Introduction

The concept of Human Security marks a shift from the traditional focus on national security (protection of the state) to
the security of individuals. While conventional security emphasized the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state,
human security concentrates on the protection of people from a broad range of threats—both traditional (like war and
violence) and non-traditional (like poverty, disease, and environmental degradation).

It expands the definition of security to include economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and
political security, promoting a people-centric approach. It was significantly highlighted in the UNDP Human
Development Report (1994).

Definitions of Human Security

The answer provides multiple definitions to show the diversity of views:

• UNDP (1994): Human security means freedom from chronic threats (like hunger, disease, repression) and sudden
disruptions in life patterns (like natural disasters, violence).

• Japan’s Foreign Ministry: Focuses on “freedom from fear” and “freedom from want.”

Traditional & human security

(Traditional security focuses on national borders, military threats, and power. Human security focuses on individuals and their well-being. While traditional security uses
weapons and armies,human security uses development, education, healthcare, and human rights to protect people. It deals with threats such as poverty, inequality, and
natural disasters.)

Traditional security focuses on the protection of a state’s sovereignty, borders, and political authority, primarily from
external military threats such as war or invasion. It is state-centric and relies heavily on military power, defense
systems, and strategic alliances. In contrast, human security shifts the focus from the state to the individual,
emphasizing protection from a broader range of threats like poverty, disease, hunger, environmental disasters, and
human rights violations. While traditional security views the state as the only actor responsible for providing security,
human security involves multiple actors, including international organizations, NGOs, and local communities. It adopts
non-military tools like education, healthcare, development, and good governance to ensure people not only survive but
live with dignity and freedom.

Core Dimensions of Human Security

1. Freedom from Fear: Protection from violence (war, terrorism, domestic abuse).

2. Freedom from Want: Protection from poverty, disease, pollution, pandemics.

3. Freedom to Live in Dignity: Respect for civil, political, and human rights.

Main Parts of Human Security

Human Security includes 7 main areas:

1. Economic Security – People should have jobs, income, and a way to survive.

2. Food Security – Everyone should have enough safe and healthy food.

3. Health Security – People should be protected from diseases and get medical help.

4. Environmental Security – Nature should be protected (clean air, safe water, no disasters).
 5. Personal Security – People should be safe from crime, violence, and abuse.

6. Community Security – People should feel safe in their community and culture.

7. Political Security – People should have rights and freedom, and be safe from unfair treatment by the government.

Why is Human Security Important?

• Many people today die not because of war but because of poverty, hunger, and disease.

• Even in peaceful countries, people may suffer due to domestic violence, corruption, or inequality.

• Human security helps us understand that real safety means more than just not fighting wars—it means having a
safe and good life.

Key Features of Human Security

• Universal: Applies to all people, everywhere.

• Interdependent: All components are linked; you can’t secure one without the others.

• Non-military: Emphasizes development and rights, not just defense.

Role of International Organizations in Human Security

International organizations play a vital role in promoting and ensuring human security across the world. They help
protect people from threats like poverty, disease, conflict, and disasters by providing aid, resources, and policy
guidance.

• The United Nations (UN) promotes peace, development, and human rights.

• The UNDP introduced the concept of human security and supports poverty reduction and crisis response.

• The WHO works to protect health security by managing global health emergencies.

• NGOs and INGOs like Amnesty International and Oxfam provide grassroots support, emergency aid, and
advocacy.

These organizations work together with governments and local groups to make sure people live safe, healthy, and
dignified lives.

Problems or Criticisms of Human Security

Even though it’s a good idea, human security has some problems:

1. Too wide and unclear: It talks about everything (health, food, politics), so it’s hard to focus on one thing.

2. No fixed rules: Different people define it differently. There’s no single way to measure it.

3. Not accepted by all countries: Some governments don’t like it because it looks like outside countries are telling
them how to treat their people.

4. Rich countries vs Poor countries: Sometimes, poor countries feel this idea is being forced on them by rich
countries.

5. Ignores local culture: It sometimes forgets to include local traditions and community values.

6. Only focuses on individuals: It doesn’t always think about families or communities, especially in traditional
societies.