Mission Statement

The Regional Human Security Centre is a non-profit, independent institution that seeks to advance the human security agenda through applied research, training and the facilitation of dialogue around practical policy recommendations.

Objectives

To develop the Research Program of the RHSC:

1. Build a strong and multidisciplinary in-house team of academic researchers capable of producing high-level research that develops the theories of human security while advancing practical solutions to the humanitarian crises in the region.
2. Build a collection of knowledge that allows stakeholders from across the region to draw on the work of the RHSC and to develop their own research strategies, which in turn could be funded by the RHSC.

To develop the Events Program of the RHSC:

3. Raise the level of awareness of humanitarian and human security issues among academics, practitioners, and policy makers at the national, regional and international levels.
4. Serve as a forum where stakeholders from across West Asia can come together to work in a collegiate atmosphere to address wide-ranging and threatening human security issues.
5. Assist governmental and non-governmental entities across the region in the design and implementation of humanitarian programmes and policies.
6. Offer training on subjects related to human security.

Regional Focus

The Centre focuses on the region of West Asia, to include North Africa, the Middle East, as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Areas of Research

The centre has identified four initial research clusters within the Human Security field: Armed Conflict, Forced Migration, Reconstruction, and State Sovereignty and Civil Society.

Training and Dissemination

Alongside research, the Centre’s activities will include the training of individuals. The Centre will offer an annual summer school, which will bring together academics, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss new developments in human security and formulate possible initiatives.

History

The RHSC was first established in July 2000 at the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy, with core funding and programme support provided by the Government of Canada.  The Centre ran successfully until the end of 2005, when, due to unforeseen circumstances, it entered a period of hibernation.  In March 2007, a strategic review of the Centre was completed, and the RHSC, now supported by the Higher Council for Science and Technology, is in good position to begin fulfilling its updated objectives.

Location

Amman, with its geographical location in the heart of the region, continues to be the perfect base for a dedicated human security centre in this region.  Jordan, as an active member of the "Human Security Network," is also suited to this task thanks to its political and economic stability.  Although the Centre is independent, the importance of the financial and political support provided by the Government of Jordan (through the Higher Council for Science and Technology), should not be underestimated.  The Jordanian political structure is also characterized by a willingness to open dialogue with all regional partners including Israel, which is vital for the success of the Centre.

Contributors

The RHSC draws funding from the Canadian government and the Jordanian government via the Higher Council for Science and Technology.  To ensure its independence and sustainability, it also seeks to secure additional funding from a number of public and private, local, regional, and international partner organizations.