Redefining the responsibility to protect concept as a response to international crimes

Abstract

This article assesses whether shifting the focus of responsibility to protect (R2P) as a response to crimes as such would potentially result in a greater support to implement the concept by the Security Council. Ten years ago, the international community endorsed the R2P concept as a response to genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. However, the inaction of the Security Council in the situation in Syria sadly illustrates the current lack of consensus among the permanent Member States on the implementation of R2P. This article suggests redefining R2P as a response to core international crimes building upon their unifying effect.