constantly adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
For security providers, these challenges cannot be addressed through traditional security measures alone. Success depends on understanding the local context, building trusted relationships and working collaboratively with communities, humanitarian partners and local authorities.
Security Through Partnership
At Archer, we view security as an enabler of humanitarian operations rather than simply a protective function.
Over several years of operating in Fangak, our teams have worked alongside local communities to strengthen resilience and improve safety. This has included supporting community-led dyke construction to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding, delivering practical health and safety training, investing in local employment opportunities and adapting operational procedures to reflect the realities of the local environment.
Equally important has been our commitment to staff welfare. By ensuring our personnel are properly trained, supported and equipped to operate in demanding environments, we help create safer conditions for both our employees and the communities they serve.
This community-centred approach has enabled Archer to build long-term trust while supporting humanitarian organisations in maintaining access to vulnerable populations.
Responsible Security in Practice
As an ICoCA Certified Member, Archer is committed to the principles of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.
Our approach is founded on four core principles:
Respect for Human Rights – embedding human rights considerations into every aspect of our operations.
Community Engagement – recruiting locally wherever possible and building genuine partnerships with communities.
Professional Standards – investing in internationally accredited training, robust procedures and continuous improvement.
Staff Welfare – ensuring our personnel are trained, supported and able to operate safely and ethically in complex environments.
These principles are not simply policies—they guide how we deliver security every day across South Sudan.
Supporting a Just Transition
Our work in Fangak directly reflects the theme of the 2025 ICoCA Responsible Security Awards: Strategic Goal 3 – Just Transition.
A just transition recognises that sustainable development must be fair, inclusive and community-focused. For responsible security providers, this means creating decent employment opportunities, supporting local resilience, respecting human rights and ensuring that security contributes positively to long-term social and economic stability.
We are honoured that our work has been recognised as an example of these principles in action.
Field Notes from the Front Line
Alongside the case study, Archer also features in ICoCA's podcast series, Field Notes from the Front Line.
In the episode, John Davies, Director of Sustainability, Quentin Otieno, Training Manager, and Gideon Iranya, Field Operations, discuss their experiences of operating in Fangak County. The conversation explores how community engagement, human rights due diligence, local partnerships and staff welfare have shaped Archer's approach to responsible security in one of the world's most challenging environments.
The podcast offers practical insights into how responsible private security can support humanitarian operations while strengthening resilience within local communities.
Looking Ahead
Receiving the ICoCA Responsible Security Award is an important milestone for Archer International, but it also reinforces our ongoing commitment.
As security risks continue to evolve alongside climate change, conflict and humanitarian crises, we believe responsible security providers have an increasingly important role to play. By working in partnership with communities, investing in our people and upholding the highest ethical standards, we can help create safer environments that enable organisations to deliver their vital work.
We would like to thank ICoCA, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), our humanitarian partners, and above all, our dedicated teams across South Sudan whose professionalism, integrity and commitment made this recognition possible.
Learn More
Read the award-winning case study:
https://icoca.ch/case-studies/building-resilience-amid-flooding-and-conflict/
Listen to the Field Notes from the Front Line podcast:
https://icoca.podbean.com/e/archer-strengthening-community-amid-flooding-and-environmental-challenges/