Protecting and Empowering People

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PRESS RELEASE

On 1 May 2003, Mrs. Sadako Ogata, former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Prof. Amartya Sen, Nobel laureate in economic science, presented the report of the independent Commission on Human Security to the UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan.

The report proposes a new security framework that centers directly and specifically on people. Human security focuses on shielding people from critical and pervasive threats and empowering them to take charge of their lives. It demands creating genuine opportunities for people to live in safety and dignity and earn their livelihood.

At a time when the consensus on the meaning of security is eroding, there is growing fear that existing institutions and policies are not able to cope with weakening multilateralism and global responsibilities. Nevertheless, the opportunities for working toward removing insecurities facing people are greater than ever.

The Commission concentrates on a number of distinct but interrelated issues concerning conflict and poverty: protecting people in conflict and post-conflict situations, shielding people forced to move; overcoming economic insecurities, guaranteeing essential health care, and ensuring universal education. In its report, the Commission formulates recommendations and follow-up activities.

The idea of an independent Commission of Human Security grew out of the UN Millennium Summit which focused on securing “freedom from fear” and “freedom from want”. The Commission is an initiative of the Government of Japan and was launched in January 2001.

The Commission’s report, Human Security Now: Protecting and Empowering People, can be accessed at www.humansecurity-chs.org.