Responsibility to protect (R2P)

Definition

The Responsibility to Protect is an international norm that holds states accountable for protecting populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. It establishes the principle that when a state fails to protect its citizens, the international community has the obligation to intervene, using diplomatic, humanitarian, and military means if necessary.

Related terms

Genocide: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.

Sovereignty: A principle of international law that defines the right of states to govern themselves without outside interference.

Humanitarian Intervention: An action undertaken by a state or group of states intended to prevent or end human rights abuses or suffering within another state's borders, potentially including military force