The application of human security

Human security reaches out for an assessment of human failings and insecurity which is people-centric, comprehensive and context-specific. Understanding this focuses attention on current — and future — threats to humanity’s well being.

By spotting the needs of populations, human security affects daily lives of people who feel threatened either in survival, livelihood or dignity. The result is human security is advanced as is the tangible outcomes addressing the causes of the threats. The combination of various elements strengthens governmental actions and other entities which support human security.

Human security can be protected by a community being proactive and taking preventative steps to present and upcoming threats. Examination of the particular types of risks may translate into broader insecurities. Human security advances the development of early warning devices and mitigates any impact of current threats.

Who Is Responsible

While governments fill the prime role for making sure their populations survive, recent incidents have shown that some threats are beyond anyone’s control. The risks, whether to survival, livelihood or dignity, spotlighted the need for more coordination between international governments. Regional groups and civilian society must play a part in assuming responsibility as well.

Entities, especially those closest to the local realities are vitally important in establishing proactive, preventative and sustainable responses. With awareness of local political nuances and cultural sensitivities within their region, these entities are critical in advancing human security.

The United Nations also plays a role in applying human security. Given the mandate to address, develop and sustain human rights, the application should build un expertise already existing. Working within the system helps promote the “One United Nations” agenda as it supports the commitment made by member states.

Key Principles

By protecting and empowering people-centered and comprehensive human security, the potential for conflict is reduced and aids in overcoming obstacles to development and human rights’ promotion.

People-Centered

As human security deals with the full range of conditions in which persons are most vulnerable, advancing political, social, economic and cultural systems are essential. These, with others, form the building blocks for development and human progress.

Comprehensive

Once a particular threat is understood as well as its ability to affect universal freedoms, then duplication of efforts can be eliminated, and integrated solutions advanced. Concrete and practical improvements can be established in people’s daily lives.

Protection and Empowerment

The twin-frameworks of protection and empowerment appropriate responses to a specific threat. Combining processes and institutions, good governance and highlighting individual roles in defining fundamental freedoms, human security improves local capacities and strengthens existing social networks.

Human Security As An Operational Tool

Human security spotlights widespread threats to the survival of persons and community. It calls for a new paradigm of security where advancing human security is foundational to national security.

As an approach which complements state security while enhancing human rights, human security is strengthened and developed while laying the building blocks for development and human progress.

Human security speaks to threats in a comprehensive way which mitigates the impact of risks. While addressing threats holistically, expansion into broader crises is averted.

A person’s insecurities are linked, human security forms a framework capitalizing on comparative advantages of a diverse network. Coherence is ensured while eliminating duplication at local, national and international levels.

Issues Addressable By Human Security

What issues apply to human security? Human security is laser-focused on multidimensional threats challenging survival and livelihood of persons. Within a framework, human protection refers to a broad scope of current challenges. Through UNTFHS projects, the approach has applied to situations including:

  • Transition to peace and sustainable development
  • Victims of human trafficking
  • Climate-related threat response
  • Urban violence
  • Reducing poverty, and
  • Conflict resolution and prevention

UNTFHS projects address the impact of poverty, displacement, and environment on the health of the more vulnerable people among us.

Promoting a multi-dimensional analysis, the approach highlights the many factors contributing to poor health. Protective measures try to prevent and monitor threats as well as strengthen preparedness to control health-related challenges.