For years, our subsidiaries and I at Al Thuraya Holdings have advocated placing humans at the center of discussions on security and risk. Whether termed human risk management or human security, these concepts share foundational principles under different names.
Today, I want to share our conversations and insights from inside Gaza on how we can reshape and provide context on the discourse on reconstruction in Gaza, urging donors and agencies to prioritize a human security approach.
In recent months, we have engaged with various agencies and groups, supporting evacuations via Jordan and Egypt. while preparing for reconnaissance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict. Despite the continuing hostilities, talks on reconstruction have already commenced. In these engagements, we emphasize the importance of adopting an explicit "human security" approach, which has been notably absent from high-level political agendas but could profoundly influence joint priorities and policies for reconstruction.
With over two decades of experience in conflict zones and post-conflict reconstruction across frontier countries, the human security paradigm directs attention to threats that endanger the safety, livelihoods, and dignity of individuals and their communities and the teams operating on the ground. This approach advocates for policies that address vulnerabilities in a multisectoral, context-specific, and prevention-oriented manner. It recognizes that conflict intertwines with insecurity across health, housing, food security, the economy, and community well-being.
Therefore, human security aligns synergistically with post-conflict reconstruction efforts, aiming to consolidate peace and foster sustainable socio-economic development. Historically, human security, by considering the host society’s needs, has been integral to effective reconstruction processes.
Priorities for Gaza Reconstruction
Firstly, prioritizing human security in Gaza ensures that reconstruction efforts reflect the needs and aspirations of its citizens, focusing on people-centered outcomes. Drawing lessons from post-war Iraq, where economic growth spurred by reconstruction aid and reforms did not uniformly benefit ordinary people due to corruption and societal divisions, Gaza requires a reconstruction approach that prioritizes social policies alongside macroeconomic stabilization and growth.
Secondly, a human security approach draws attention to sources of post-conflict insecurity that span sectors and require comprehensive responses, such as small arms proliferation, organized crime, and discrimination against minorities. These issues may not be immediate state priorities but are significant from the perspective of Gaza's people and can escalate into regional threats if overlooked.
Implementation Strategies
To effectively integrate human security into reconstruction agendas, stakeholders—donors, Palestinians, and international partners—must establish mechanisms ensuring that community needs guide and prioritize the entire reconstruction process. Large-scale surveys can gauge people's perceptions of insecurity and identify urgent local and national needs, shaping reconstruction efforts accordingly.
Moreover, a subsidiarity principle should empower local and regional authorities to implement solutions that align with local realities, supported by feedback from civil society organizations. This approach encourages community participation in initiatives like information campaigns and reconciliation activities, enhancing the relevance and impact of reconstruction efforts.
Ensuring Effectiveness
Lastly, a human security perspective underscores the critical need for robust oversight and anti-corruption measures in multilateral reconstruction endeavors. Corruption remains a significant barrier to ensuring that reconstruction benefits directly reach the populace, particularly at the local level.
Conclusion
Amidst myriad challenges facing civilians in Gaza, reconstruction efforts must enhance state security and resilience while also embracing human security principles. Addressing strategic vulnerabilities such as illicit weapon trade routes and energy dependency is crucial. However, these efforts should not sideline the importance of human security, advocating instead for a balanced and comprehensive approach to "building back better" in a people-centered manner.
Human security and state security are interdependent facets that complement each other in societies. Only by safeguarding individuals against diverse threats can society truly build resilience.
Therefore, integrating human security is essential if Palestine and its partners aspire to achieve sustainable, people-centric reconstruction.
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