Human Security
Project Lighthouse Africa promotes human security within its operational environment, as well as actively contributes through its projects and activities. The organisation supports the achievement of the three core components of human security: freedom from fear, freedom from want, and the freedom to live in dignity. In this respect, PLA is one of the few NGOs that consistently fosters Civil-Military Interaction (CMI) by embracing the interaction between security forces and civil society in the countries of operations. PLA also promotes Civil-Military Cooperation as a key principle for more societal stability and human security.
Human security is a people-centred approach which has gained considerable attention in recent years. The definition and application of human security is still a matter of discussion and growing experience.
The 1994 UNDP Human Development Report, ‘New Dimensions of Human Security‘, coined the term ‘human security’ within the UN system. It has since been adopted by NATO, which has developed it as an approach integrating human security principles into all of the Alliance’s core tasks. This approach acknowledges that promoting human security increases stability and reduces the drivers of conflict, making human security a potentially key component of conflict resolution.
Despite different definitions, interpretations and emphases, various understandings of human security share several common characteristics.
Human security:
- starts from the perspective of individual citizens and the communities in which they live, rather than from states;
- recognises person-centred security as an integral element of international peace and security;
- recognises that state security is essential but not sufficient to guarantee person-centred security and well-being;
- focuses on threats to individuals, whether of a military or non-military origin; and
- considers security a continuum that starts with conflict prevention and extends to conflict resolution.
Examples of PLA projects and activities that foster and contribute to human security:
- NAMA4PD Train the Trainer Program, including a dedicated module for Civil-Mlitary Interaction (supported by Bavaria State Chancellery)
- Cross-sectoral and inter-religious intervention task force for conflict resolution in Senegal (supported by Bavaria State Chancellery)
- Counter Sexual and Gender Based Violence Communication strategy for the Gambia Police Force (GIZ funded project)
- Common Effort Berlin Conference 2023 (in collaboration with Friedrich Nauman Foundation and 1 German-Netherlands Corps)
- Fostering Civil-Military Interaction (CMI) between Security Forces and Civil Society (Components integrated in all before-mentioned projects)
- Water Kiosk Harivele (North Senegal)
- Water Supply Programs for Returner Communities (Casamance/Senegal)
Project Lighthouse Africa supports HQ EUROCORPS Human Security Hub and Spoke activities and contributes within its Human Security Network.