The Protection Paradox: How the UN Can Get Better at Saving Civilian Lives

The book provides an up-to-date and authoritative account of how the UN is rethinking its obligations to protect civilians during conflicts, based on hundreds of interviews with senior UN officials and humanitarian protection staff.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The book offers a comprehensive and timely exploration of the United Nations' evolving responsibilities in safeguarding civilians during conflicts. Drawing upon extensive research, including hundreds of in-depth interviews with senior UN officials and humanitarian protection personnel stationed at headquarters and in field locations, as well as a thorough review of the UN's "grey literature," the author provides a firsthand account of their experiences working on human rights and protection in some of the world's most turbulent conflicts. Instead of focusing on abstract hypotheticals or idealized scenarios, the book delves into the practical actions and strategies the UN is implementing to fulfill the fundamental purposes outlined in its Charter.

The author begins by examining the historical context and evolving norms surrounding the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. They explore the challenges and complexities faced by the UN in fulfilling its mandate, including the need for a coordinated and effective response, the balancing of military and humanitarian objectives, and the protection of vulnerable populations such as women, children, and minorities.

Throughout the book, the author highlights the successes and challenges of the UN's efforts to protect civilians. They discuss the development of new policies and strategies, such as the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) framework, which aims to hold states accountable for the protection of their citizens. They also examine the role of UN peacekeeping operations and the challenges of maintaining security and stability in conflict-ridden environments.

The book also sheds light on the role of humanitarian actors and local communities in protecting civilians. It emphasizes the importance of building partnerships and collaboration between the UN and other humanitarian organizations, as well as local authorities and communities, to ensure a holistic and effective response to conflicts.

In conclusion, the book provides a valuable and insightful account of the United Nations' efforts to protect civilians during conflicts. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by the UN in fulfilling its mandate, and provides a roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates to improve the effectiveness and accountability of the UN's response to humanitarian crises.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031274268
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023