The core of human security is to protect and empower people. In simple terms, the United Nations Commission on Human Security defines human security as the protection of "the vital core of all human lives in ways that enhance human freedom and fulfilment”. To achieve this protection, the national governments and international community require far more than simply protecting people and their fundamental freedom. While there must be short-term protection from a crisis, violence and environmental threats, the political will and state capacity have to exist in order to provide sustainable development by the successful integration of public and security policies at all levels of public governance that allow individuals to achieve prosperity.

The purpose of the Working Group in 2013 is not to detail the chronology and evolution of the human security concept as it relates to human rights and development; rather, we intend to elaborate a comprehensive overview of why this concept may have increasing importance for policy actions. Both traditional public policy issues and new issues, such as climate change, migration, social exclusion and extra-legal groups, organised crime, energy and violent conflict will be addressed. The Working Group will address problems of primary importance for human security in CEE and the CIS, discussing and proposing a more constructive and progressive approach to ensure human rights and development. The Working Group meetings will provide a common forum for a wide range of researchers and practitioners specialising in public administration, international relations, economics and law.