Humanitarian interventions and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
DWARS, Green Left Youth, April 2012
Since the founding of DWARS, there is a discussion on humanitarian interventions.
First, DWARS has pacifist roots, but then there are situations where the use of
weapons sometimes seems unavoidable to protect those in need. The heated
debates show that we all have the same goal: long-lasting peace, worldwide. Despite
the different views on the attainment of this goal, it is important to recognize that
these ideals are identical in essence.
In the political programme, we as members established that the primary purpose of
foreign policy should be to protect life, health and dignity. To achieve this, a wellfunctioning international legal order and the observance of human rights is
necessary.
DWARS envisions a world without borders. While this is not reality yet, an important
concept for DWARS is popular sovereignty. We agree this with UN Conventions,
which state that every nation has the right to self-determination (UN 1960, resolution
1514).
The sovereignty of a state, according to UN treaties, can only be violated under strict
conditions, i.e. when there is genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and
ethnic cleansing (UN, 2005).
In international law is written that a state does not attack until they are attacked.
When this principle is respected, wars between states will no longer exist. The
problem lies in internal conflicts where people attack each other without prevention of
the state, or in situations where the state itself is the aggressor.
DWARS focuses on the prevention of conflicts. When conflicts are impossible to
prevent, the international community has the responsibility to intervene. Intervention
can only exist under strict conditions and only when the primary security of the
population of the country is ensured. Military intervention is a last resort that can only
be used when other means have been exhausted.
This vision describes the principles that DWARS uses to form a position whether or
not to intervene in a conflict. The vision identifies three different conditions: the
prevention of conflicts, the response to conflict and post-conflict reconstruction.
1. Prevention of conflicts
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DWARS is against arms trade. While we do not live in a world without
weapons, governments produce their own weapons.
To avoid conflicts, we need to fight structural poverty. We must strive for fair
trade. For the realization of fair trade, we need to lift unfair trade barriers. In
addition, better international cooperation in the field of trade is necessary.
All countries have a duty to fulfil their citizens in their basic needs. The
purpose of Development Assistance is to support countries in this obligation.
Good governance is a condition to prevent conflicts. Corruption should not be
seen as a reason to stop aid, but rather as a reason for investing in anticorruption programmes.
Transparent allocation of development funds is not only important for Western
taxpayers. For residents of developing countries it is a necessary condition to
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control their government. Donor countries have a responsibility here too.
International initiatives for preventing conflicts should be supported by a
structural part of the Development Assistance budget.
The Dutch Development Assistance budget goes to 2% of GNP.
It is important to monitor recovery in countries where human rights are
violated and where improvement is promised.
If a conflict appears imminent, focus on negotiations at a regional level with
the purpose of a peaceful solution to the conflict.
2. Reaction to conflict
When states are no longer able or willing to protect citizens, the international
community has the responsibility to intervene, also known as: the Responsibility to
Protect (R2P). This is only applicable in the case of genocide, war crimes, crimes
against humanity or ethnic cleansing. In the current situation, the UN Security
Council gives the permission.
DWARS is convinced of the value of R2P, the international community cannot look
away from major human rights violations. It is important that the international
community strives for global peace and security.
We cannot deny that political and economic interests may underlie humanitarian
interventions. The R2P should not be misused for political power considerations;
countries have an equally important duty to intervene in countries where they do not
have an interest. When the intervention stops human rights violations successful, the
underlying motivation is ultimately of secondary importance.
DWARS realizes that military intervention is the last resort in humanitarian
interventions. Intervening exist on a wide range of measures, such as economic
sanctions, diplomatic negotiations with all parties, arms embargoes and relief.
Military intervention can generate more violence if weapons are brought into the
country.
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An intervention should only take place if it is likely that this situation will
improve. In addition, the intervention comes together with sufficient dedication
to post-conflict reconstruction.
The UN Security Council plays a crucial role in mandating interventions.
Because the current structure of the Security Council, where five countries
have a veto, is not effective in ensuring protection of citizens through the
R2P, the Security Council should reform.
According to DWARS, there must be a global distribution of permanent
members and a better representation of current power structures.
DWARS wants to abolish NATO. As long as this is not happening and the UN
is not equipped to adequately intervene, we accept other bodies with the
mandate of the UN who can effectively intervene. We prefer partnerships at
EU level. DWARS strives for a EU army that makes NATO eventually
superfluous.
Missing a military structure within the UN. The UN should get its own army, to
be freed from direct national interests. This army should only intervene under
R2P.
When the Security Council uses the veto, the General Assembly can overrule
the Security Council with two-thirds majority vote. This gives the possibility of
an intervention without a mandate from the Security Council (Uniting for
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Peace resolution 377). DWARS recommends that the General Assembly
extend the application of this possibility.
The R2P should never aim to impose another government or form of
government in another country. The primary objective should be to protect
citizens against gross human rights violations; citizens have the sovereign
right to determine their government themselves.
An important condition for intervention is a clear structure and a budget for
reconstruction after the conflict. A long-term view is necessary.
Military intervention is a last resort that should be used only when all other
possibilities have been exhausted.
3. Post-conflict reconstruction
DWARS believes that the international community has a responsibility in the
reconstruction of countries torn by conflict. DWARS also realizes that for
reconstruction, a Western blueprint cannot be imposed on a country. Finally,
presence in a country is not a goal but a means to improve the situation there.
Reconstruction would prevent the resurgence of conflict in the future and new human
rights violations should be avoided. Reconstruction is more than just repairing war
damage. In addition, reconstruction and human rights of minority groups, and there
must be cooperation with local parties.
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Part of reconstruction must be to reconcile the different parties.
For the success of the reconstruction, one should be attempted to involve all
parties and must be actively work together with local and regional
organizations, development aid, NGOs etc.
To maintain peace and sustainable economic recovery, a basic legal system
that protects against arbitrariness is important.
DWARS favours the idea of peacekeeping missions under UN mandate. The
'rules of engagement' of the blue helmets should be positioned so that they
can act effectively and safely. The purpose of the mission long-lasting peace.