The Department of Safety and Security is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most efficient conduct of the programmes and activities of the United Nations System.

In January 2000, the Office of the United Nations Security Coordinator (UNSECOORD) established its presence in the Russian Federation. On 23 December 2004 it was renamed as UNDSS.

In the Russian Federation, UNDSS maintains an office in Moscow, and sub-office in Vladikavkaz (Republic of North Ossetia-Alania). The primary geographic area of concern within the Russian Federation with respect to UN safety and security is the North Caucasus.

UNDSS maintains 24 hour operational radio room in Vladikavkaz that offer communications support to UN operations in the North Caucasus. Regular liaison and close contact between UNDSS and local law enforcement, police and security officials has further supported the UN and its partners’ ability to conduct their operations in a secured environment.

UNDSS in the Russian Federation is headed by the Chief Security Adviser and the North Caucasus operations are headed by the FSCO supported by his two Deputy FSCOs and a team of locally recruited Security Assistants, Transport Coordinator, Radio Operators and other support staff.

While the primary responsibility for the safety and security of UN staff and their eligible dependants rests with the host government, UNDSS contributes in creating a secure environment for UN staff to operate.

Office addresses of UNDSS in the Russian Federation and contact details:

• Moscow
  Address: 9, Leontievsky pereulok, Moscow, 125003
  Tel: +7 (495) 981 3756
  Fax: +7 (495) 981 3758
• Vladikavkaz (Republic of North Ossetia-Alania)
  Address: 5, Stanislavskogo Street, Vladikavkaz, 362040
  Tel: +7 (8672) 54-60-95; +7 (8672) 54-60-96
  Fax: +7 (8672) 54-60-97