UNIDIR - United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research UNIDIR - Ideas for peace and security UNIDIR
 |   |  search |  contact |  links | 

français 

   
Search
 
  Home
  About
  Activities
research projects
conferences
Geneva Forum
  Publications
Disarmament Forum
books & reports
  Spotlight
programme de bourses
focus on UNIDIR
disarmament events

Human security

  'Freedom from fear' and 'freedom from want' have become the catch phrases of an approach to security called human security. Often referred to as 'people-centred security' or 'security with a human face', human security places human beings—rather than states—at the focal point of security considerations. Human security emphasizes the complex relationships and often-ignored linkages between disarmament, human rights and development. Today all security discussions demand incorporation of the human dimension.

Selected activities or publications

Weapons for development

Landmines

Explosive remnants of war

Disarmament as Humanitarian Action: Making Multilateral Negotiations Work

Small arms in West Africa

Gender

Small arms stockpile management

European Action on small arms, light weapons and explosive remnants of war

 


Small arms and landmines are grim examples of threats to human security. We know that once a conflict has ended, these weapons remain—stockpiled, buried, hidden or in circulation. In addition to posing the very real threat of physical harm, they have enduring consequences in vulnerable and fragile societies, inhibiting reconstruction, development, and an eventual return to normality. Their victims are predominately civilians, and too often they are children.

UNIDIR activities on human security and disarmament include cross-cutting research on small arms collection, weapons as a public health issue, and security-building measures—such as peace-building, humanitarian action and the impact of landmines. The Institute actively seeks to involve civil society groups and NGOs in disarmament and security debates. Inclusive methodologies and approaches, such as participatory evaluation and monitoring techniques, are used to ensure that the voices and reflections of those most affected by violence, conflict and weapons proliferation are heard.

view activities related to human security

 
 




nuclear issues biological issues chemical issues missiles
small arms landmines peacekeeping education


site map | copyright | disclaimer |  © — UNIDIR