LIMITS OF THE R2P PRINCIPLE: STUDYING THE CASE OF SYRIA
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Abstract
Responsibility to Protect (“R2P”) was originally introduced in 2001 with a report by the International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (“ICISS”). The principle behind R2P is that in cases where a State can’t protect its own civilians or is unwilling to do so, the international community is prepared to take action to protect civilians by force if necessary. It has proved to be effective in many cases- the hugest success story being Libya in 2011. Though this principle is celebrated worldwide, it is mired in controversies. Many believe that it was after the crisis in Syria that the concept of R2P was put to test. Taking into account the disagreement internationally over Syria, many have argued that R2P hasn’t changed as much as its supporters claim. In fact, some have gone ahead and termed R2P as “RIP”.
In this essay, the author discusses the concept of R2P as it is recognized internationally and discusses its evolution. The author reviews the ongoing Syrian crisis and how it highlights the failures of R2P as a principle. The author also assesses the possible solutions that are currently being discussed to ensure that the principle of R2P is able to achieve its fullest. Lastly, the author discusses whether R2P as a principle still matters or not.
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