UN Photo/JC McIlwaine

On September 6, the UN General Assembly held a successful “Informal Interactive Dialogue” on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). A record number of states spoke at the Interactive Dialogue, addressing the UN Secretary-General’s ninth annual report on R2P, entitled “Implementing the Responsibility to Protect: Accountability for Prevention.” Participants at the dialogue underscored the importance of strengthening practical efforts for preventing atrocity crimes and protecting vulnerable populations. As in previous years, while a minority of states challenged application of the principle of the responsibility to protect, the discussion was generally positive and constructive. Following the Dialogue, UN member states agreed to place R2P on the agenda of the UN General Assembly in order to debate a formal resolution, a decision that entails more possibilities for follow-up action and deepening adherence to and acceptance of the R2P norm.