On 25 June 2018 the UN General Assembly opened a debate on “The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity” as part of the Formal Agenda of its 72nd session. The debate constituted the first formal discussion of R2P by the UN General Assembly since 2009.

The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, opened the debate followed by introductory remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

President of the General Assembly H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

On 25 June 1 regional organization (European Union) and 48 member states spoke on behalf of 92 countries. During the debate the Permanent Mission of Qatar spoke on behalf of the 51 members of the Group of Friends of the Responsibility to Protect. On 2 July the debate continued with an additional 31 member states speaking. In total, 79 member states and the European Union spoke on behalf of 113 member states.

All statements delivered by member states are available via the official UN meeting records:

• • • 25 June AM
    • 25 June PM
    • 2 July AM

The UN General Assembly also produced an informal summary of the 25 June and 2 July sessions.

25 June 2018, Part I (Morning)

25 June 2018, Part II (Afternoon)

2 July 2018, Part III