Safe fieldwork support for legal investigation in Madagascar
Following concerns raised by rural communities in Madagascar regarding possible environmental impacts linked to a nearby industrial site, a human rights law firm initiated legal proceedings. Healix was brought in to support the in-country discovery phase of the litigation, managing security planning and operational logistics to enable safe field access for the legal team.
Challenge
The presence of local threat actors, commercial tensions, and the remote nature of the affected communities posed significant operational and security challenges. The law firm required a secure, flexible plan that would allow their legal team to conduct field visits safely, without disrupting the investigation or compromising the safety of personnel.
Approach
Taking into account a wide variety of considerations, the Healix Africa Desk proceeded to assist with conceptualising an operational model and designing a project specific evacuation blueprint, which included Primary, Secondary and Tertiary evacuation options.
Healix also developed a robust in-country network and assessed that attaching a security detail comprised of an experienced Security Consultant and specialised Close Protection Officer to the legal delegation, was appropriate for the risk environment. Throughout the in-country discovery phase, Healix maintained continual operational oversight, receiving regular updates from the field, and ensuring seamless communication.
Outcomes
To date, the legal team has conducted regular field visits without disruption or security incidents. The operational stability has allowed the investigation to progress as planned, supporting meaningful engagement with local communities and contributing to the integrity of the evidence gathered.