Under the UN Charter the Security Council is tasked with the primary responsibility for international peace and security. Despite this responsibility, the Council has been unable to effectively address situations where mass atrocities are ongoing. While the Security Council cannot be absolved of its responsibilities, the UN Charter also empowers the General Assembly with a specific toolset to make recommendations on human rights and matters of international peace and security if the Security Council is unwilling or unable to act.

“The Powers of the UN General Assembly to Prevent and Respond to Atrocity Crimes: A Guidance Document” explores these tools and provides options for policymakers to utilize in their negotiations. The document was released by the Asia-Pacific Centre for the Responsibility to Protect in collaboration with the Global Centre, the Human Rights Research and Education Centre at the University of Ottawa and the International Rule of Law Initiative.

2021-Report-APR2P-UNGA Powers