The human security approach is relatively new and specific, being primarily oriented towards the individual, i.e. focusing on a personal feeling of security of an individual, which may be impacted by various factors. As opposed to traditional approaches, where human security used to be viewed in the context of external threats, a redefined concept of human security aims to bring insecurity and vulnerability of individuals to the forefront, allowing us to understand some of the key processes which are not visible at first sight, but which threaten peoples’ lives on a daily basis. The three “pillars” of the human security concept are freedom from fear, freedom from want and the freedom to live with dignity. Human security is considered to have been attained if all three freedoms are achieved – if human lives are in no way threatened, if decent living conditions are provided and if individuals feel secure and respected in their immediate, as well as broader environment. The concept of human security is not merely a theoretical construct and can be broadly implemented in practice as well. Numerous surveys which often combine various methodologies are conducted to determine the condition of human security at specific levels (local, national, regional), aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of the actual state of human security. As there are multiple sources of insecurity for individuals and threats to human security in general in Serbia, SeConS researchers are particularly focused on analyzing various aspects of human security within all the various available contexts. In their activities so far, SeConS researchers have studied human security in the context of workplace violence, violence among children and youth, gender-based violence, ethnic conflicts, poverty as structural violence, homelessness, as well as risks to human security in the context of forced migrations and exiled refugees. SeConS is a member of the regional Citizens’ Network for Peace, Reconciliation and Human Security for Western Balkans and Turkey.
SeConS – SeConS Development Initiative Group