Human security and human-centred defence as individual responsibility and collective activity

Collective defence and individual (human) security are not necessarily two sides of the same coin, they are often two different currencies where it is almost impossible to calculate their real exchange rate and value. Current civil-military relationships often fall short of what is needed to meet emerging human security needs. We are confident that the positive interactions of civil-military actors help build resiliency. Human rights and human needs play a significant role in building resiliency. We call for the re-invention of civil defence as the holistic concept of individual responsibility and collective action. We need human-centered defence policy and planning, teaching, and practice. We need strong states to stand behind the civil defence concept that merges policy and strategy with local actors. Security is an individual responsibility and a collective activity that requires all elements of society to ensure success. Security cannot be outsourced to the military, nor any single civilian institution.