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Global Interagency Security Forum

Formerly EISF
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Glossary English

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.

The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.

The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.

The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.

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enterprise risk management (ERM)

The process of identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring an array of risks across an organisation that could impact its objectives, operations, and stakeholders. Enterprise risk management (ERM) takes a more holistic approach to risk management, looking at risk strategically from the perspective of the entire organisation.
Related terms: security risk management
Source: Security Risk Management (SRM) Strategy and Policy Development: A Cross-Functional Guide, GISF
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ethnicity

A term that ascribes individuals to a certain group that share elements including a language, religion, tribe, history, but also a culture and an ancestral territory. It is important to remember that the criteria included in ‘ethnicity’ can vary and that the boundaries between ethnic groups can be blurred.
Related terms: nationality , race , racism
Source: Toward Inclusive Security: the impact of 'race', ethnicity and nationality on aid workers' security, GISF
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explosive remnants of war (ERW)

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) and abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO) left behind after an armed conflict. ERW include unexploded bombs, shells, grenades, landmines, and other explosive devices.
Related terms: abandoned explosive ordnance (AXO) , explosive , improvised explosive device (IED) , unexploded ordnance (UXO)
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extrajudicial killing

The unlawful and deliberate killing of individuals by government authorities or other actors without the sanction of any judicial proceeding or legal process. Such arbitrary deprivations of life, which can also be carried out by militias, death squads or other non-state actors, often target political opponents, activists, or marginalized groups.
Source: OMCT World Organisation Against Torture
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