Introduction

Human security is commonly understood as prioritizing the security of people, especially their

welfare, safety and well-being, nstead of that of states. Proponents of human security argue that

poverty, population displacement, hunger, disease, environmental degradation and social

exclusion, for example, all bear directly on human and hence global security. These kill far more

people than war, genocide and terrorism combined. Therefore, the recognition that development,

peace and security and human rights are interlinked and mutually reinforcing is considered as

being encapsulated in the concept of human security (Muguruza, 2007).

Werthes and Debiel (2006:8), propose that: human security provides a powerful ―political

leitmotif‖ for particular states and multilateral actors by fulfilling selected functions in the

process of agenda-setting, decision-making and implementation. Human security is discussed at

different scales and with reference to threats of varying scope. Moving through from broader to

narrower definitions: first, it can be treated as the security of the human species, or second, as the

security of human individuals. Third, it may focus on severe, priority threats to individuals, as

judged perhaps by mortality impacts or by the degree of felt disquiet. Fourth, the severe priority

threats are sometimes limited to freedom from want and freedom from fear‘, or fifthly, to only

the latter. More narrowly still, sixthly, some authors wish to consider only threats to individuals

brought through violence, or organised intentional violence, or, the narrowest conception yet

(MacFarlane and Khong 2006: 245-7),

The human security approach provides a new way of thinking about the range of challenges the

world faces in the 21st century and how the global community responds to them. It is a

multidimensional analytical framework that can assist the United Nations system to assess,

develop and implement integrated responses to a broad range of issues that are complex and
require the combined inputs of the United Nations system, in partnership with Governments,

non-governmental entities and communities.

The human security approach goes beyond quick responses and is prevention-oriented. By

drilling down to ascertain the real causes of challenges and by building solutions that are in

themselves sustainable and resilient, human security promotes the development of early warning

mechanisms that help to mitigate the impact of current threats and, where possible, prevent the

occurrence of future challenges.

Moreover, the human security approach recognizes that there are inherent responsibilities within

each and every society. Empowering people and their communities to articulate and respond to

their needs and those of others is crucial. Likewise, top-down norms, processes and institutions,

including the establishment of early warning mechanisms, good governance, rule of law and

social protection instruments are fundamental characteristics of the human security approach. It

brings measures into a framework that can better address complex challenges to the human

condition.

Conceptual Clarifications

Concept of Human Security

The Commission on Human Security defines Human Security as all efforts aimed to protect the

vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedoms and human fulfillment.

Human security means protecting fundamental freedoms – freedoms that are the essence of life.

It means protecting people from critical (severe) and pervasive (widespread) threats and

situations. It means using processes that build on people’s strengths and aspirations. It means

creating political, social, environmental, economic, military and cultural systems that together

give people the building blocks of survival, livelihood and dignity.” (CHS: 2003: 4).
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) defined “human security” as “security

against chronic threats such as hunger, diseases and repressions” and “protection against sudden

and harmful disruptions in everyday life”. Although the actual term “human security” was first

used by the UNDP in 1994, its origin can be traced back to earlier periods. The Clinton

administration used the term in many foreign policy speeches in 1993 and 1994. Even earlier, the

Helsinki Accords of 1975 linked state security with individual human rights (Rhoda & Howard-

Hassmann, 2011).

UNDP published its Human Development Report in the same year which contained a separate

section on human security titled Redefining Security: The Human Dimension. The report also

echoed Haq’s connotation that security is people centric rather than state centric. The report

gives a proper and clear definition security for the first time in its inception – freedom from fear

and freedom from wan giving equal weight to territories and to people. In another words the

documents says,

“Human security is a child who did not die, a disease that did not spread, a job that was not cut,

an ethnic tension that did not explode in violence, a dissident who was not silenced. Human

security is not a concern with weapons – it is a concern with human life and dignity…It is

concerned with how people live and breathe in a society, how freely they exercise their many

choices, how much access they have to market and social opportunities– and whether they live in

conflict or in peace. The report gives components of human security including:

Economic Security: an individual’s enjoyment of a basic income, either through gainful

employment or from a social safety net

Food security: an individual’s access to food via his or her assets, employment, or income
Health security: an individual’s freedom from various diseases and debilitating illnesses and his

or her access to health care

Environmental security: the integrity of land, air, and water, which make human habitation

possible

Personal security: an individual’s freedom from crime and violence, especially women and

children who are more vulnerable.

Community security: cultural dignity and to inter-community peace within which an individual

life and grow

Political security: Protection against human rights violations.

The report identifies two kinds of threats –first type is region specific localized threats which are

culturally, economically and geographically limited to that particular country or region.

According to the report this type includes threats to economic security, food security and health

security. Second type of threat is global in nature scope and impact. It will affect other countries

irrespective of national boundaries. E.g.; natural disasters, increasing international migration,

drug trafficking, environmental decay epidemics etc.

Components of Human Security

The strength and appeal of human security as an operational tool for analysis, implementation

and impact lies in the following components:

i. People-centred

By placing people at the centre of analysis and action, human security:

Attributes equal importance to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of individuals

and communities.
Enables highly localized and disaggregated analyses, thereby helping to reveal the “real”

situation of individuals and communities, and allowing for a deeper understanding of how

communities and social groups experience different types of threats and vulnerabilities.

ii. Comprehensive

Human security addresses the full range of human insecurities faced by communities including,

but not limited to, violent conflicts, extreme impoverishment, natural disasters, health

pandemics, etc., as well as their interdependencies, both across human securities and

geographically. In particular, as an operational approach, human security:

Underlines the importance of addressing the totality of conditions that impact human beings and

highlights the need to refrain from looking at people’s lives through the lens of specialized

entities or interested parties, which often results in silo- or supply-driven responses.

Addresses the root causes of threats both within and across borders, and advances

multisectoral/multi-stakeholder responses to advance integrated and prioritized solutions over the

short, medium and long run.

iii. Coherence

Coherence is needed between different interventions in order to avoid negative outcomes while

benefitting from the multiplying effects of positive interventions. To this end, human security:

Helps to ensure policy coherence and coordination across traditionally separate fields and

doctrines, and enables comprehensive and integrated solutions from the fields of development,

security, humanitarian action and human rights in an integrated manner.

Provides a practical framework for assessing positive and negative externalities of interventions

supported through policies, programmes and projects, and ensures that actions are targeted and

effective with the greatest impact possible.

iv. Contextualization

Insecurities vary significantly across countries and communities. Both their root causes and

manifestations depend on a complex interaction of local, national, regional and international

factors. Addressing peoples’ insecurities therefore always requires specification to capture

variations over time and contexts. As a universally broad and flexible approach, human security

provides a dynamic framework that:

Addresses different threats as they manifest themselves in specific contexts.

Builds on processes that are based on peoples’ own perceptions of fear and vulnerability.

Identifies the concrete insecurities and needs of populations under stress.

Enables the development of more appropriate solutions that are embedded in local realities.

Unveils mismatches between domestic and/or international policies, and helps identify priority

needs and vulnerabilities at the local level.

Captures rapidly changing international, regional and domestic developments and their effects on

different communities.

v. Partnerships and collaboration

With its emphasis on the interconnectedness of insecurities, human security requires the

development of an interconnected network of diverse stakeholders, drawing from the expertise

and resources of a wide range of actors from across the United Nations as well as the private and

public sectors at the local, national, regional and international levels.

Human security can therefore lead to the establishment of synergies and partnerships that

capitalize on the comparative advantages of each implementing organization, and help empower

individuals and communities to act on their own behalf.

vi. Emphasis on prevention

A distinctive element of human security is its focus on early prevention to minimize the impacts

of threats, to engender long-term solutions, and to build human capacities for undertaking

prevention and enhancing resilience if prevention is not feasible. In this regard, human security:

Addresses root causes of crises and their impact on human insecurities.

Emphasizes early prevention rather than late intervention, where benefits include greater cost-

effectiveness.

Encourages strategies concerned with the development of mechanisms for prevention, with the

mitigation of harmful effects when downturns occur, and, ultimately, with helping communities

to cope by becoming more resilient.

vii. Greater resilience and sustainability

Human security derives much of its strength from its dual policy framework resting upon the two

mutually reinforcing pillars of protection and empowerment. Operationalization of this

framework:

Combines top-down norms, processes and institutions, including the establishment of the rule of

law, good governance, accountability and social protection instruments, with a bottom-up focus

in which inclusive and participatory processes support the important roles of individuals and

communities as actors in defining and implementing their essential freedoms.

Helps identify gaps in existing frameworks in order to mitigate and wherever possible prevent

the impact of these deficits on broader development, peace and stability both within and across

countries.

Encourages participatory processes, reinforces peoples’ ability to act on their own behalf, and

supports local and national ownership to manage current and future challenges.

viii. Benchmarking, evaluation and assessment

By providing a comprehensive and contextual account of peoples’ concrete needs and the factors

endangering their survival, livelihood and dignity, the information obtained through such

analyses can be used in assessing existing institutional arrangements and policies as well as for

benchmarks for impact evaluation and assessment.

History of Human Security

The concept of human security emerged as part of the holistic paradigm of human development

cultivated at UNDP by former Pakistani Finance Minister Mahbub ul Haq, UNDP (1997)with

strong support from economist Amartya Sen. UNDP’s 1994 global HDR was the first major

international document to articulate human security in conceptual terms with proposals for policy

and action. Though this marked the most high-profile launching of the concept, ul Haq and

several others involved in 1994 had explored the topic at a NorthSouth Roundtable called the

‘Economics of Peace’, held in Costa Rica in January 1990.

The Roundtable produced a clear statement that the post-cold war world needed “a new concept

of global security,” with the “orientation of defence and foreign policy objectives changed from

an almost exclusive concern with military security to a broader concern for overall security of

individuals from social violence, economic distress and environmental degradation.” This would

require “attention to causes of individual insecurity and obstacles to realization of the full

potential of individuals.” The report placed these challenges in the context of the post-cold war

world along with an emphasis on reducing military spending and creating a peace dividend—to

ensure greater human development, and ease economic and environmental imbalances (UNDP,

1998d).

The 1994 global HDR argued that the concept of security has “for too long been interpreted

narrowly: as security of territory from external aggression, or as protection of national interests

in foreign policy, or as global security from a nuclear holocaust. It has been related more to

nation states than to people” (UNDP, 1999d). This narrow approach was categorically widened

to include the safety of individuals and groups from such threats as hunger, disease and political

instability; and protection from “sudden and hurtful disruptions in patterns of daily life” (UNDP,

1999d). The report went on to further identify seven core elements that—when addressed

together—reflect the basic needs of human security: economic security, food security, health

security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security

(UNDP, 2002b).

The evolution of human security also had the support of Oscar Arias, former President of Costa

Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, who linked human security with proposals for a

Global Demilitarization Fund. Designed to provide support for disarming and demobilizing

armed forces, re-integrating military personnel into society, and other measures to promote arms

control and civic education for democracy, this effort would become an integral element for

increasing human security in many countries. After 1994, the concept of human security became

a central theme of a number of governments through their foreign and defence policies. In

particular, the Canadian, Japanese and Norwegian governments led the way in institutionalizing

human security concerns into their respective foreign policies.

According to a Canadian government report, “human security means safety for people from both

violent and non-violent threats. It is a condition or state of being characterized by freedom from

pervasive threats to people’s rights, their safety, or even their lives (UNDP, 2002b). In its foreign

policy statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Japan urges states, international

organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society to work towards

eliminating threats to each and every person (UNDP, 1998c).

In 2001, the Commission on Human Security, chaired by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen and the

former UN High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata, was established to explore the

concept of human security and to make recommendations for policy. The 2003 report of the Sen-

Ogata Commission noted that human security complemented state security because its concern

was focussed on the individual and the community—whose agency and well-being represented

an integral part of state security. Achieving human security therefore included not only

protecting people but empowering people to fend for themselves. The Sen-Ogata report focused

on a variety of actors who were either insecure or faced the threat of insecurity. By devoting

chapters to people caught up in violent conflict, migrants, people recovering from violent

conflict and economic insecurity, the report aptly illustrated the endless plethora of cases and

causes of human insecurity in the post-cold war era.

Overview of the United Nations

The United Nations was born into a world emerging from the shadows of war and hitherto

unimagined destruction. The organization was founded on the ideals of peace and justice, with an

international system of law and procedures that would replace military aggression and war with

negotiation and collective security. Although the UN was fundamentally constructed around the

concept of national sovereignty, it could also be argued that, from the very start, the security of

people was of equal importance. The UN Charter’s first words state, in no uncertain terms, that:

“We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the

scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind (UNDP,

2002a)

The dominant concept of security at the time was state centric, privileging the instruments and

agents of the state, carrying forward the principles of state sovereignty as first articulated in the
Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The UN principles for security were initially focused on ways in

which the structures and practices of the modern state might address threats to its sovereignty.

These threats encompassed compromises to territorial integrity, issues surrounding political

stability, military and defence arrangements, and economic and financial activities (UNDP,

2003a). The behaviour of states was understood ‘rationally’ as the pursuit of power (UNDP,

2003a). To that extent, the security calculus was based on a zero-sum outcome, with gains on

one side coming only as a result of losses on the other.

World military expenditures rose over most of the decades after the UN was founded, prompting

a succession of proposals by member states to reduce military spending and to transfer a

proportion of the resources saved into development in developing countries. France made the

first such proposal in 1955, suggesting that 25 per cent of the resources released should be

allocated to an international fund for development. This was followed by other proposals from

the Soviet Union and Brazil. In 1973, the General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for a 10

per cent onetime reduction in the military budgets of the Permanent Members of the Security

Council—with 10 per cent of the saved sum being allocated for economic and social

development in third world countries. The UN special sessions on disarmament and development

in 1978, 1982 and 1987 all came up with similar proposals (UNDP, 2005).

With the end of the cold war and the demise of the Soviet Union by 1991, the UN’s strategy for

dealing with conflict shifted from containment to prevention. In 1992, the UN Secretary-General

issued ‘An Agenda for Peace, Peacemaking, and Peace-keeping (UNDP, 2005). Early optimism

for a more peaceful world, however, was dashed by a rising number of conflicts in developing

countries. These were overwhelmingly internal conflicts, though sometimes national groups
received external support. Most of these conflicts were outside the inter-state mold espoused by

the realists.

The causes of these conflicts were seen to be linked to nonstate and non-traditional factors such

as internal socio-political conditions, rapidly deteriorating economic conditions, environmental

threats, identity politics and powerful organized crime rings (UNDP, 1997).

The United Nations Approach to Human Security

The UNDP Human Development Report of 1994 introduces the concept of human security,

which focuses on the people (UNDP 1994: 22). The same document points out that the term

‘security’ has long been interpreted too narrowly-used in the context of “security of territory

from external aggression” and thus suggests that human security involves much more than just

the absence of conflict. This formally shifts the emphasis from state security to human security.

The report further qualifies human security as “safety from chronic threats such as hunger,

disease, and repression as well as protection from sudden and harmful disruptions in the patterns

of daily life – whether in homes, jobs or communities” (UNDP, 1994: 23).

The Commission on Human Security (CHS) was established in January 2001. The first report of

this commission, Human Security Now, was published in 2003. According to this report, the

concept of HS seeks to “protect the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human

freedoms and human fulfillment “(CHS, 2003). This report adds the Freedom to Live in Dignity

to the vital objectives of human security which thus means respecting the basic principles of

democracy, rule of law and human rights and freedoms.

The efforts and initiatives of the UN, in the development of the concept of human security, were

presented in the report A More Secure World (2004) at the UN Secretary General’s High-level

Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. It has been acknowledged that a wide range of threats
exist, that threats endangering national security and the security of individuals are connected-

and therefore there is a greater need for better cooperation in order to eliminate the

aforementioned threats, and a greater necessity for approaches that will cover both human and

national security issues (United Nations, 2004).

Un-approaching the report In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human

Rights for All (2005), Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Deprivation and Freedom to Live in

Dignity are given as the basic elements of human security. It emphasizes that security cannot be

achieved without development and that conversely, development cannot be attained without

security and neither of these can be achieved without respect of human rights. That same year,

the UN General Assembly adopted The Outcome Document of the 2005 World Summit, which

confirms in paragraph 143 (Outcome Document A / RES / 60/1) that: “all individuals, in

particular vulnerable people, are entitled to Freedom from Fear and Freedom from Want, with an

equal opportunity to enjoy their rights and fully develop their human potential” (General

Assembly, 2005).

In 2012, The General Assembly adopted UN resolution 66/290 entitled “Follow-up to paragraph

143 on human security of the 2005 World Summit Outcome.” With this resolution, human

security has been defined as “an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing

widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people.”

In accordance with this resolution the concept of human security, among other things, means:

“The right of people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair. All

individuals, in particular vulnerable people, are entitled to Freedom from Fear and Freedom from

Want, with an equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential”
(General Assembly, 2012). General Assembly resolution 66/290 was an important milestone in

the 20-year evolution of the implementation of human security within the UN system.

The importance of the concept of human security for the international community was

recognized in 1994 in the Human Development Report of the UNDP, operating in more than 150

countries. The document notes that the concept of security has long been considered as the need

to avoid conflict between states, as well as the need to protect borders, however, for each

individual person it means a sense of security, and, therefore, includes not only the need to

prevent and counter certain cataclysms , but also providing daily needs such as: employment,

health care, a clean environment etc. (Human Development Report, 1994).

In 2001, under the auspices of the UN, the Commission on Human Security was created, which

operated independently under the chairmanship of former UN High Commissioner for Refugee

Rights Sadako Ogata and 1998 Nobel Prize winner in economics Amartia Senator. The purpose

of its work was the implementation of human security at the regional and international levels

(United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, 2009). The Commission emphasized the need

to take measures to maintain human security in the following situations: protection of people

during violent armed conflicts; protecting people from the proliferation of weapons; maintaining

safety of movement; the establishment of funds for security in post-conflict situations; promotion

of trade in the interests of the poor; ensuring a minimum standard of living throughout the world;

everyone's access to basic health care; expansion of the global patent rights system; everyone's

access to education and their empowerment; the freedom of individuals to have their own

personality.

For the implementation of each of these political conclusions, joint efforts are needed – the

cooperation of subjects of state, private and civil society, which can help to clarify and develop
standards, begin integrated activities and monitor progress and effectiveness. Such efforts can

create a horizontal, cross-border source of legitimacy that complements traditional vertical

structures. Thus, human security can be a concept that links many existing initiatives

(Commission on Human Security Report, 2003). In 2003, the Commission on Human Security

ceased to exist, but following its recommendations, the Advisory Council on Human Security

was created. The main objective of his activity was to provide advice to the UNSG, as well as the

implementation of policies in the field of supporting the development of the concept of human

security (United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security, 2009). This council played an

important role in the creation in 2004 of the Human Security Unit at the UN Secretariat. Since its

inception, it has funded over 175 projects in approximately 70 countries around the world aimed

at achieving the goals set in 2003 in the Report of the Commission on Human Security.

Examples of such projects include the “Protection and return to public life of victims of

trafficking and domestic violence” (Moldova); “The safety of human (individuals and society) in

areas affected by the Chernobyl accident through the provision of information through local

channels” (Ukraine); “Enhancing the social and economic opportunities of mine-affected

societies: eliminating the threat of cluster bombs and non-disarmed facilities” (Lebanon); “The

return to normal life in society of former participants in hostilities through the formation of labor

opportunities and self-employment” (Sierra Leone) (United Nations Trust Fund for Human

Security, 2009).

Holding of the 2005 World Summit, the final document of which was enshrined in UNGA

Resolution 60/1 of September 16, 2005, has become the development of the idea of human

security. The purpose of the summit was to bring together the heads of state and government to

discuss and define the concept of “human security”. They recognized in paragraph 143 of the
2005 World Summit Outcome document that “all people, including vulnerable people, have the

right to be free from fear and need, having equal opportunities to exercise all their rights and to

fully reveal their human potential”. To this end, UN member states have agreed to continue

discussions on the term “human security”. In accordance with this document, human security is

based on the understanding that chapters retain a leading role in ensuring the survival,

livelihoods, and dignity of their citizens. The provision is an invaluable tool to assist

governments in identifying critical and pervasive threats to the security of their people and the

stability of their sovereignty. It promotes the implementation of programs and policies that

counteract and eliminate emerging threats. This helps governments and the international

community to make better use of their resources and develop strategies that strengthen the

framework for protecting and empowering, which are needed to guarantee human security and

promote peace and stability at every level – local, national, regional and international.

Based on this Resolution, taking into account the provisions of Paragraph 143 of the World

Summit Outcome Document 2005, in July 2014, the UN Human Security Group prepared a

Strategic Plan for 2014–2017 aimed at further elaboration on the concept of human security. The

document specifies the main tasks for ensuring human security as follows: mainstreaming human

security in the activities of the United Nations, which means increasing use of the human

security approach by United Nations bodies and recognition of the universality of the human

security framework and its relevance to addressing the range of highly interdependent challenges

faced by people across and within countries and regions of the world; extending of global

awareness of human security and the usage of the human security approach outside the UN

system (Strategic Plan 2014–2017 of Human Security Unit, 2013)..

In the framework of the Resolution (66/290) states reaffirmed that human security does not entail

a threat or use of force or coercive measures, and in no way does human security replace state

security, but at the same time, human security is based on national responsibility. Since the

political, economic, social and cultural conditions for human security vary significantly between

and within countries, and at different points in time, human security is determined at the national

level, which is compatible with local realities; Governments retain the primary role and

responsibility of ensuring the survival, livelihood, and dignity of their citizens.

Human security requires greater collaboration and partnership among Governments, international

and regional organizations and civil society, which must be implemented with full respect for the

purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, including full respect for the sovereignty of

States, territorial integrity and non-interference in matters that are essentially within the domestic

jurisdiction of States.

Milestone Achievements of the United Nations in Establishing the Human Security Concept

In 1994, The UNDP Human Development Report New Dimensions of Human Security coined

the term “human security” within the UN system. The report highlighted four characteristics

of human security: universal, people-centred, interdependent and early prevention. It further

outlined seven interconnected elements of security: economic, food, health, environmental,

personal, community and political.

1999, In March, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Secretariat established the UN

Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) under the management of the Office of the UN

Controller, with an initial contribution of approximately US$ 5 million.

The Human Security Network (HSN), a group of foreign ministers from 13 countries, was

formed
to promote the concept of human security as a feature of all national and international policies.

HSN members include Austria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Greece, Ireland, Jordan, Mali,

Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, with South Africa as an observer.

2000

At the UN Millennium Summit, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan called on the international

community to advance, as the goals of the new millennium, the agendas of “freedom from fear”

and “freedom from want” in United Nations efforts to develop better responses to old and new

challenges.

2001

The independent Commission on Human Security (CHS) was established under the co

chairmanship of Sadako Ogata and Amartya Sen to (i) mobilize support and promote greater

understanding of human security, (ii) develop further the concept as an operational tool and (iii)

outline a concrete action plan for its implementation.

2003

To mobilize support and provide a concrete framework for the application of human security, the

CHS published its final report Human Security Now.

2003

Following the CHS conclusion, the Advisory Board on Human Security (ABHS) was established

as an independent advisory group. It was tasked with advising the UN Secretary-General on the

propagation of the human security concept and themanagement of the UNTFHS.

2003

The Human Security Unit (HSU) was established in the United Nations Office for the

Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) with the principal objective of placing human
security in the mainstream of UN activities. As such, the HSU works with different stakeholders

to highlight the added value of the human security concept through its application under the

UNTFHS and other activities.

2004

The report by the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change,

“A more secure world: our shared responsibility”, makes use of the human security concept

within the broader agenda of institutional reform in view of the new threats of the twenty-first

century.

2005

In his final proposal for UN reforms, then Secretary-General Kofi Annan, while not making

specific reference to the term “human security”, nevertheless uses its three components:

“freedom from fear”, “freedom from want”, and “freedom to live in dignity” as the main

thematic principles of the report titled “In larger freedom: towards development, security and

human rights for all” (A/59/2005).

2006

Paragraph 143 of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (A/RES/60/1) notes that “all individuals, in

particular vulnerable people, are entitled to freedom from fear and freedom from want, with an

equal opportunity to enjoy all their rights and fully develop their human potential”.

This reference to human security was pivotal in advancing the acceptance and understanding of

human security in the United Nations.

2006

The Friends of Human Security a flexible and informal group of supporters comprising mainly

UN Member States and international organizations – was formed to provide a forum to discuss
the concept, and to explore possible collaborative efforts to mainstream human security and

formulate joint initiatives at the United Nations.

2008

In May, the Office of the President of the General Assembly convened an informal thematic

debate on human security, attended by more than 90 Member States. The debate

focused on the notion of human security, its multidimensional scope and its added value to the

work of the United Nations.

2009

The first report of the Secretary-General on human security (A/64/701) was released on 8 March.

It provided an overview of discussions on human security, and outlined the principles and

approach for its advancement and application to the priorities of the United Nations.

2010

On 20 and 21 May, a panel discussion and plenary meeting of the General Assembly was

convened to consider the report of the Secretary-General (A/64/701).

2010

On 27 July, the General Assembly passed resolution 64/291, “Follow-up to paragraph 143 on

human security of the 2005 World Summit Outcome”, in which Member States recognized the

need to continue discussions on human security and to agree on its definition in the General

Assembly (A/RES/64/291).

2010

The Secretary-General appoints Mr. Yukio Takasu as his Special Adviser on Human Security in

December.

2011
As a follow-up to A/RES/64/291, on 14 April, the Office of the President of the General

Assembly convened an informal thematic debate and panel discussion on human security. While

the need for continued consultation was emphasized, inputs by Member

States confirmed the emergence of a level of consensus by which the notion of human security

could be framed.

2011

In November, Mr. Takasu convened informal consultations with Member States to ensure broad

participation and inputs on the notion of human security, and possible areas in which

its application could bring added value to the work of the United Nations.

2012

The second report of the Secretary-General (A/66/763) was released on 5 April. The report

proposed a common understanding on human security based on the views expressed by Member

States.

A plenary meeting of the General Assembly was held on 4 June to discuss the report of the

Secretary-General.

2012

On 10 September, the General Assembly adopted by consensus resolution 66/290, “Follow-up to

paragraph 143 on human security of the 2005 World Summit Outcome” in which Member States

agreed on a common understanding on human security (A/RES/66/290).

Entities in the UN Secretariat Work on Human Security

The Human Security Unit

Established in 2004 in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

(OCHA). Its goals are to: Underscore the importance of human security for all. The HSU
manages the UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS) as well as supports ongoing

discussions within the UN General Assembly on human security. Respond to different situations

of human insecurity. Through the UNTFHS, the HSU helps to translate the human security

approach into concrete activities to improve the lives and livelihoods of people faced with

complex and multidimensional situations of human insecurity.

The UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS)

Established in 1999 by the Government of Japan and the UN Secretariat. From 1999 to 2006, the

UNTFHS was funded solely by the Government of Japan. Since 2007, the Governments of

Greece, Mexico, Slovenia and Thailand have also contributed to the Fund. Finances activities

that lead to practical actions at the country level. The UNTFHS funds programmes and projects

carried out by UN organizations and/or designated non-UN organizations that apply the human

security approach to complex situations of insecurity. Priority is given to countries where

insecurities of people are most critical and pervasive.

Finances activities that demonstrate the added value of the human security approach. The

UNTFHS also supports activities carried out by UN organizations and/or designated non-UN

organizations that promote the human security approach and highlight its added value to

complex and multidimensional situations of human insecurity.

The Advisory Board on Human Security (ABHS)

The ABHS is an independent body composed of 13 distinguished international experts known

for their breadth of knowledge and deep commitment to human security.

The ABHS advises the UN Secretary-General on:

The general guidelines for the UNTFHS.

Methods to increase the impact of projects and activities funded by the UNTFHS.
Ways to promote and disseminate the human security concept and deepen its understanding and

acceptance worldwide.

Objectives of the United Nations on Human Security

i. Aid in the transition to peace and sustainable development in fragile and conflict affected

communities.

ii. Aid in protecting and empowering refugees, IDPs, economic migrants and others on the

move.

iii. Responding to the multidimensional consequences of climate-related threats.

iv. Urban violence and its impact on health, education, economic, personal and community

security.

v. Poverty reduction, social inclusion and community-based development in isolated areas.

vi. Economic, environmental and social components of health-related insecurities.

Protecting Human Rights: The UN aims to promote and protect human rights as fundamental to

human security. This involves ensuring that individuals are free from fear and want (United

Nations, 2010).

Promoting Sustainable Development**: The UN emphasizes the importance of sustainable

development as a means to enhance human security, addressing the root causes of insecurity

such as poverty and inequality (United Nations Development Programme, 2015).

Strengthening Governance and Rule of Law: The UN seeks to build effective institutions and

promote the rule of law, which are essential for protecting individuals and communities from

violence and injustice (United Nations, 2012).

Facilitating Humanitarian Assistance: In times of crisis, the UN provides humanitarian assistance

to those affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies, ensuring access to basic

needs and services (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 2018).

Promoting Peace and Security: The UN works to prevent conflicts and foster peace, recognizing

that sustainable human security is closely linked to global peace and stability (United Nations,

2015).

Challenges of the United Nations in Fostering Human Security

1. Resource Limitations: The UN often operates under financial constraints that limit its capacity

to implement programs effectively. Insufficient funding can hinder efforts to address issues such

as poverty, health, and education (United Nations, 2021).

2. Political Will: Member states may lack the political will to prioritize human security

initiatives, often focusing on national interests over global humanitarian needs. This can lead to

inconsistent support for UN initiatives (Kaldor, 2013).

3. Complex Conflicts: The emergence of complex and protracted conflicts complicates the UN’s

ability to promote human security. These situations often involve multiple actors and interests,

making resolution and humanitarian efforts challenging (Paris, 2010).

4. Data and Measurement: Accurately measuring human security and its indicators can be

difficult. The lack of reliable data hinders the ability to assess needs and the effectiveness of

interventions (Bourguignon & Chiappori, 2014).

5. Coordination Among Agencies: The UN system consists of various agencies with overlapping

mandates. Ineffective coordination can lead to fragmented efforts and inefficient use of resources

(Hulme, 2013).

6. Emerging Global Challenges: Issues such as climate change, pandemics, and technological

advancements pose new threats to human security, requiring the UN to adapt its strategies and

frameworks accordingly (UN Development Programme, 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the United Nations plays a pivotal role in fostering human security through its

comprehensive framework aimed at protecting individuals' rights and well-being. By addressing

critical issues such as poverty, conflict, and health, the UN seeks to create an environment where

individuals can live free from fear and want. However, the effectiveness of its initiatives is often

hampered by challenges, including resource limitations, the need for political will among

member states, and the complexities of modern conflicts. Furthermore, emerging global

challenges such as climate change necessitate adaptive strategies to enhance human security.

Despite these obstacles, the UN's commitment to promoting human security remains essential in

the pursuit of a safer and more just world. Continued collaboration, innovation, and increased

funding will be crucial for the UN to fulfill its mission and respond effectively to the evolving

needs of individuals worldwide.

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