Threats to Human Security

Colonel B S Nagial (Retd)

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There are many different threats to human security, some of which include:

1. Political violence: This includes conflict, civil war, state repression, and human rights abuses. Political violence can result in the displacement of people, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure and institutions.
2. Poverty and economic insecurity: Lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and health care can undermine human security and lead to chronic poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity.
3. Disease: Outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19, can devastate human security, especially in countries with weak healthcare systems.
4. Environmental degradation: Climate change, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation can lead to water scarcity, displacement, and decreased food production, all of which pose threats to human security.
5. Disasters: Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, can have a catastrophic impact on human security, causing loss of life, injury, and displacement.
6. Terrorism: Acts of terrorism can cause widespread fear, injury, and death and can have lasting impacts on economies and societies.
7. Cyberattacks: Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as power grids, financial systems, and communication networks, can significantly impact human security, especially in digital dependence.

These are just a few examples of the many threats to human security. It’s essential to address these threats comprehensively and broadly, considering the interconnected nature of these challenges.

The state of human security worldwide is complex and varies significantly from region to region and country to country. In some parts of the world, there have been significant improvements in human security in recent years, while the situation has deteriorated in others.

In some countries, poverty and hunger remain persistent problems, and access to essential services such as health care and education remains limited. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, leading to economic instability, job losses, and increased poverty in many countries.

However, there have also been some positive developments in human security. For example, there have been improvements in the protection of human rights in some countries, and some states have made progress in reducing conflict and promoting peace. The international community has also significantly tackled global challenges such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation.

Overall, while the state of human security worldwide is mixed, there is still much work to be done to ensure that individuals everywhere have access to the fundamental freedom and protection they need to lead safe, secure, and fulfilling lives. There are many countries around the world where human security is badly affected due to various factors, such as conflict, poverty, disease, and political repression. Some examples include:

1. Syria: The ongoing conflict in Syria has had a devastating impact on human security, with widespread loss of life, displacement, and widespread human rights abuses.
2. Yemen: The ongoing conflict in Yemen has led to widespread food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and displacement of people. The situation has been described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
3. Venezuela: The political and economic crisis in Venezuela has led to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and shortages of essential goods and services, including health care.
4. Afghanistan: The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan has led to widespread displacement, loss of life, and human rights abuses, as well as significant challenges in areas such as health care and education.
5. Sudan: The ongoing conflict and political instability in Sudan have led to widespread displacement, loss of life, and human rights abuses, as well as food insecurity and disease outbreaks.

These are just a few examples of the many countries where human security is badly affected. It’s important to note that human security is not only affected by conflict and violence but also by a wide range of non-military threats, such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation. In many countries, a combination of these factors exacerbates the challenges to human security.

How can we ensure human security?

Ensuring human security requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses many threats and challenges. Some key steps that can be taken to ensure human security include:

1. Promoting peace and stability: By reducing conflict and promoting peace, governments and the international community can create a safer and more secure environment for individuals.
2. Protecting human rights: Governments and the international community must take steps to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals, including freedom of expression, assembly, and religion.
3. Reducing poverty and promoting economic growth: By reducing poverty and fostering economic growth, governments can ensure that individuals have access to the basic needs and services they need to lead secure and fulfilling lives.
4. Combating disease: Governments and the international community must work to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and COVID-19.
5. Addressing environmental degradation: By addressing environmental degradation, governments and the international community can help ensure a secure and sustainable future for individuals and the planet.
6. Investing in education and health care: Governments and the international community must invest in education and health care to ensure that individuals have access to the knowledge and services they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
7. Supporting disaster risk reduction and preparedness: By investing in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, governments and the international community can help to reduce the impact of natural disasters and other emergencies on individuals and communities.

These are just a few examples of the steps that can be taken to ensure human security. It’s essential to recognise that human security is a complex and interrelated challenge that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response from governments, the international community, and civil society.

Conclusion.

The concept of human security received enough attention right after the end of the cold war in the late 1980s. It means the safety of the people from both violent as well as non-violent threats. It should be seen from the perspective of individual security rather than state security and safety. It is an effort to create a global society with a focus on the safety and security of human beings and promote institutions to enhance the security environment.

The basic principles of human security are enshrined in the age-old concept of Indian culture, ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – The World is One Family. It is mentioned in Maha Upnishiad, which says, “This is mine, that is his, say the small-minded. The wise believe that the entire world is a family”.

But ‘state security’ and ‘human security’ are not mutually exclusive but mutually inclusive. Without state security, human security can not be secured. Also, human security is not limited to the sovereignty boundaries of the states. The concept of human security is prefaced on the interdependence of countries. This concept is further deepening in the wake of globalisation and the emergence of civil society.

Human security suggests a wide range of actions and instruments. It is not simply a humanitarian approach but needs to be addressed at the primary level and capacity building. The pursuit of the human security agenda has an unconventional political process with the use of diplomatic interventions. Problems, if any, should have to be mutually resolved without losing precious human resources.

*Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author

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