Jenny Malstrom

POLS 6490
The Effectiveness of the United Nations in Dealing with Human Rights: Rwanda and Sudan

Thesis Statement:

The effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) in dealing with human rights issues, as

exemplified by the case studies of Rwanda and Sudan, is influenced by a complex interplay of

factors such as political will, resource constraints, the organization's mandate, and coordination

with regional actors. These factors significantly shape the UN's capacity to prevent and respond

to human rights violations, leading to varying degrees of success and failure in its interventions.

Despite the UN's core mission to protect human rights, its effectiveness is often hindered by

challenges such as the prioritization of state sovereignty over intervention, political

considerations and alliances among member states, limited resources and capabilities, as well as

the intricacies of coordinating efforts with regional organizations. The analysis of the UN's

responses to the human rights crises in Rwanda and Sudan sheds light on the organization's

strengths, limitations, and the need for ongoing reforms to enhance its ability to address human

rights challenges effectively.

Literature Review:

The United Nations did not always have human rights on their top priority list. It was not

until later provisions of the UN Charter before human rights were discussed in detail. Little

attention was given to the thought during the initial drafting process (Pathak 2009). Arguments

are made that the charter’s preamble, which emphasizes fundamental freedoms and respect for

human rights, laid the foundation for subsequent human rights treaties and conventions (Ghaus

1996). In Rwanda, studies examine the failure of the international community, including the UN,

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to prevent and respond effectively to the genocide in 1994. The literature discusses the

implications for human rights protection and highlights the need for stronger early warning

mechanisms, timely intervention, and the importance of accountability for mass atrocities

(Barnett 1997). In Sudan, particularly in the region of Darfur, researchers investigate the human

rights abuses committed during the conflict and the UN's response. These studies analyze the

challenges faced by the UN in protecting civilians, addressing impunity, and providing

humanitarian aid. They also assess the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN

Security Council in holding perpetrators accountable (Forti 2019; Gray 2005).

There is an intersection that crosses between the UN peacekeeping operations and human

rights. Articles highlight the challenges faced by peacekeepers in protecting and promoting

human rights in conflict zones, including issues related to accountability, sexual exploitation and

abuse, and the delicate balance between security and human rights considerations. (Di Razza &

Sherman 2020; Posner 2008; Stavropoulou 1998). Rwanda and Sudan provide crucial case

studies for understanding these challenges. In Rwanda, studies examine the role of UN

peacekeeping forces, such as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR),

during the genocide. They analyze the limitations faced by peacekeepers in preventing atrocities,

responding to human rights abuses, and the subsequent need for reform in UN peacekeeping

strategies (Barnett 1997; Hannum 2006). In Sudan, particularly in Darfur, researchers investigate

the complexities faced by UN peacekeeping missions, such as the African Union-United Nations

Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), in protecting civilians and promoting human rights

amid a protracted conflict. These studies assess the challenges of ensuring the safety of

peacekeepers, navigating political dynamics, and coordinating efforts with humanitarian actors

(Doyle & Sambanis 2007; Howard 2015)

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 Gender equality and women's rights are prominent topics in literature. Articles discuss the

role of the UN in advancing women's rights through conventions such as the Convention on the

Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and initiatives like the

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. (Karim & Verveer 2019). Case studies in Rwanda

and Sudan provide specific contexts to examine the challenges and progress in promoting

women’s rights in these countries. In Rwanda, studies analyze the efforts made by the UN and

other actors in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in the aftermath of the

genocide. These articles discuss initiatives such as the establishment of gender-based violence

prevention programs, women's participation in peacebuilding processes, and the role of women

in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation (Gervais 2003; Holmes 2018). In Sudan,

researchers examine the impact of the conflict on women's rights and the efforts of the UN and

other organizations to address gender-based violence, discrimination, and marginalization. These

studies assess the challenges faced in implementing women's rights initiatives, including the

need for cultural and legal reforms, addressing patriarchal norms, and ensuring women's

participation in decision-making processes (Fester 1994; Mutasa & Virk 2017).

Main Argument:

The effectiveness of the United Nations (UN) in dealing with human rights issues, as

demonstrated by the case studies of Rwanda and Sudan, is shaped by a complex interplay of

factors including political will, resource constraints, the organization's mandate, coordination

with regional actors, and the evolving nature of human rights challenges. The UN's capacity to

prevent and respond to human rights violations varies due to the tensions between state

sovereignty and the imperative to intervene in cases of severe human rights abuses (Dinstein

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1995). Political considerations among member states, driven by national interests and alliances,

often impact the UN's ability to take decisive action in a timely manner.

The UN's effectiveness is further influenced by resource constraints, including limited

financial and personnel resources, which can hinder its ability to deploy peacekeeping forces,

provide humanitarian assistance, and establish effective monitoring mechanisms. Additionally,

the clarity and extent of the UN's mandate in addressing human rights issues play a crucial role

in determining its effectiveness. Ambiguities or limitations in its authority can impede the

organization's ability to take robust action and protect vulnerable populations. Furthermore,

effective coordination and cooperation with regional organizations and other stakeholders are

vital in addressing complex human rights challenges (Posner 2008).

The UN's ability to navigate relationships, build partnerships, and leverage regional

expertise plays a significant role in determining its overall effectiveness. Moreover, the evolving

nature of human rights challenges, such as emerging issues related to technological

advancements, environmental concerns, and the protection of minority rights, require the UN to

adapt and develop innovative approaches (Barnett 1997; BMJ 1994; Stravropoulou 1998). By

critically examining the UN's responses to the human rights crises in Rwanda and Sudan, we

gain valuable insights into the organization's strengths and limitations, underscoring the ongoing

need for reforms to enhance the UN's ability to effectively address human rights challenges on a

global scale.

The effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing human rights issues is influenced

by various factors, including political will, resource constraints, the organization's mandate,

coordination with regional actors, and the evolving nature of human rights challenges. The UN's

capacity to prevent and respond to human rights violations is often shaped by tensions between

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state sovereignty and intervention, political considerations, limited resources, ambiguous

mandates, and the need for effective coordination. By critically examining the UN's responses to

the human rights crises in Rwanda and Sudan, we can gain valuable insights into the strengths

and limitations of the UN's efforts in addressing human rights challenges. The Universal

Declaration of Human Rights provides a foundational framework for these efforts, establishing

the fundamental norms that should be respected and protected by individuals and states.

However, the gap between establishing binding norms and their implementation remains a

significant challenge, particularly for individuals suffering from human rights violations. To

enhance the effectiveness of the UN in dealing with human rights issues, it is crucial to bridge

the implementation gap, strengthen mechanisms for enforcement, and prioritize the protection of

individual rights. Continued reforms and efforts to address political considerations, allocate

adequate resources, clarify and expand mandates, and improve coordination with regional actors

are necessary to advance the UN's ability to effectively address human rights challenges on a

global scale.

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