The Human Security Approach: Poverty as Human Insecurity

Amartya Sen and the

Evolution of the Concept of PovertyLeland Joseph R. de la Cruz

Director, Development Studies Program

ReferenceHuman Security Now. The Final Report of the Commission on Human Security. 2003. www.humansecurity-chs.org

Key features of the human security approach

Continued focus on deprivations Highlights downside risks Places particular emphasis on conflicts Highlights need for democracy and

empowerment Highlights need for an integrated framework for

action Frames certain problems as international

concerns requiring international action

Human Developmentand Human Security

Continued focus on deprivations Emphasizes downside risks Emphasizes empowerment Emphasizes democracy Includes non-traditional social

development considerations

Human Development and Human Security

Continued focus on deprivations Protecting people from deprivations Protecting people from critical and

pervasive situations Protecting the vital core of human freedom

and human fulfillment

Human Developmentand Human Security

Highlights downside risks Uses the language of protection in discussing

deprivations Protecting people from deprivations Protecting people from critical and pervasive

situations Protecting the vital core of human freedom and

human fulfillment Protecting people from critical and pervasive

threats

Emphasis on conflicts

Highlights new vulnerable groups Creates a frame for understanding new

dimensions to traditional human development concerns.

Creates a frame for situating state security.

Vulnerable groups

People caught up in conflict (Internationalized) Internal conflicts Transnational organized crime Terrorism

People on the move Refugees Internally displaced persons Economic migrants

New dimensions to old concerns: Health

Good health as a precondition to social and state stability.

Health impacts of military action and humanitarian difficulties in situations of conflict.

Biowarfare

New dimensions to old concerns:Education

Education can be a venue for fostering mutual respect and diversity

Education can be a venue for empowerment (human rights) and peace-building (mediation courses)

Education can be a venue for aggravating tensions

State Securityand Human Security

Security is a pre-condition for development Development itself is an element of human

security: protection of vital core of human freedoms

Beyond protection, people must be empowered Citizens must be protected against the state:

democracy and the subordination of state sovereignty to human security

Social Protection and Human Security

Transcends the common usage of social protection

Emphasis on conflicts as a source of vulnerabilities

Emphasizes need for empowerment and not just protection

Human Rights andHuman Security

The human security approach acknowledges the importance of human rights and their universality and indivisibility.

The human security approach helps to identify particular gaps in the realization of human rights and particular vulnerabilities.

Emphasis on an integrated framework

Manifestations of the lack of integration Specialized roles of the Security Council,

international financial institutions, and other UN agencies.

MDGs are only one of seven goals.

International Dimensions of Human Security

International dimensions of internal conflicts Fair trade Intellectual property regimes Health and education research and advocacy Arms proliferation, weapons of mass destruction International migration framework

Human Security

Protecting the vital core of human freedom and human fulfillment

Protecting people from critical (severe) and pervasive (widespread) threats and situations

Creating opportunities for people to live in safety and dignity

The Human Security Approach: Poverty as Human Insecurity

Amartya Sen and the

Evolution of the Concept of PovertyLeland Joseph R. de la Cruz

Director, Development Studies Program