The 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine and the United Nations’ Application of the Responsibility To Protect (R2P) Principle

Abstract

This paper examines the United Nations' application of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis. It provides background on R2P's evolution as a norm for protecting populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. The paper argues that major power interests still dominate over human rights norms within the UN system. The research employs a documentary method, analysing secondary data sources through qualitative content analysis. It cites realist perspectives to explain the challenges of implementing R2P and the reluctance for military intervention in Ukraine due to feasibility concerns and risks of escalation. The analysis finds that the crisis reveals less about doctrinal debates on R2P and more about the lack of preventive diplomacy regarding tensions over NATO expansion and Ukraine's alignment. Overall, the paper concludes that the tragedy in Ukraine illustrates the need for greater commitment to multilateralism, concert among major powers, investment in preventive peacebuilding, and strengthening the UN's mediation capacities for R2P to function effectively. This paper recommends inter-alia that the UN should increase diplomatic pressure on Russia through a temporary suspension from the UN, and intensify public condemnation of its actions