Should states have a right to use force to respond to grave human rights violations?

What is it about?

The article surveys fundamental shifts in international law that increasingly focus on individuals and their security. Whilst it shows that international law is indeed increasingly pluralistic and human-centric, it concludes that such advancements do not speak to a right of humanitarian intervention. Moreover, such a right is dangerous and destabilising. The focus should instead by on structural and procedural reform of the UN.

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Why is it important?

This is a new take on a very topical issue. In response to grave breaches of human rights, we often feel that 'something should be done'. This is particularly so when the UN fails to act. States using force outside of the UN Charter framework is not the answer however. This article seeks to explain why.

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