The following principles emerged from the first Ministerial Meeting of the Human Security Network in Lysøen, Norway,
May 20, 1999.

A commitment to human rights and humanitarian law is the foundation for building human security. Human security is advanced in every country by protecting and promoting human rights, the rule of law, democratic governance and democratic structures, a culture of peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The international organisations created by states to build a just and peaceful world order, above all the United Nations, in its role to maintain international peace and security as stated in the Charter, must serve the security needs of people.

Promoting sustainable 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. Innovative international approaches will be needed to address the sources of insecurity, remedy the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of threats which affect the daily lives of millions of people.