ABSTRACT

The concept of human security was originally introduced in the UNDP's seminal 1994 Human Development Report. If human security is to become a mainstream principle, certain elements must be more fully developed before the international community can adopt the term as a guiding concept. This chapter focuses on two aspects of what is missing. First, since its inception, the term human security has been used with reference to issues related to foreign, not domestic, policy. Second, it should not be overlooked that culture has been identified as an integral element of human security. The chapter suggests that cultural activities, ranging through sport, music, theatre, traditional festivals and items of national heritage, may play an equally important part in both post-conflict rebuilding and post-disaster recovery. Cultural activities can play a role in disaster recovery when combined with efforts in other areas, so a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach is necessary.