Responsibility to Protect
/rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti tə prəˈtɛkt/
Definitions
- (n.) A global political commitment endorsed by UN member states to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity through timely international action.
The Responsibility to Protect doctrine obligates states and the international community to intervene when a state fails to protect its population from mass atrocities.
Forms
- responsibility to protect
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use with care to distinguish between the principle as a normative commitment and its legal implementation under international law; it is a political norm with evolving customary status rather than a binding legal rule.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.