Morocco co-chairs UN meeting on 20 years of ‘Responsibility to Protect’

Wednesday 24 September 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco co-chairs UN meeting on 20 years of ‘Responsibility to Protect’

At the United Nations in New York, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita co-chaired a ministerial meeting marking the 20th anniversary of the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) principle, a doctrine aimed at preventing mass atrocities. The session was jointly organized with Luxembourg and Guatemala during the 80th UN General Assembly, with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and Guatemala’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mónica Bolaños Pérez in attendance.

A call to action against mass atrocities

In his address, Bourita lamented the persistence of mass atrocities, particularly those targeting civilians, despite the creation of the UN to end genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing after World War II. He emphasized the urgent need to translate the principles of R2P into effective action, pointing out that the concept, though critical, has not kept pace with today’s global challenges.

Gaza: A case study in failure

Bourita focused on the crisis in Gaza, describing it as a humanitarian catastrophe marked by famine, massacres, and forced displacement. He argued that the situation illustrates the “total failure of the international community” to protect civilians, exposing the disconnect between the UN’s commitments and the grim realities on the ground. He warned that the inability of the UN and its member states to uphold the principles of R2P threatens to undermine trust in international institutions.

Morocco’s leadership in peacekeeping

Highlighting Morocco’s contributions to peacekeeping, Bourita pointed to the country’s extensive experience in Africa, guided by the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He noted that Morocco’s efforts have earned the trust of civilian populations, an essential factor in achieving sustainable peace. He also stressed the importance of combating disinformation and hate speech in modern conflict zones.

A commitment to human dignity

Bourita reaffirmed Morocco’s dedication to the principles of R2P, emphasizing the nation’s membership in the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect. He pledged Morocco’s continued efforts to prioritize the protection of human beings in both national and international policies, advocating for collective action to prevent atrocities and uphold human dignity.