GPPi discusses the Responsibility to Protect initiative at German parliament
On 8 June 2012, GPPi Associate Director Thorsten Benner contributed to an international conference about the Responsibility to Protect initiative (R2P) at the German parliament. Titled “Menschenrechte verantwortlich schützen — Das Konzept der Responsibility to Protect weiterentwickeln
”, the conference was organized by the Bündnis 90/Die Grünen parliamentary group.
Benner spoke on the panel concerned with strengthening civilian prevention and reaction to gross human rights violations. The panel also included Tom Koenigs (MP) and Nadim Houry (Human Rights Watch). Moderating the panel was Katja Keul (MP).
In his remarks, Benner stressed five points. First, he argued that the three pillars of the R2P
need equal attention and investment. In this context, Brazil’s Responsibility While Protecting initiative can make a positive contribution; it’s a reminder that prevention is important. At the same time, it is also important to think of the three pillars as partially concurrent and mutually reinforcing. That is why the rigid sequencing between activities in the three pillars of the Brazilian initiative is highly counterproductive.
Second, Benner emphasized the need to invest in UN instruments. The UN is nowhere near having the world class intelligence and analysis capacity that successive UN secretary generals have demanded. Further investments also need to be made in the mediation capacity as well as justice and security sector reform activities that can contribute to prevention. While there are significant concerns about budgetary constraints, these investments in prevention are comparatively cheap.
Third, Benner was skeptical of calls for a stronger role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in prevention. He maintained that using the court for fact finding missions would not be in line with the court’s mandate, and it would overstretch the fledgling institution. Also, referrals of cases of ongoing crises by the Security Council to the ICC are highly problematic and can be counterproductive for finding political solutions. “No peace without justice” is an important rallying cry, but Benner maintained that because of a lack of political will and resources, a lot of “ugly deals” will likely be cut for lack of alternatives within reach.
Fourth, political will is the ultimate currency that will decide the future of R2P, including prevention efforts. For Germany, an “R2P focal point” (in line with the focal points in other countries) would be a useful addition. However, creating this position will not be a magic bullet. The ultimate test is still how much time the top government leadership (especially the chancellor) is willing to spend on R2P issues. This is also a reflection of the pressure from the broader political arena, which is why civil society needs to step up its analysis and advocacy efforts on the topic in Germany and Europe – as well as in other countries such as Brazil, India and South Africa, which are crucial for the further development of R2P.
Fifth and finally, Benner maintained the need to invest in the collective learning capacity of the UN and others as they implement R2P. This involves taking a thorough look at lessons-learned from diplomatic efforts, sanctions, travel bans and observer missions.
Other speakers at the conference included Louise Arbour (International Crisis Group), Emily Haber (German Foreign Office) and Jürgen Trittin (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen).