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PDF: 48KB 
Report on the First Meeting of the Commission on Human Security
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 I. IntroductionFollowing the establishment of the Commission on Human Security in January 2001, the Commission had its first meeting at the Greentree Estate. Generous financial and logistical contributions were provided by the Rockefeller and the Whitney Greentree Foundations. The agenda and the list of participants are attached (Annex 1 and 2). In preparation for its launch, an informal planning group assisted the Commission in defining its objectives, initial research themes, operational modalities and logistical needs. The Commission's goals have been defined as follows:
Subsequent to the meeting, a press conference was held by the Co-Chairs of the Commission, Mrs. Sadako Ogata and Mr. Amartya Sen, at the UN Secretariat on 11 June 2001. A copy of the press release is attached (Annex 3). II. Substantive Discussions During their introductory remarks, the Co-Chairs shared their views on the concept of human security. Mrs. Ogata explained how human security was a widely debated issueand there was a need to focus on policy areas in which specific actions can be foreseen. In introducing the "Overview" paper, Mrs. Ogata stressed the need (i) to focus not only on individuals but also on communities and groups; (ii) to refrain from treating conflict and development as separate disciplines - rather the aim should be on how to integrate these issues to enhance the overall security of human beings; and (iii) to establish links with other international agencies, governments, civil society and like-minded actors. Professor Sen meanwhile urged the Commission to focus on the interplay between equity and human security, inequality and poverty, and vulnerability and insecurity. Also emphasised was the need for a balanced approach in pursuing the goals of the Commission and the formation of a well-defined concept of human security with concrete action plans. A. Human Security as a Concept The Commissioners agreed that human security is an inclusive and comprehensive concept and that prompt and co-ordinated actions are necessary to ensure the security of human beings. At the same time, they shared the view that human security requires further conceptualisation and clarification. Therefore, the development of a conceptual framework is essential to guide the Commission's work and to develop a plan of action. In recent years, various initiatives have been launched in this field making it essential that a preliminary "mapping" of these activities be undertaken. Following this exercise, the Commission would be in a better position to decide on the areas it wishes to focus on. It was agreed that the Commission's work would be action-oriented and should go beyond the preparation of a final report; i.e. it should result in a set of concrete recommendations (plan of action) on how to enhance human security. Furthermore, instead of presenting a "negative" message by listing the threats to human security, the focus should be on "positive" steps toward enhancing it. In this context, the Commission will seek to adopt a "new" laneguage. It was suggested that the Commission consider drafting a "universal declaration on human security". Human security is considered to be a universal concept of concern to the world community as a whole regardless of political ideology, state, religion, or nationality (contrary to the "clash of civilizations" perspective). Therefore, the language used should emphasise "inclusion" rather than "exclusion." All too often, economic and social insecurity is exploited by politicians to further their own political aims. Although the primary focus of the human security as a concept may be on individuals, it was suggested that the Commission should also concentrate on related needs of groups and communities. In many situations, horizontal inequalities existed among the various groups and communities in a state. These inequalities may be due to discriminatory policies or to limiting the access of certain communities to economic and social services. By focusing on groups and communities, the Commission's work would also add a new dimension to the concept of human security. It was likewise felt that the Commission should concentrate on particularly vulnerable individuals and communities facing high levels of insecurity. Reference was made to the World Bank (Voices of the Poor Report) and the South African Women's Self-identification Project as studies providing information on how individuals perceive their own security. A possibility of undertaking a similar study was proposed. It was noted that there were significant variations of human security as a concept within regions. The organisation of regional workshops focusing on specific threats in particular areas would allow differences to be incorporated into the recommendations to be contained in the Commission's final report. During the discussions, the following additional issues were brought forward requiring special attention:
Regarding post-conflict situations, reconciliation among divided communities and the issue of rebuilding communities through dialogue was emphasized (e.g., "Imagine Co-existence" project in Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina). In this respect, it was felt that too little attention was being paid to "social reconstruction"- that is, issues dealing with equity, access, tolerance and social measures in both conflict resolution and prevention. An update was also given on the project proposal being prepared by UNDP focusing on building human capabilities through education and health and in dealing with inequality. Questions of mobility and demographic developments were also raised. B. Outreach Activities The Commissioners agreed that for the Commission's report to have a global impact, a sense of ownership of its recommendations and plan of action has to be shared widely among all stakeholders. Subsequently, based on the discussions, the following steps were suggested:
Considerable attention was given to the functioning of the Commission and its secretariat. The Commission's working principles were summarised as follows:
The need for appropriate expertise within the secretariat, particularly relating to development, was emphasised and UNDP was asked to propose a candidate. Likewise, an early identification of the report writer was stressed. The salient points are briefly summarised as follows: i. Functioning of the Commission The Co-Chairs will guide the work of the Commission and its secretariat. Specific projects will be overseen by either one or both of the Co-Chairs with the participation of interested Commissioners. One of the principal challenges is to ensure that humanitarian and development concerns are fully integrated. The Commission will meet four times during the course of its mandate. The tentative schedule is as follows:
ii. Functioning of the Secretariat The main objective of the secretariat will be to support the work of the Commission by undertaking and coordinating research and outreach activities, preparing substantive discussion papers, including the Commission's final report, and assisting Commissioners in their activities to promote human security. The secretariat is located in New York. At present, three staff members have been identified to serve in the secretariat: an executive director and two liaison officers (seconded from the Japanese Government and UNHCR). A third liaison officer (seconded from UNDP) is being selected. As the need for the early identification of the report editor was emphasised by the Commission, a candidate will be selected in consultation with the Co-Chairs as soon as possible. The secretariat will start its activities immediately but will only become fully operational in September 2001, when administrative and financial arrangements are completed. Support staff are being identified. To ensure easy and regular communications between the Commissioners and the secretariat, an internet mailing list will be set-up so that all messages are automatically shared (a provisional list of e-mail addresses and contact persons is attached - Annex 4). In preparation for the next meeting and in consultation with the Co-Chairs and others, the secretariat will develop:
Secretariat Commission on Human Security New York June 2001 |