The R2P debate: the story so far

30/03/2010

On 14 September 2009, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus its first ever resolution on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). This resolution followed three days of debate on the issue, which was also a first. Though, in recent years, there has been growing acceptance of this concept, it is still not clear how it should be applied concretely. This article looks at the most recent developments – particularly in connection with the question of protecting civilians in war contexts – and key questions which have yet to be resolved.