Reconciling State Sovereignty with the Global Responsibility to Protect

CLAIHR was proud to participate in the inaugural event for the Rule of Law Education Series on Monday, April 6, 2009 at the Law Society of Upper Canada and its Human Rights Monitoring Group. The event featured a panel discussion from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that examined the topic, “Reconciling State Sovereignty with the Global Responsibility to Protect.” Following the discussion, participants were invited to a reception that featured award winning journalist, The CLAIHR is proud to participate in the inaugural event for the Rule of Law Education Series on Monday, April 6, 2009 at the Law Society of Upper Canada and its Human Rights Monitoring Group. The event featured a panel discussion from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. that examined the topic, “Reconciling State Sovereignty with the Global Responsibility to Protect.” Following the discussion, participants were invited to a reception that will feature award winning journalist, Anna Maria Tremonti, host of the CBC’s current affairs program, The Current.

Topic: Reconciling State Sovereignty with the Global Responsibility to Protect

The issue of the “right of humanitarian intervention” questions when it is appropriate for states to take action against another state for the purpose of protecting people from catastrophe, genocide, and crimes against humanity. This and other challenging political, legal and moral questions were examined by the International Commission on International and State Sovereignty, producing the doctrine known as The Responsibility to Protect.

This concept was adopted by world leaders at the 2005 UN World Summit, but it continues to face substantial challenges in practice. The practice of humanitarian intervention will be discussed by a panel of distinguished speakers who will consider The Responsibility to Protect doctrine’s applicability to contemporary cases.

Speakers:

  • The Hon. Robert (Bob) Rae
  • The Hon. Mr. Justice Harry LaForme
  • Georgette Gagnon
  • Pacifique Manirakiza

Discussion Moderator

  • Sharmini Peries