Human Security

Since its emergence in the 1994 UNDP Human Development Report, human security is established as a conceptual approach to understand global vulnerabilities in a world of multi-faceted threats and risks – violent conflicts, natural disasters, persistent poverty, global health risks, economic downturn, individual insecurity. Such interlinked challenges can affect individuals, groups and communities across borders in all aspects of their daily lives. The idea of human security postulates a people-centred, comprehensive, context-specific and prevention-oriented understanding of security which strengthens the protection and empowerment of everyone. The United Nations have embraced the concept in General Assembly resolution 66/290: “human security is an approach to assist Member States in identifying and addressing widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of their people.” Human security is interdisciplinary and linked to human rights, sustainable development and peace.

The link between security, human rights, social justice, access to resources, participation and empowerment remains a key challenge, as does the demand for understanding and operationalizing the idea of human security. The UNESCO Chair in Human Rights and Human Security contributes to understanding and promoting human security, exploring the linkages with human rights, and highlighting the importance of human security in international relations and international law. In cooperation with partners, the Chair provides expertise, education and training in human security, including on the local and regional levels and within human rights education. The Chairholder Prof. Oberleitner is the editor of the forthcoming Edward Elgar Research Handbook on International Law and Human Security.