Planners working together at the British Peace Support Team East Africa (2017)

5 things to know about Human Security and civilian protection

Human Security is a branch of Defence that covers civilian protection, conflict related sexual violence, and much more. But why is this important and how did it come about? This article outlines why

UK Armed Forces helping with self defence training in South Sudan

1. Human Security comes under the UN Resolution, Women, Peace and Security (UNCR 1325.) Why did this resolution come about?

• The nature of warfare is constantly changing and civilians are increasingly being targeted. New resolutions needed to be made to highlight civilian protection.
• The resolution recognised that conflict disproportionately affects women and girls.
• Women are 50% of society and need a seat at the table during peace processes.
• A gender perspective means considering the needs of boys, men, girls and women differently.
• There have been 9 new resolutions about Women, Peace and Security since the first in 2000.

2. What is gender mainstreaming?

• Making gender part of every stage of the planning process.
• Making it embedded it in the process rather than an ‘add-on’.
• Makes sure that policy-makers, governments and peacekeepers consider the different affects of their decisions on all areas of society — men, boys, women, girls, etc.

3. Why is it sometimes called Human Security?

• Human Security is an umbrella term used by Defence, which Women, Peace and Security sits under.
• Highlights that gender, child and civilian protection does not only mean women.

4. What else does Human Security include?

• Protection of civilians
• Conflict-related sexual violence
• Human trafficking
• Sexual exploitation and abuse
• Much more

Self defence training in South Sudan

5. What are National Action Plans?

• National Action Plans are made by each country to suit their own unique context.
• They show how the country will aim to follow the Women, Peace and Security Resolution.
• 86 countries have created National Action Plans (as of October 2020).

The Sexual and Gender Based Violence Course is UK funded and is delivered at the British Peace Support Team East Africa in Kenya.

Read an interview with a UN Gender Adviser in the DRC.

5 Questions for a UN Gender Adviser

Read more about the UK Armed Force’s work in South Sudan.

Operation Trenton: 4 things you need to know

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