What do you understand by the term 'human security'? Discuss.
Answers
The concept of security, from the very ancient period, has been interpreted narrowly. It has been treated as security of territory from external aggression, or as protection of national interest in foreign policy or as threat of a nuclear holocaust. The concept of security has been associated with the interests of nation-state than with those of the people.
In this process, the legitimate concern of the common people and their quest for individual security in their daily lives – protection from the threat of diseases, hunger, unemployment, crime, social conflict, political repression and environmental degradation – were forgotten.
Human security is more important than ever before, for the simple reason that various forms of intolerance have gained prominence in human life. Human security is an emerging paradigm for understanding global vulnerabilities whose proponents challenge the traditional notion of national security by arguing that the proper referent for security should be the individual rather than the state. Human security holds that a people-centered view of security is necessary for national, regional and global stability.
We find the following reasons for growing security concerns:
1. Religious terrorism (Islamic, Hindu, Sikh etc.)
2. Ideological terrorism (Communists, Naxalites, Maoists etc.)
3. Racism (Australian racism, which their government has accepted)
4. Competition for world / regional supremacy (the US, EU, Russia, China etc.)
5. Simple ignorance and stupidity (Iraq, Pakistan, North Korea, Iran)
6. Arms race (India, China, Pakistan)
7. Natural calamities like earthquakes where the helpless are looted (Haiti)
Today's it is man's excessive greed and lust that has rendered innocent people's lives in danger. Moreover, only the celebs can get good security. Police, although public servant, do not do their duty fairly well -protecting citizens. I also feel losing of faith and doubting God is another reaosn behind security. Man cannot escape his wrong deeds. He will be punished for every evil deed he has done. But attaching importance to 'human security' is like a mask worn to hide himself... Its a sad state of human existence. All these factors lead to a renewed though on the importance of human security