Human Rights, Human Wrongs and The Responsibility To Protect with Hon. Allan Rock

On May 21, 2008, CLAIHR launched its new human rights speaker series in the historic Campbell House. Lawyers, law students, academics and other interested professionals gathered to share a glass of wine, enjoy good company and listen to the guest speaker Allan Rock. Allan Rock, Canada’s former Ambassador to the United Nations, the former Attorney General of Canada,Minister of Industry and Minister of Health, spoke from his unique perspective stemming from his broad experience in international human rights issues at the United Nations. Mr. Rock lead a very informative and entertaining discussion on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). After the main presentation, attendees took advantage of the opportunity to have an open Q and A with Mr. Rock.

As Mr. Rock explained, in 2005, world leaders agreed, for the first time, that states have a primary responsibility to protect their own populations and that the international community has a responsibility to act when these governments fail to protect the most vulnerable among us. This responsibility to protect populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity is an international commitment by governments to prevent and react to grave crises, wherever they may occur.

The evening was a resounding success. Everyone who attended had an opportunity, either before or after the formal discussion, to engage in conversation with Mr. Rock. Mr. Rock himself declared his active support for CLAIHR and its objectives.

We would like to thank Allan Rock, our committed sponsors and all those who attended for their invaluable support.

Check back at this website frequently to learn about our new project regarding the Responsibility to Protect and the next installment in our speaker series.