Load low-bandwidth site?
Help

Global Interagency Security Forum

Formerly EISF
Member and associate login Member chat

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.

Choose language
english flag English
english flag English
spanish flag Español
french flag Français
arabic flag عربي
N

natural disaster

A naturally occurring physical phenomena that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community and that exceeds its capacity to cope using its own resources. Natural disasters may include earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, damage producing storms (hail, flash floods, etc.), floods, tsunamis, etc.
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Show translations
Hide translations

near miss

An event that could have resulted in harm, damage or loss to the organisation, its staff, assets, programmes, or reputation, or had the potential to result in more serious impacts (also referred to as near hit or close call). Near miss incidents must also be reported and investigated as they may prevent others from being involved and help to understand how the security context is changing.
Source: Security Incident Information Management (SIIM) Handbook, GISF
Show translations
Hide translations

non-state armed group (NSAG)

Any organised armed group with a basic structure of command operating outside state control that uses force to achieve its political or ideological objectives. Alternative terms include armed opposition group (AOG), armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDA), armed non-state actors (ANSA), or organised armed groups. NSAG is a broad category for groups with varying goals, structures, doctrines, funding sources, military capacity, and degree of territorial control.
Source: Geneva Call
Show translations
Hide translations