Dossier

Human Security

The human security discourse provides a conceptual ground for reimagining individuals and communities as equal stakeholders in peace and security. It bears the potential to create more pluralistic and inclusive debates about questions of security by allowing us to get closer to addressing the root causes of conflict and lived experiences of insecurity. Our dossier provides applications of and perspectives on the concept.

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The concept of Human Security

The Global Unit for Human Security addresses the concept of human security and develops it beyond a mere analytical tool. The aim is to develop a progressive framework for intersectional, human-centric and justice-oriented security policy making.

By Dr. Siavash Eshghi

A Human Security Imperative Should Guide Europe’s Policies for a Post-Conflict Syria

Analysis

As Syria enters a fragile post-conflict phase, Europe must embrace a human-security-driven strategy that centers inclusive governance, economic recovery, and the rights of refugees. The stakes, for Syrians and for Europe, are too high to remain reactive.

By Nail Nizamoglu

GPT Icon Photo: A group of people, including children, walk along a road carrying belongings. A destroyed truck and more people are in the background.

Confronting Injustice: Decolonizing and Reimagining Peace in Palestine-Israel

Analysis

The ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu, Galant, and Al-Masri are a stark reminder to us all that addressing past and present injustices is crucial for the future of peace and human security between and amongst Palestinians and Israelis.

By Dr. Siavash Eshghi

Foto: Statue eines Kindes mit ausgestreckten Armen, das einen Kranich hält. Umgeben von Bäumen, blauer Himmel im Hintergrund.

Nuclear Weapons Create and Exacerbate Human Insecurity

Analysis

Nuclear weapons and the development of other means of destroying people are a matter of justice and human security. They reflect the priorities of governments and powerful institutions that control decisions on spending.

By M. V. Ramana

Strommasten vor der untergehenden Sonne in Kairo

For the People, Not the Regime: A Critical Look at Europe’s Relations With Egypt

Commentary

The economic situation in Egypt is becoming increasingly hopeless and protests are being suppressed. Europe must place the security of the people at the center of its relations with Egypt in order to improve the situation in the long term.

By Anna Schwarz

Graphic: A hand holds a burning microphone

Countering online risks in a ‘Super Election Year’: Why the EU and Africa need each other

Analysis

The European Union should work together with partners in Africa to secure electoral systems against cyberattacks and to prevent the spread of false and misleading information. This is also in line with European interests and values.

By Sabine Muscat and Cayley Clifford

Child from behind with empty water bottles.

In need of a Human Security Perspective between the River and the Sea

Analysis

To ensure security and well-being of all citizens in Israel and Palestine, global actors must shift from a state-centric, militarized view to a human-centric approach. And prioritizing equality and cooperation among individuals and communities for lasting peace.

By Dr. René Wildangel

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Autonomous Weapon Systems, International Law and Global Majority

Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems raise urgent challenges to international law. This short film looks at these issues, with an emphasis on the experiences of the Global Majority, and explores strategies to ensure a more inclusive and holistic regulatory environment.

Publications

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For human security in Middle East policy: Options for political action

Security, dignity, and self-determination for all people in Palestine and Israel are the basis for lasting security. An approach based on international law and feminism offers further options for action.

Photo: Cover of the publication "ThinkPeace #1", May 2025 Large central oval text: “Why Germany should bolster security beyond defense amidst Trump’s global impact.” Overall layout with bright green background.

Why Germany should bolster security beyond defense amidst Trump's global impact

The incoming German government will have to navigate challenges that are existential to Germany, Europe. This publication applies a feminist perspective to the far-reaching impact of the second Trump administration on global peace and security.

Testing the fault lines

Study

Election-related disinformation is reshaping democracies across Africa. This study examines how fake content spread during elections in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal fuels distrust, exploits divisions, and skews public perception.

By Alan Finlay, Nazarene Makena, Busola Ajibola and Tidiane Sy

Intersectional Feminist Perspectives On Cybercrime Law

Policy Brief

Cybercrime threatens not only digital security but also deepens social inequalities, affecting marginalized groups like women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and human rights defenders. This policy briefing explores the risks of weaponized cyber laws and proposes a human rights-based approach.

By Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy and Pavlina Pavlova

Climate Security Report

Report

This report reviews climate security literature, identifies key players, and analyzes case studies. It highlights actors' needs in different contexts and offers recommendations for global, regional, and local engagement, with a focus on the global South.

By Alice Bergoend

More about Foreign & Security Policy

Illustration: A broom sweeps groups of people from Europe into a fenced camp marked with EU flags, guarded by one person.

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Dossier

Human Security

The concept of Human Security

A Human Security Imperative Should Guide Europe’s Policies for a Post-Conflict Syria

Confronting Injustice: Decolonizing and Reimagining Peace in Palestine-Israel

Nuclear Weapons Create and Exacerbate Human Insecurity

For the People, Not the Regime: A Critical Look at Europe’s Relations With Egypt

Countering online risks in a ‘Super Election Year’: Why the EU and Africa need each other

In need of a Human Security Perspective between the River and the Sea

Autonomous Weapon Systems, International Law and Global Majority - Human Security Unit | Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

Autonomous Weapon Systems, International Law and Global Majority

Publications

For human security in Middle East policy: Options for political action

Why Germany should bolster security beyond defense amidst Trump's global impact

Testing the fault lines

Intersectional Feminist Perspectives On Cybercrime Law

Climate Security Report

More about Foreign & Security Policy

Externalisation of migration & asylum

Security in the Euro-Atlantic Space

Nuclear Arms Control

Feminist Foreign Policy

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