The Responsibility to Protect and Infrastructure in Myanmar

Abstract

The responsibility to protect norm has been associated with prevention activities such as national capacity building. There has also been recognition that social and economic development may have a relationship to this principle. Physical and social infrastructure is said to contribute to development and may be delivered by private actors, including via partnerships between the state and foreign investors, donors and institutions. However, the role that private investors play in relation to responsibility to protect activities remains unclear. This article explores the relationship between private actors, infrastructure and the responsibility to protect in the context of Myanmar. It argues that considering these topics together presents opportunities and risks, since infrastructure might help to prevent atrocities, but can also — as in Myanmar — contribute to their commission. Careful planning and consultation are crucial when funding and managing infrastructure projects, supported by laws, guidelines, and the concepts of responsibility and prevention.