APPRAISAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ PRINCIPLE OF ‘RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT’ IN THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR
Constance Oby Ifenweobi 1
Onyeka Blessing Ifenweobi 2
Department of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, Faculty of Social Sciences
National Open University of Nigeria 1 & 2
Corresponding Email: obyifenweobi@gmail.com 1
Abstract
This study analyzed the United Nations’ application of the principles of ‘Responsibility to Protect’ (R2P) in the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian conflict which started in 2011 has raged on for over twelve years, with thousands of people killed, maimed, millions displaced, and large-scale properties destroyed. Despite Syria being a member of the United Nations’ (UN), the UN has not been able to intervene to bring the conflict to an end. A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. Findings show that several factors are aiding the continuation of the Syrian civil war, and the inability of the UN to apply its principles of R2P effectively in the Syrian war. The study found that the two leading countries of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Russia and the United States of America, have vested interests in the Syrian conflict by supporting and arming opposing sides of the war. Also, the UNSC, which is the arm of the UN responsible for peace and security in the world, is currently weakened by internal politics and indiscriminate use of veto powers. However, the study recommends that the United Nations General Assembly should take unilateral decisions to end the Syrian conflict. Also, Russia and the United States of America should desist from arming and supporting the opposing sides.
Keywords: Appraisal, Conflict, Failure, Protect, Responsibility, United Nations.
