The Responsibility to Protect Doctrine

What is it about?

This chapter examines the historical and normative evolution of the doctrine, including its development as an international norm and its treatment of the refugee category within its definition. It also examines the normative significance of the doctrine in the 21st century with a particular focus on the protection of asylum seekers and refugees, identifying six key elements that can assist in further advancing its role as an early warning doctrine.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This book chapter provides an argument for the potential pivotal role of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine in the protection of asylum seekers and refugees. It shows how the doctrine was initially conceived to also protect asylum seekers and refugees in the context of armed conflict and mass atrocities committed by the State. However, the doctrine’s significance has become diluted over time due to shifts in its definition and the limited scholarly analysis to advance this significant role within the norm.