What do you understand by the term 'Human Security'?

Human security is an emerging paradigm for understanding global vulnerabilities whose proponents challenge the traditional notion of national security by arguing that the proper referent for security should be the individual rather than the state. Human security holds that a people-centered view of security is necessary for national, regional & global stability. At a minimum human security means freedom from violence & from the fear of violence.

The term 'Human security' was first popularized by the United National Development Programme (UNDP) in the early 1990s. 'Human security' as defined in the UNDP report consisted of 7 components & dimensions: economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community & political. The main contribution of the UNDP's conception of human security was focusing on people & highlighting of vulnerability to threats other than violence. It saw security as an "integrative" rather than "defensive concept". It emphasized that human security has a geographical & even international dimension.

The concept of human security emerged from the post-cold war era as a link various humanitarian, economic & social issue in order to alleviate human suffering & assure security. On closer review, threats to human security are characterized as being both the cause & the result of processes of disintegration of society & of state institutions.

The right to security of person (according to Article 3 of the universal declaration of human right) is a fundamental human right, together with a right to life & liberty. Human security emphasizes that need to strengthen empowerment of the citizen. Achievement of human security requires a global political culture that is founded on shared values of human dignity & human rights. 'Human security' means freedom from pervasive threats to people's rights, their safety or even their lives. 'Freedom from fear' & 'freedom from want' have become the phrases in vogue under the human security approach. It was not fully realized how interrelated both truly are. Furthermore, ensuring human rights implies ensuring security.

The term 'Human security' recognizes the linkages between environment & society. It also recognizes two other features of the link between environment & security.

And democracy & good governance are very important in promoting human security. A democratic state that values its own people & protects minorities is a central strategy for promoting human security.

Human security also provides an enabling environment for human development. Promoting human development can be an important strategy for human security. By addressing inequalities that are often the root causes of violent conflict, strengthening governance structures, complementing political, economic & legal initiatives, can enhance human security.