On Thursday, 27 June, the UN General Assembly opened a plenary meeting on “The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity” as part of the formal agenda of its 73rd session. This was the second consecutive formal debate on R2P.

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, opened the debate followed by introductory remarks by the Chef de Cabinet of the UN Secretary-General, Ms. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

On 27 June 1 regional organization (European Union) and 54 member states spoke on behalf of 94 countries. During the debate the Permanent Mission of Denmark spoke on behalf of the 51 members of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect. On 28 June the debate continued. In total, 1 regional organization and 70 member states spoke on behalf of 104 countries.

All statements delivered by member states are available via UN official meeting records:

• • • 27 June AM
    • 27 June PM
    • 28 June PM

The unofficial General Assembly summary of the discussion on 27 June is available here.

Part I, Morning Session, 27 June:

Part II, Afternoon Session, 27 June