38 | Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples’ Rights while Countering Terrorism in Africa PART ENGLISH 13 HUMAN SECURITY A. Human Security: States have a responsibility to protect the human security of its people and peoples and to address the underlying conditions conducive to the emergence and spread of terrorism. The protection of human security and effective counterterrorism strategy in Africa requires a commitment to development and the promotion of economic, social, and cultural rights. Explanatory Note: See, African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact, Article 1(k); Secretary General’s Report on High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, paras. 145 and 148; and Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin, A/HRC/6/17, 21 November 2007, para. 69.