Multilateralism / Comment
The Responsibility to protect and UN reform: Canada's engagement
19/07/2005 By Marc Lortie
As we reflect on the role that all of us can play in shaping the world, it will come as no surprise that Canada, as a traditional peace-keeping nation and a true multilateralist, is convinced that the international community has a responsibility to protect civilians.
It is indeed one of the highest foreign policy priorities of the Canadian government. We are very much at the forefront of this discussion on the international stage and that is why we are pleased to participate today.
In response to the release in March 2005 of the UN Secretary General’s report: "In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All", Prime Minister (at the time) Paul Martin issued a statement indicating Canada’s strong endorsement of The Responsibility to Protect and calling on all leaders to embrace the emerging norm that state sovereignty entails not only rights but also responsibilities - particularly for the protection of civilians.
In Canada’s view, there is no element more important in the Secretary General’s report than his endorsement of the Responsibility to Protect.
The ongoing crisis in Darfur is a chilling reminder of the vulnerability of ordinary people in the contemporary security environment and of the urgent need to bring political will to bear so that the lives of civilians are protected.
Providing for their safety is not a marginal issue on the international peace and security agenda. It goes to the very heart of UN Reform.
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Keywords
Multilateralism Peace Security Sector Reform UNBio author: Marc Lortie
A career Diplomat, Marc Lortie served abroad in Tunisia (1973-75) and Washington (1979-83). He arrived in Madrid in December 2004.
