WANA Region Needs Youth-Focused Human Security Approach

According to the latest Global Peace Index GPI 2018, the West Asia-North Africa (WANA) region is less peaceful today than at any time in the past decade. In a recent publication, the WANA Institute argues that introducing a youth-focused human security approach can help tackle the region’s security threats.

Despite the many differences between countries in the WANA region, they all share a state-centric security model. Such models focus on reinforcing the state’s ability to protect its national sovereignty and assert its power. According to the researchers, today’s threats require a different response, as they no longer exclusively originate from other states with internationally recognised borders. State-centred security measures also negatively impact political participation and social cohesion in the long run.

Instead, a human security approach is needed to achieve sustainable regional development and peace. This model places the individual at the centre and guarantees access to basic goods like nutrition, water, health care, clothing, and shelter, in addition to protection from physical violence. With the individual as the focus of programming and policy-making, the sense of national ownership and engagement increases. Through improved dialogue with the population, their grievances can also be managed more effectively.

Given the demographic make-up of the region, youth should be at the centre of such a human security approach. YouthPolicy.org estimates that “some 60 per cent of the population is under 25 years old, making this one of the most youthful regions in the world.” Therefore, youth should be more closely involved in policy-making, and considered an asset to their countries instead of a problem that needs to be dealt with.