A NEW OPTION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN SECURITY IN EAST ASIA : REFORMING THE ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM

This paper argues that a reformed ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) can promote human security in East Asia. The promotion of ARF-centered human security requires a definition that accords with the respective cultures and values of its member states. The sources of human insecurity that plague the region include: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), terrorism, traffickingin illicit drugs, persons, and arms, North Korean ‘famine refugees,’ health insecurity, HIV/epidemics, , various forms of economic crime, environmental insecurity, domestic threats, political insecurity, ethnopolitical conflict, poverty and economic inequity, food security, acid rain, and yellow dust. Human security issues can be addressed in the ARF by three phases. First, Establishing atmosphere: Creating norms for human security in East Asia, and Establishing a human security academy or research center. Second, promoting cooperation: Establishing an independent secretariat at ARF, creating a human security promotion center under the secretariat, raising funds for human security, cultivating human security culture through education. Third, Fullscale cooperation: Spreading shared values for human security and mobilizing all-out support for human security from member states are prerequisite to promoting human security in East Asia.Even though ARF member states have different ideas and interpretations of human security, their enhanced cooperation and openness may improve the human security situation in East Asian region