On May 11th and 12th 2001, Ministers and representatives from the Human Security Network governments, as well as representatives of the UN Secretary General experts from civil society, met in Petra, Jordan, upon the invitation of the Jordanian government to strengthen their levels of cooperation and development of important aspects of human security.

The Ministerial Meeting took place against the background of increasingly alarming levels of human insecurity and suffering in the Middle East. Ministers and representatives expressed their profound concern at the situation and called upon all parties to move away from conflict and confrontation and to return immediately to the negotiating table. In this respect, the inisters and representatives acknowledged the key role played by Jordan in the search for peace in the region and welcomed the Jordanian-Egyptian peace initiative. Ministers and representatives expressed their full support for this initiative and the report of the Mitchell Commission as ways forward to end the current violence and restore peace negotiations.

Ministers and representatives reaffirmed their commitment to continue applying a human security perspective to international problems, because using such a framework will facilitate cooperation between like-minded countries as concrete action to promote human security.

At the same time, they reaffirmed their intention to maintain the Network's focus on issues related to the security of people, aimed at protecting individuals and communities against violence. They urged member countries to continue their efforts to highlight the human security agenda at the national and international levels.

The meetings discussions considered the relationship and linkages between human security and human development and underlined the need to undertake practical measures to reinforce both aspects essential for the individual’s well being.Ministers and representatives also underlined that promoting human development through the alleviation of absolute poverty, providing basic social services for all and pursuing the goals of people-centred development, is necessary for building human security.

Ministers and representatives also stressed that international cooperation and partnership between governments of developed and developing countries and with multilateral institutions, to provide support to national efforts to promote human development and eradicate poverty, as well as to ensure the establishment of practices of good governance and democracy, are essential elements in promoting human development, peace and security.

Ministers and representatives evaluated the means to strengthen conflict prevention in early and critical stages of potential conflicts, as well as the need to move ahead with strengthening the UN’s capacity for peace-keeping and establishing post conflict peace-building measures that emphasize local capacity building.

Children’s insecurity was another major issue highlighted in the meeting through a discussion of efforts required to promote children’s security in situations where children become exposed to violence. Violence not only undermines the psycho-social development of children, but also their basic physical needs. Ministers and representatives expressed concern at the increasing levels of insecurity faced by children under conditions of intense conflict and violence, particularly in the Palestinian territories. They also recognized that the international sanctions regime in force in Iraq has adversely affected the wellbeing of the Iraqi people, particularly children.

The meeting’s discussion has found its reflection in the adoption of the ministers of recommendations prepared by experts and specialists described in this summary.

Human Security and Human Development: Linkages and Opportunities:

Ministers and representatives of the Human Security Network recognized that the promotion of human security requires attention to the relationship between human security and human development, and to the many ways in which practical measures to achieve human security and human development can reinforce or build upon each other.

Recognizing that the relationship between human security and human development is a complex one, the ministers acknowledged the importance of efforts to raise the profile of human security issues through the development of indicators or measures of human security similar to those used in the field of human development, and through the promotion of appropriate analysis of the causes and consequences of human insecurity. This should be conducted in coordination with the network members who could nominate experts from the NGOs, Universities and international organizations to participate in the process of preparation of an index on human security.

They acknowledged that no simple relationship between human security and human development can be found, and that under many circumstances, the failure to achieve human development is a powerful source of human insecurity, especially for marginal groups in society. From their perspective, many of the sources of human insecurity, such as diseases and ill-health, or inadequate access to basic entitlements such as food or education, are related to a lack of development, rather than to an immediate threat of violence.In this connection, urgent and concerted action is needed to tackle these root causes of human insecurity.

In other cases, the absence of the basic freedom from fear is a powerful impediment to human development, since it prevents individuals (as well as external parties) from investing economic or social capital in the future of their communities. The promotion of human security, which brings a people-centered perspective to issues of freedom from fear and violence, underlines the way in which different groups in society (women, children and vulnerable groups, minorities and other disadvantaged sectors of society) are particularly vulnerable to violence, including domestic violence. Care must be taken to insure that development policies and initiatives do not exacerbate these vulnerabilities.

Ministers and representatives also encouraged exploration of the links between human security and human development, and the promotion of innovative policy initiatives to achieve human security. In particular, they noted the importance of establishing stronger linkages between development assistance efforts and human security, notably in areas of promoting respect for,and education on, human rights, adherence to the rule of law, and the strengthening of institutions that are designed to deliver security to citizens in particular the police and criminal justice systems.

Of particular importance to the Human Security Network is the promotion of the role of non-governmental organizations as formal partners in the process of building human security, much as NGOs play a crucial role in the achievement of human development. They recommended the exploration of initiatives to build the capacity of NGOs  in the context of existing bilateral relations, and to ensure that mechanisms are in place to resolve societal conflicts in a non-violent manner. They recommended also the development of policy initiatives designed to strengthen ties among civil society and non-governmental actors in participating Network states.

One specific issue where ministers and their representatives recognized a linkage between human development and human security was the HIV/AIDS pandemic, which has negative effects on individuals, families, communities, and even the capacity of state institutions. Another issue of special concern is the promotion of human security in post-conflict environments. This requires a recognition that the process of moving from conflict, to relief, to reconstruction and development is not a straightforward or linear one, and that from people-centered perspective, the difference between conflict, post-conflict criminality, and ongoing repression is often difficult to distinguish. There are also clear links between improved governance and the implementation of human centered development strategies to reduce the risks of conflict and  repression.

Peace Operations and Human Security:

The ministers and representatives of the Human Security Network recognize the importance of finding the means to strengthen conflict prevention in early and critical stages of potential conflicts, as well as the need to move ahead with strengthening the UN’s capacity for peace-keeping and establishing post conflict peace-building measures that emphasize local capacity building as crucial for a sustained and stable recovery of war-torn societies. In this respect the Ministers welcome the steps taken within the UN to effectively identify and respond to early warning signals in potential conflicts.

Ministers and representatives encourage the practical steps taken in making Peace Support Operations more robust and call for the promotion of results-oriented mechanisms to facilitate coordination between agencies. In this respect, the Ministers welcome the work done so far on the report of the panel on UN Peace Operations and the strengthening of the UNDP Emergency Response Division.

Recognizing the specificity of the situation on the ground for the different Peace Operations throughout the world and the humanitarian deployment characteristic of many of these operations, the Ministers acknowledge the need to draw on local expertise, to sensitize the operations to local capacities and to regard the civilian component as the starting point before evaluating the need for military deployment. They noted the important role that women can play in peace building and highlighted the need for gender-sensitive approaches to peacekeeping activities. Moreover, greater focus is required on ensuring the establishment of appropriate and sustainable peaceful and productive behavior before implementing exit strategies in conflict-torn areas.

Ministers and representatives stress the importance of enhanced UN and donor support for African regional organizations to build their peace operations capacity.

Children and Human Security:

Recognizing that children are active participants in societies affected by war and extreme poverty, the Ministers and representatives of the Human Security Network considered the sources of insecurity faced by children globally and in the particular context of the Middle East.

As children are in a constant state of development, Ministers and representatives observed that protecting children’s security requires more than support against physical harm. In keeping with the Convention on the Rights of the Child, they noted that the security of children has four core dimensions – safety, physiological necessities, communal relationships and opportunities for personal development. As all four dimensions are interrelated and interdependent, programs and policies in tended to address the insecurity of children must be approached in a holistic manner. Ministers and representatives stressed the importance of meaningful and sustained participation of young people, their families and communities in human security initiatives that effect their lives. They also underlined the need to design strategies that are long-term and sustainable, to support grassroots community practices to protect children and to learn from the positive and adaptive survival strategies employed by young people and their families.

With respect to children affected by armed conflict, Ministers and representatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that the security needs of children are included in reconstruction and peace process agendas. They highlighted the need for remedial access to educational and vocational opportunities for children affected by prolonged insecurity and recognized the influence of the interdependent nature of children’s security on the design and implementation of humanitarian assistance programs. They also encouraged a careful examination of the causes and consequences for children to engage as combatants, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches to demobilization, disarmament and reintegration process to address the key dimensions of children’s security.

Ministers and representatives emphasized that targeted strategies, programs and concrete action need to evolve from an integrated approach that links a child rights perspective into all forms of humanitarian assistance, development, cooperation, emergency relief, as well as peace and security initiatives. They also noted that efforts should be based on national and local human resources, existing services, professionals, stemming from a regional ethic, traditions and established practice enriched by international expertise aimed at creating self-sustained local capabilities and institutions.

Ministers and representatives emphasized the particular concern they shared with respect to the situation of children in the Middle East. Recognizing the multiplicity of problems undermining the human security of children in the region, they stressed the need for raising awareness about the rights of children and the recognition of specific needs of the most disadvantaged groups. Ministers and representatives expressed concern at the killing of children and the increasing levels of insecurity in which they live under conditions of intense conflict and violence, particularly in the Palestinian territories, and called upon the international community to undertake measures to provide for the safety and security of children living in these conditions. They noted that violence has been imposed on the daily lives of children in the region, who are deprived of the normal joys of childhood. The appealed to all parties to offer children hope for the future and build with them a culture of peace.

Ministers and representatives recognized that the international sanctions regime enforced in Iraq has affected the wellbeing of the Iraqi people, particularly children. They expressed their concern at the adverse consequences of sanctions for the human security and wellbeing of the civilian population in Iraq.

Considering the security needs of children in other difficult situations, ministers and representatives underlined the need to identify and hold third parties accountable for the manipulation and abuse of children and neglect of their rights. They noted that such situations often give rise to different family structures, including child-headed households, whose needs had to be taken into account. They also emphasized the importance of developing gender - sensitive rehabilitation initiatives for children who have been exploited. Ministers and representatives also stressed the requirement for capacity building in child rights monitoring and protection among community grassroots organizations.

Ministers and representatives emphasized that strategies concerning the children in armed conflict should be designed in accordance with conflict evolution from sanction regimes and conflict prevention, conflict management and peacekeeping operations to post conflict peace building efforts. They gave Special attention to the specific programs relating to human rights education, especially in the context to conflict prevention but also with regard to societal reconstruction.

Ministers and representatives acknowledged that special attention should be paid to the respect of International Humanitarian Law, which includes special provisions for the assistance and protection of children. The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their two additional Protocols of 1977 provide the essential foundation for International Humanitarian Law.

Ministers and representatives pledged to continue cooperating with the Network and between the Network and others involved in the preparatory process to ensure the successful outcome of the United Nations General Assembly's Special Session on Children. They also adopted a statement addressed to the Special Session (Annex A) and requested the Government of Chile to convey the statement to the C hair of the Special Session on behalf of the Network.

Members and representatives welcomed the Declaration issued by the Amman Conference on the Use of Children as Soldiers paricipation of children in armed conflicts and the need to address these causes.

OTHER ISSUES

Launching a Website and a Policy Advocy Platform for the Human Security Network:

Ministers and representatives recognized the importance of keeping civil society apprised of the work of the Human Security Network and, in this regard, welcomed the launch of the Human Security Network Website. In addition to promoting and publicizing Network activities, the website will provide an electronic forum for member consultation and coordination on human security issues. Ministersand representatives agreed that the administration of the website would rotate among Network partners and welcomed the Canadian offer to manage the site in its inception year.

Ministers and representatives also welcomed the launching of a policy advocacy platform for governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and experts at the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard, which will support the development of human security strategies. They also encouraged other work in this area, particularly at the regional level.

HIV/AIDs:

Ministers and representatives expressed grave concerns about the wide spread of HIV/AIDs pandemic and its devastating impacts on human security as well as its drastic consequences to social and economic development of a country, particularly in Africa and Asia. They emphasized the urgent need to reverse the trend of the spread of HIV/AIDs through effective preventive strategy and accessible care and support services for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDs particularly children. They also committed themselves to make HIV/AIDs related drugs more accessible and affordable to those needed both in terms of quantity and quality. They urged members of HSN to adopt national policy to fight against HIV/AIDs, which embraces human dimension and creates enabling environment conducive to prevention and treatment in national HIV/AIDs strategy. In this regard, intensifying national and international efforts among governmental, non-governmental actors, civil society, United Nations agencies and private sector and pharmaceutical companies is required for the full realization of the commitments made on HIV/AIDs in various international conferences. They would participate actively in the upcoming United Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDs in June, 2001. Ministers and representatives noted the important contribution of the Abuja plan of action for African countries held during  December 24-27, 2001.

Human Rights Education:

Ministers and representatives stressed the need for better understanding the relationship between human security, human development and good governance/ effective human rights regimes. They asserted the role of human rights education and learning in as a strategy for promoting societal development and cohesion, emphasizing that concrete cooperation among members of the Network and their human rights and human security focal points including NGOs and other civil society organizations active in this regard will be useful to this effect.

Gender and Human Security:

Ministers and representatives agree that the promotion and protection of women’s rights should be a fundamental aspect of all human security and Peacebuilding efforts, during and post conflict. Ministers also recognize the importance of gender balance in the context of human security. They acknowledge that women’s security is often different from men’s and that women have specific needs roles and resources during and after conflicts. They underline the importance to include gender sensitive indicators or measures of human security, such as violence against women and women’s human rights. They also underline that women are important actors in Peacebuilding processes. 

Ministers and representatives recalled the Decalaration on Small Arms and Light Weapons adopted in Lucerne, and reaffirmed their strong commitment to ensure a successful United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in all its aspects. In this regard, ministers and representatives adopted a Statement of the Human Security Network to the UN Conference (Annex B) and requested the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to convey this statement to the President of the Conference.

Human Security Network ministers and representatives welcomed the first edition of the Small Arms Survey as an instrument to enhance transparency in the area of small arms and light weapons as well as a contribution to a better understanding of this complex issue.Ministers and representatives also welcomed the recommendations of the Regional Workshop on Small Arms and Light Wepons in the Arab Region held in Amman on May 6th to 7th 2001.

Future Ministerial Meetings:

Ministers and representatives look forward to the Ministerial Meeting of the Network in Chile in 2002.

Ministers and representatives accept with appreciation the invitation extended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria to hold the Ministerial Meeting of the Network in 2003 in Austria.