The Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the Human Security Network was held from May 27th to 29th, 2004 in Bamako, Mali with a view to reaffirming its commitment to promote and protect the human security principles aiming at strengthening the security, the dignity and the well-being of people throughout the world. The meeting, chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali, H.E Mr Moctar OUANE, was attended by Ministers, Secretaries of State and Official Representatives of all the Network member countries, namely: Austria, Canada, Chile, Greece, the Netherlands, Ireland, Jordan, Mali, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland and Thailand, and South Africa (observer). Also participating as guests were the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, Mr. Olara Otunnu; the Special Envoy of the Japanese Government, H.E. Ambassador Keitara Sato; and the Regional Director of the FAO, Mr. Joseph Tchicaya. The list of participants is attached in the Annex.

The meeting was held in an international context marked by the deterioration of the security conditions of human beings under the effect of various factors, including but not limited to, armed conflicts, proliferation of small arms, international human rights and humanitarian law violations, terrorism, pandemics, threat to humanity by weapons of mass destruction, the degradation of the environment and the persistence of poverty.

Considering the current situation, The Ministers of the Network underlined that it is urgent to develop international strategies to curb the various threats to people's security and lives and that of their communities. To this effect, the trans-regional approach adopted by the Network is likely to facilitate overcoming obstacles and building alliances on the critical issues linked to human security.

The Network reaffirmed its commitment to the collective security system represented by the United Nations and its abiding belief in the UN Security Council as the primary multilateral body responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The Network welcomes the initiative of Mali to stress the importance of food security and adopted a declaration on food security.

The Network welcomed the establishment of the UN Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change and its term of reference, and expressed the hope that the Panel will make an important contribution to international peace and security. The Network adopted a submission, which reiterates the Network's strong support for multilateralism, highlights that respect for human rights is an essential aspect of human security and conflict prevention, and stresses the importance of strengthening the UN's capacity to promote and protect human rights.

The Network reaffirmed its commitment to work together, in cooperation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to strengthen the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). In this regard, they noted with interest the conclusions and issues for follow-up stemming from the two brainstorming sessions (October 1-2, 2003 and January 6-7, 2004) held in Montreux, Switzerland, chaired by Canada with the participation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Network committed to engage individually and collectively to uphold the absolute prohibition of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, and stressed the importance of all relevant international instruments and cooperation with existing mechanism, including the Special Rapporteur on torture. The Network highlighted the importance of access by the appropriate international organizations to all detainees. The Network also stressed the importance of prosecuting and punishing those guilty of torture and other crimes.

While welcoming the recent positive developments in the peace process in Sudan, the Network expressed great concern regarding the situation in Darfur (Sudan) and stressed the importance of the protection of the civilian population as well as the immediate, full and unimpeded access for humanitarian agencies. Also, the Network expressed its full support to the UN and the African Union for a more durable solution of the conflict and urged all parties to the conflict to fully cooperate. In particular the Network welcomes the planned Darfur observer mission of the AU as an important step towards re-establishing confidence among the civilian population and also welcomes the OCHA donor conference in Geneva on June 3, 2004 and encourages states to support UN humanitarian efforts.

The Network commended Mali for having, during its mandate, worked to promote human security in Africa, noted that the Chair had put an equal emphasis on freedom from fear and freedom from want, and reiterated their support for the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), which states that "peace, security, democracy, good governance, human rights and sound economic management are conditions for sustainable development." The Network invited all the member countries to develop promotional activities for human security in their respective regions, in partnership with the international organisations concerned, as well as the civil society.

Priorities of the Malian Chair:

Mali's mandate at the chairmanship of the Network was focused on :

• The consolidation of the achievements of the Network in human rights education ;
• The achievement of concrete actions in priority areas such as, small arms, gender in peacekeeping operations and food security ;
• The promotion of human security in the African region with an emphasis on freedom from fear and freedom from want.

Policy formulation and implementation:

1. The Network reaffirmed that human rights are an integral part of the promotion and realization of human security, as expressed in the Declaration on Principles of Human Rights Education and Human Security, adopted by the Network at its Fifth Ministerial Meeting in May 2003 in Graz. To this end, they commended the concrete actions taken under the Malian Chair, aimed at further disseminating the Manual on Human Rights Education also adopted in Graz, entitled "Understanding Human Rights". They expressed appreciation for the translation of the Manual into French carried out with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its launching at the International Meeting of Human Rights Consensual Cities, hosted in collaboration with the African Learning Institute for Human Rights Education (ALIHRE), and held from November 20 to 22, 2003 in Bamako, Mali. The Network also appreciated the translation of the Manual into German by the Austrian government and into Spanish by the Chilean government. The Network also welcomed the fact that translations into Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Albanian are currently under preparation. The partners agree to apply and to continue to disseminate the manual, as appropriate in their national contexts, in their countries and respective regions. With regard to the promotion of human rights education at the regional level, the Network noted with interest that Thailand would be hosting, in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), a workshop on national human rights plan of action in the Asia-Pacific in August 2004 in Bangkok, with a special emphasis on human rights education. The Network welcomed the global human rights cities programme jointly initiated by UNDP and People's Movement for Human Rights Education (PDHRE) and expressed its interest in such an approach towards realizing human security at the local level.

2. (i). Recalling that the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons constitutes one of the most serious threats to human security, the Network underlined the ever increasing consensus within the international community on the need to adopt concrete measures aiming to reduce the illegal accessibility to such weapons and their misuse. At the first biennial Meeting on the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms in All Its Aspects, held from July 7th to 11th, 2003 in New York, a statement by the member countries of the Network highlighted that priority should be given to human security in the implementation of this programme. In this context, the Network presented a publication entitled "Putting People First: Human Security Perspectives on weapons availability and misuse", based on consultations and research it conducted with the support of the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, on the humanitarian dimension of Small arms proliferation. The Network also welcomed the upcoming negotiations on an international instrument on marking and tracing of SALW and committed to cooperate with the Swiss Chair in view of elaborating a substantive international instrument.

(ii). The Network members recognized the need for further progress on many key issues linked to the fight against the illicit proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons. With the 2005 Biennial Meeting of States and the 2006 Review Conference of the Programme of Action approaching, Network Countries welcomed the Government of Mali's efforts to draw attention to such issues as the need for responsible transfers of small arms, consideration of the negative impact of transfers to Non-State Actors, and the need to consider International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights when addressing the SALW problem. The Network took note of the initiative by Norway, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom aimed at subjecting arms brokering to adequate regulations. The Network also supported the initiative within the framework of ECOWAS to develop a regional convention on controlling trade and the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons in West Africa.

(iii). The Network expressed its appreciation for the Government of Mali's ongoing leadership role on these issues, including hosting the launch, on October 9th, 2003 in Bamako, of the world campaign on the control of weapons, aiming at the adoption of an Arms Trade Treaty. Network member countries emphasized the need for the international community to control the illicit transfers of weapons in order to prevent armed violence, conflicts and human rights violations. The Network committed itself as appropriate and where possible, to pursuing productive initiatives in 2004 and 2005 that would contribute to the positive outcomes of the 2006 Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action.

(iv.) Under the Malian Chair, the Network paid special attention to the fight against small arms proliferation and misuse. To this end, Network countries took note of the survey carried out by Mali with the support of Canada, Norway and Switzerland and Small Arms Survey, entitled "Non-state armed groups in West Africa", as an important contribution on to the identification of the causes of human insecurity in this region. This study focuses on the linkages between small arms, non-state actors, child soldiers and human security in West-Africa. The Network welcomed the recommendations of the study.

3. The Network reaffirmed its call for special attention to the plight of children affected by armed conflict. The Network emphasized the importance of ensuring the security needs of children, encouraged a careful examination of the situation of child soldiers, and highlighted the need for gender-sensitive approaches to children affected by armed conflict. The Network welcomed the adoption of SC resolution 1539 (2004) as important progress for the protection of children affected by armed conflict. It expressed its support for the implementation of this resolution and its willingness, in line with the Network's Support Strategy for Children Affected by Armed Conflict, to support and cooperate with the "focal points" to be designated by the UN Secretary General and charged with engaging in dialogue parties to conflict, which are called upon to halt the recruitment and use of children in violation of international obligations. In this context, the Network assured the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG/CAAC) of its continued cooperation and recalled its compilation of relevant standards and its curriculum for the training of child rights experts, elaborated with the active support of the SRSG/CAAC and UNICEF, as useful tools. The Network welcomed the translation into French of the training curriculum by the Government of Canada. The Network also noted with appreciation that the Support Strategy for Children Affected by Armed Conflict, adopted by the Network in Graz, stimulated the adoption of Guidelines on Children and Armed Conflict by the European Union.

4. Referring to UN resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, the Network underlined the important role women must play in peace processes and stressed the importance to further promote the participation of women in peace-related activities. Including women in peace negotiations, conflict prevention, management and resolution, as well as peacekeeping operations, reconstruction and reconciliation activities contributes to sustainable peace and helps ensure that women's priorities and needs are addressed. The Ministers took note of the study on Gender in Peacekeeping Operations, carried out by the Malian Chair in cooperation with the Montréal Campus of the Canadian Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. This study makes an analysis of the main problems related to the issue of "gender" in peacekeeping operations", namely in West Africa and proposes a code of conduct, as a basis of an institutional policy of ethics and behaviour by all the stakeholders in peacekeeping. The Network welcomed the recommendations of the study. The Network encouraged discussions and events surrounding the 4th anniversary of the UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1325 and the associated UNSC Open Debate.

5. Besides the initiatives of the Malian Chair, the Ministers also reviewed other themes of the medium term work plan 2003-2005, adopted by the Ministers in Graz. They expressed their satisfaction with the Network's progress in carrying out the priorities detailed in the work plan, and looked forward to further progress in the coming year.

6. The Network welcomed the progress made in the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production, and Transfer of antipersonnel mines and on their Destruction, and at the outcome of the 5th annual Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention held from September 15-19, 2003 in Bangkok. The Network noted that the Nairobi Summit on a Mine-Free World (Nov. 29, 2004 – Dec. 3, 2004) the First Review Conference of the Convention, will be a significant milestone in marking achievements and assessing challenges that remain in putting an end to the suffering caused by anti-personnel mines. In this regard, the Network urged all states and other relevant actors, to renew their commitments to the aims of the Convention, in advance of the Nairobi Summit. In addition, the Network urged those states which have not yet joined the Convention to ratify or accede. Furthermore, the Network welcomes the establishment of an informal open-ended reflection group discussing the issue of non-state actors in the framework of the implementation of the convention. The Network committed itself to participate at the First Review Conference at the highest possible level. The Network in this context recognizes the importance of the issue of explosive remnants of war and encouraged states to ratify Protocol 5 of CCW and to promote its universalization.

7. The Network was proud to be an active participant at the 28th International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent (December 2-6, Geneva) which focused on the theme "protecting human dignity". This Conference provided an opportunity for a Ministerial lunch, hosted by the Swiss Foreign Minister. The Conference also permitted Network members to discuss issues related to the promotion of International Humanitarian Law, to host two workshops on key thematic issues (children in armed conflict and the humanitarian consequences of the proliferation of small arms), and to deliver a joint statement underlining the synergies between the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Network.

8. (i) Network member countries reaffirmed their Commitment to intensify and coordinate their efforts in the global struggle against HIV/AIDS within the framework of the partnership between public authorities, civil society, NGOs and the private sector. This requires greater efforts to prevent the further spread of HIV and to eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination related to people living with, or vulnerable to, HIV/AIDS and to contribute to impact mitigation, as well as to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and condom usage. The Network notes with grave concern that the majority of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the world do not have access to effective care, treatment, and support, and that an unprecedented global effort is required to address this tragedy, which is threatening human security.

(ii) The Network welcomed the efforts of Thailand in hosting the 15th International AIDS Conference in Bangkok on 11-16 July 2004, which would feature for the first time a "Leadership Programme aimed at reinforcing the international commitment to address HIV/AIDS epidemic. As a parallel event, Thailand would also host a "Leaders' Roundtable on HIV/AIDS" with the participation of a number of leaders from many countries as well as regional and international organizations. In this regard, the Network endorsed Thailand's proposal to table an HSN joint statement on HIV/AIDS at the Roundtable.

(iii.) The Network also stressed the need to fight against other diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria which also constitute grave threats to human security, particularly in Africa. In this regard, the Network expressed its support to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

9. The Network remains deeply concerned at the reports of gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in various parts of the world, including the Middle East.

10. Recognizing that poverty reduction and people-centered development are essential elements to achieving human security, in particular freedom from want, the Network reaffirmed their commitments to the realization of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which call for global efforts to reduce poverty by half within 2015. The Network also recognized the importance of the universalization and effective implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (IESCR) and exchanged views on emerging challenges to human security, in particular the issue of human trafficking, which is often associated to poverty and lack of development.

11. The Network reiterated its commitment to raise and promote the debate at the international level on the Report of the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty entitled "The Responsibility to Protect". In this regard, the Network welcomed the holding in Bamako (Mali) on May 20-21, 2004 of a regional forum on this theme, organized by Project Ploughshares, FEMNET, Africa Peace Forum, and the Malian government, with the financial support of the Canada government.

12. The Network reaffirmed the importance of the partnerships which were fostered during the Malian Chair, between the Human Security Network and some non-governmental organisations to further the agenda for Human Security. Particularly that of: the Centre for Humanitarian dialogue of Geneva, Small Arms Survey, the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, PDHRE International, the Summer Academy in Graz of the European Training Centre on Human Rights and Democracy.

13. The Network welcomes the development of a partnership between the Human Security Network and the Commission on Human Security (CSH). They took note with interest, of the outcome of the Regional Conference held in Bamako (Mali), May 24th, 2004 co-organized by Mali as the Chair of the Network, and with the support of the CHS on the theme: "Conflicts and development: The Human Security approach".

Evolution of the Human Security Network

14. The Network reviewed the issue concerning the expansion of the Human Security Network and formally adopted criteria and mechanisms for the accession of new members with the aim to achieve balanced representation. The Network opted for a limited and progressive expansion as long as it does not compromise the effectiveness and cohesion of the HSN and in so far as it maintains its flexible and consensual nature,

15. The Network stressed the need to develop efficient and common methods and approaches of the Human Security Network during international meetings with the purpose of strengthening its impact. Hence, where deemed appropriate and useful, the Network will continue to deliver joint statements on issues, and in fora that are relevant to the Network's common activities. In this regard, the HSN platforms in the multilateral centres New York, Geneva and Vienna have an important function in identifying suitable opportunities for mainstreaming HSN concepts into the various organs of the United Nations and relevant regional organisations.

16. The Network congratulated Chile for its efforts aimed at furthering the agenda of human security during its mandate to the UN Security Council (2003-2004). In this respect, the Network welcomed the holding of public debates under the Chilean Chair of the Security Council on January 19, 2004 on small arms, and on January 20, 2004, on children affected by armed conflicts. The Network welcomed that Greece is willing and determined to continue promoting human security during its expected tenure on the Security Council, beginning in 2005.

17. The Network were pleased to learn that the first annual Human Security Report will be released by the Human Security Centre at the Liu Institute for Global Issues in the Summer of 2004.

18. The Network decided that the Chair is to be held as follows during the next four (4) years: 2004- 2005 Canada, 2005-2006 Thailand, 2006-2007 Slovenia, and 2007-2008 Greece. In this respect, the Seventh Ministerial Conference of the Network will be held in Canada in May 2005, the eighth in Thailand in May 2006, the ninth in Slovenia in May 2007, and the tenth in Greece in May 2008.

The Network expressed their support for the approach presented by Canada for its Chairmanship in the coming year.

19. The Network expressed its deep gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Mali and to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Moctar OUANE for the warm welcome extended to the participants, in Bamako, as well as Timbuktu. They expressed their appreciation for the steps taken by Mali as chair, which facilitated the organization, and the outstanding outcome of the Sixth Ministerial Meeting.