In this context, state security and human security are in fact mutually supportive. Building an effective, democratic state that values its own people and protects minorities is central to promoting human security. At the same time, improving the human security of its people strengthens the legitimacy, stability and security of a state. The challenge of building effective institutions and strengthening governance therefore becomes a key strategy for promoting human security. As with its relationship to national security, human security is also complementary to, if distinct from human development.
Human security is an enabling condition for development.
If people lack confidence in society's ability to protect them, they will have little incentive to invest in the future. By contrast, promoting human development can also be an important strategy for furthering human security. By addressing inequalities which are often root causes of violent conflict, by strengthening governance structures, and by providing humanitarian assistance, development assistance complements political, legal, and military initiatives in enhancing human security. Canada's Human Security Initiatives Human security has provided the basis on which Canada, in cooperation with others, has made important progress on numerous issues critical to enhancing safety and security for people. I would like to highlight just a few of these issues here, many of which we are pursuing through fora and in partnership with others in this hemisphere.