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Abstract

This dissertation assessed the evolution of the effectiveness of the UN’s response to genocide by critically comparing two past, failed responses in Rwanda and Srebrenica to the current one in Myanmar. The purpose was to assess the accumulation of warning signs preceding effective UN intervention in each case using Stanton’s Ten Stages of Genocide framework, scrutinize the operational response of UN branches deployed on-site, assess the criminal tribunals' impact, and explore the influence of geopolitical factors on the UN's approach to each genocide. A descriptive comparative literature review was used as it utilises qualitative methodologies to identify, analyse, and elucidate similarities and differences across various contexts. This study finds that the UN did not significantly intervene in Rwanda or Srebrenica until the extermination stage was already reached, and in Myanmar, the UN has not intervened in the conflict despite extermination spanning several years. The UN branches deployed on-site turned out to be ineffective in the cessation of the genocide and the criminal proceedings were found to have had little influence on helping nations post-genocide. Geopolitical interest, or lack thereof, in a country experiencing genocide was found to significantly influence whether the UN Security Council approved a response to an unfolding genocide. This study examined the various aspects that influence the decision-making and subsequent effectiveness of the UN response in intervening in genocides, concluding that the UN response in Rwanda, Srebrenica, and Myanmar was not successful. It was determined that the effectiveness of the UN response to genocide has not evolved and the UN has not appeared to have learned from its past mistakes, appeasing the government of Myanmar at every turn while only superficially helping a small proportion of the Rohingya refugees.

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-20

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14539.html