TASK FORCE ON IPA ATTITUDE TO WORKING IN, AND SUPPORTING ANALYSTS IN, DANGEROUS AREAS

Background

The IPA is present in many countries around the world through its Component and Provisional Societies, Study Groups, Direct Members, Training Institutes, etc.

Political situations can change and deteriorate quickly (e.g. due to a change of regime, war, natural disasters, etc) and a particular jurisdiction can suddenly become very dangerous in general, or more specially for psychoanalysts working locally (or for analysts who intend to visit them for teaching or other purposes).

When difficult situations arise, it is often left to the IPA officers to decide on a case by case basis how the IPA will react. Often, the only possibility is to suspend contacts and to ask liaising analysts to refrain from travelling in the affected areas for a particular span of time, or on a more permanent basis.

The Task Force on IPA Attitude to Working In, and Supporting Analysts In, Dangerous Areas has been created to study the complexity of alternative ways of reacting to and dealing with different types of events, in light of what has been done in the past. It will report to the Board and make recommendations at the end of its two-year period of work.

Mandate

1. To outline and categorise the types of situations that could be encountered, and to recommend potential responses in the different scenarios.
2. To consider the types of information that might be communicated in different scenarios via the IPA's website, social media, and other channels.
3. To consider potential measures that could enhance analysts' security when visiting dangerous areas.
4. To outline potential means to assist analysts in the affected areas, and to consider progressive means for sustaining (or re-establishing) connections in ways that do not endanger local analysts.
5. To consult with experts on specific issues as needed. .

Ways of working and reporting

The Task Force on IPA Attitude to Working In, and Supporting Analysts In, Dangerous Areas will be expected to do most of its work electronically, using Skype, GoToMeeting, or other free-to-use communication systems. The Task Force, like all IPA committees, will be expected to be self-supporting for secretarial and other purposes. It will have access to the web and email support services offered by the IPA.

Any face-to-face meetings should take place, so far as possible, adjacent to IPA or regional congresses. The Chair of the Task Force will provide a written report to the Board at least annually.

Terms

The Task Force is formed for a two-year period, and at the end of this period it will make a report to the Board containing any final recommendations. The members of the Task Force will be appointed in the usual way, by the President of the IPA and with the consent of the Board of Representatives.

Composition of the committee

The Task Force will consist of a Chair, plus one member from each Region. The Task Force may request the appointment of Consultants to advise on specific issues as needed (Consultants will not be funded to attend in-person meetings).

Budget

The Task Force will propose a budget during the annual IPA budget cycle.

Board approved in principle January 2017; mandate approved by the Executive Committee April 2017