In order to create increased security in this new world in which we live, we must focus on the issue of human security. When we ensure that basic human needs are met, we are creating a more secure world. When we work for social justice, or to stop global warming, or to provide decent education, or to end racism, we are creating a more secure world. The time has come to shift our energy and our resources from military security to a long-term investment in true human security.
We often hear the words, “national security” in the news. Governments do many things in the name of national security. They pass laws, put people in jail, support certain types of industry – they even go to war in the name of security. It seems that to some people, security only means military protection.
“If we are going to make this radically changing planet secure, we have to think of the fundamental security of all… Peace is a big thing in the planet and it is not just the absence of armed conflict. Peace is socio-economic justice, gender equality, a world where people live with freedom from fear, and freedom from want.”
But when we talk about security in the Global Call to Action, we are talking about something very different. We mean human security. Human security means that basic human needs are met for all people everywhere. Those needs include safe food and water, clean air and a decent place to live. It also means that all people should be safe or secure from oppression and discrimination because of their thoughts, religion, race, culture or sex.
It is estimated that in 2006, world military spending totaled over $1.2 trillion. At the same time, non-military foreign aid from 22 major donor countries totaled only $103.7 billion in 2007. This means that the world spends more than 11 times as much on military budgets than on helping other countries improve the lives of their people. Looking at those numbers, it is clear that the world is on the wrong track in the quest for true security.
The lack of human
security often leads to violence and war. Oppression, discrimination and poverty breed anger
and frustration. When people are not sure that their basic human needs will be met it is
impossible to speak of real security. When people are not safe from their own governments,
or from bigotry and hatred, it is impossible to have real security. When the very future of
the planet is insecure because of global warming, there is no one who can have a sense of
security about our collective fate.
Not only does massive military spending keep the world’s focus on military power and war, but it also us from providing for true human security through meeting the basic needs of all people. As global focus shifts to meeting all people’s basic human needs, the world will experience increased, lasting security for all.
Learn More
You can learn more about the issue of Human Security from these sources:
»
Center for Unconventional Security Affairs
» Commission on Human
Security
» Nobel
Women’s Initiative
» Project Ploughshares
