The Human Security Approach in Confronting Pandemics within the Requirements of International Law: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Pandemics constitute a multidimensional challenge that goes beyond the health aspect to include direct threats to human security, as they affect the fundamental rights of individuals such as the right to life, health, education and work. In this context, international law emerges as a key regulatory framework for managing the collective response through the International Health Regulations and cooperation mechanisms via the World Health Organization. However, reality has revealed a structural deficiency in the effectiveness of these requirements, especially with regard to the equitable distribution of medical resources, weak international solidarity, and the conflict of national interests with collective commitments. This study aims to discuss the position of the human security approach in addressing these problems, by highlighting the challenges facing the international legal system, and proposing prospects for its development in a manner that enhances the protection of human beings as a central goal, and makes the response to pandemics more equitable and effective at the regional and international levels.