http://www.wcia.org.uk/una/index.html

International Conflict

The ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P)

Definitions & Terms:• United Nations Security Council

(UNSC): 15 Member states that make the

main decisions of the UN, the

‘resolutions’. 10 are non-

permanent, 5 are permanent. They

decide resolutions on R2P

•UNSC Permanent 5: China, Britain,

USA, France, Russia

• Military Intervention: Use of force as a last

resort if all diplomacy fails; a

united, multi-national force (e.g.

ISAF in Afghanistan)

Definitions & Terms:• Sanctions: Powers to stop a

nation from trading/taking part

in international affairs i.e.

importing, Swiss bank account

blocks, political travel bans etc.

This puts pressure on a state to stop

their acts in violation of R2P

•Sovereignty: A nations’ power to look after its

own affairs, within its own borders.

This is a responsibility, not a right. Breached,

and R2P may come into play

What is the ‘Responsibility to Protect’, where did it come from and why should

we care?• International

discussion on the responsibility of the international

community to protect civilians

from harm, whether from

their own government,

another state, militia etc.

• Formally discussed after

Rwandan Genocide ’95,

became international

priority in 2001 and enshrined in UN international

law in 2006 (UNSC Resolution 1674)

Where would ‘R2P’ come up and what are the criterion for it?

1) Genocide

2) Ethnic Cleansing

3) Crimes Against Humanity

4) War Crimes

# 1:The most important

principle; The state (government

of the country) has a

responsibility to protect its citizens

# 2:The international community (every other nation) has a

responsibility to help that state fulfil #1 (aid,

advice, diplomacy)

# 3:If #1 & #2 fails (e.g. Libya 2011-12), the international community must intervene;

sanctions (economic, international organisation memberships), pressure from neighbouring countries, and finally military intervention as a last resort (and only the

Security Council can decide whether it is the last resort

What are the Three Pillars of ‘R2P’? Protect. Assist. Act

The ‘Responsibility to Protect’ in action:

Libya 2011/12: Began with a no-fly zone above Libya (all planes in violation shot down; stopped government bombing of civilians) and involved NATO officers supporting anti-government tactical efforts. Led to overthrow of dictatorship.

Kenya 2007/08: Disputed electoral results led to ethnic conflict, with rape, murder and police crimes widespread. African Union (the ‘EU of Africa’) efforts and UN mediation led to a coalition government and an end to the violence. Shows it’s not all about military intervention!

How does it affect us?