For NATO, the term Human Security refers to the risks and threats to civilian populations which may arise in all aspects of the Alliance’s work.
At the 2022 Madrid Summit, Heads of State and Government formally outlined NATO’s approach towards Human Security by endorsing the Human Security Approach and Guiding Principles. This document provides the Alliance with a common understanding of Human Security and sets the principles guiding its integration into all that the Alliance does.
NATO’s modern defence posture – comprising a range of effective weapon systems, robust infrastructure and, most importantly, highly trained military forces – has the potential not only to enhance security but also to support and promote Human Security both within and beyond the borders of its Allies. NATO’s Human Security approach is people-centred, gender-responsive, and prevention and protection-oriented. It aims to avert and respond to the risks and threats faced by civilians and their assets, especially in situations of conflict or crisis.
The Alliance’s Human Security efforts encompass five areas of work in which the Alliance can be most effective: Protection of Civilians (PoC);
- Preventing and Responding to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV);
- Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (CTHB);
- Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC);
- Cultural Property Protection (CPP).
Men, women, boys and girls as well as different communities and groups within a given society, experience armed conflict and crisis in different ways, resulting in varying security needs. Identifying and appropriately responding to these specific needs in the local context is an essential part of NATO’s approach to Human Security, in line with its common values of individual liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law as well as the moral imperative of protecting the civilian population.
Against the backdrop of increased strategic competition in NATO’s security environment, giving due consideration to Human Security allows NATO to distinguish itself from adversaries who deliberately target civilians during conflict or crisis. NATO’s operational experience has shown that a Human Security approach is essential for success, as it provides a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of conflict dynamics through the lens of the human environment.
By integrating Human Security considerations into NATO’s core tasks, the Alliance seeks to prevent unintended consequences, such as harm to civilians, that could undermine the effectiveness of its operations, missions and activities. Additionally, this approach may also help build support for NATO’s actions among local populations, which is essential in gaining legitimacy and achieving long-term success. With increasing urbanisation and the growing likelihood of warfare in densely populated areas, the need to incorporate Human Security considerations is more relevant than ever. For example, urban warfare increases the impact on the civilian population as a whole, as well as the interaction between armed forces and civilians – which can lead to an increase in civilian harm or casualties. It is also important to note that vulnerable groups suffer disproportionately from these effects. In addition, cultural property located in urban areas also becomes more susceptible to damage, destruction or theft. The protection of cultural property, therefore, not only strengthens a country's own cultural identity, but also boosts respect for the cultural property and heritage of other nations. This trend has been sadly illustrated in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
From the wilful killing of civilians, torture, rape and other sexual violence to the deliberate targeting of Ukrainian critical infrastructure and cultural property – Russia is instrumentalising civilians in this war in an attempt to erase the Ukrainian identity and undermine the people’s resilience and will to fight.
Focusing on Human Security thus enhances operational effectiveness and contributes to lasting peace and security, whereas neglect thereof has the potential to undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of the Alliance’s actions. By acknowledging the importance of Human Security, NATO ensures that its actions are consistent with its values and principles, helping to prevent the escalation of conflict and crisis and contributing to a more stable, secure and peaceful world.
At NATO, we remain committed to advancing this Agenda and to ensuring that our policies and actions reflect this commitment. While a strong institutional foundation exists, we recognise that there is still work to be done and we remain fully dedicated to continuing our efforts in this regard. NATO entities from its Force Structure, such as the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy, are and will be pivotal in this undertaking.