The Concept of Human Security

Definition of Security Security denotes “freedom from various needs”; The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as: “the condition of being protected from or not exposed to danger; safety, freedom from anxiety or apprehension, a feeling of safety or freedom from or absence of danger. The idea of security contains therefore two elements: an orientation to future risks and a focus on risks of falling below some critical threshold of deprivation

Traditional Concept of Security In I.R, security means "National Security”:the protection of the state from external threats; The use of the military to ensure the territorial integrity of a sovereign state; Security studies and security establishments have always been focused on foreign and defense policy mechanisms to avoid, prevent and if need be win an interstate military dispute;

Human Security: a shift from the focus on the States to the focus on the human persons Human security is a concern with human life and dignity. It is the safety of the human being from all threats such as hunger, joblessness, violence, sickness, environmental issues Human security has four essential characteristics:  It is universal;  Its components are interdependent;  It is best ensured through prevention;  It is people-centered

Human Security Traditional Security  State: everything is subordinate and consequent to the security of States;  The state is the most important entity in the International System;  All states are sovereign and the system is characterized by non-interference;  Security of the state is guaranteed by the Armed Forces(Military). Human Security  Individuals(Human being)  The Human being is the most important entity;  All humans are interdependent and their relations are regulated by concern for their well- being;  The security of the persons depends on the functionality of institutions and systems.

Cont’ State security and Human security are not exclusive of each other; Sometimes, State security can be pursued at the expense of human security, thus creating insecurity for humans; State security is a consequence, not cause of human security “The best way to guarantee human security is to help individuals fulfill their own potential: that will guarantee his or her own security in every situation everywhere that he or she happens to find himself or herself in. “

Mapping of Human Security Challenges

Threats to Human Security in Africa Governance; Intra-state conflicts; Disorganized and ill-disciplined armed groups; Corruption; Collapsed States; Ethnicity; Religious fundamentalism; Harmful traditional practices(e.g: women land rights)

Emerging Threats to Human Security in Africa Terrorism; Human trafficking; Drug trafficking; Climate change; Piracy; Cyber security threats; Electoral violence

Challenges posed by the Emerging Threats The actors are transnational groups; Highly mobile; Technological savvy; Cosmopolitan; High levels of infiltration of systems;

Local, National and International efforts to improve Human Security

Local level: grassroots organizations National level: civil society organizations Regional level/Continental: e.g: IGAD, EAC, ECOWAS, SADC, IC/GLR, RECSA, A.U International level: U.N specialized agencies(e.g: UNFPA, WFP, UNHCR,UN Women, etc.), Non- Governmental Organizations(NGOs)