Since the previous edition, significant milestones have been reached towards advancing the notion of human security at the United Nations and beyond. Most notably, on 10 September 2012, Member States gathered at the General Assembly and adopted, by consensus, resolution 66/290 on human security. In adopting this significant and timely resolution, Member States have now reached a common understanding on human security that will significantly strengthen activities to advance human security within and beyond the United Nations.
The resolution draws on the recommendations made by the Secretary-General in his second report on human security (A/66/763) which was released on 5 April 2012 and subsequently debated at the General Assembly on 6 June 2012. As a follow-up to General Assembly resolution 64/291, this second report is based on contributions by Member States as well as a series of informal consultations conducted by the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General (SASG) on human security, Mr Yukio Takasu. In addition to outlining key aspects towards forming a common understanding on the notion of human security, the report also provides a summary of discussions on human security at the General Assembly and highlights areas where the application of human security can bring added value to the work of the Organisation.