The concept of Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) has become an important part of the normative framework related to peace and conflict. While its operationalisation remains a challenge, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and civil society organisations have developed new policies, tools and mechanisms to improve the use and effectiveness of this principle.

In this Brown Bag Lunch discussion, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on the RtoP, Mr Ivan Šimonović, will exchange views on the priorities of his mandate and some of the future challenges related to the implementation of the RtoP agenda. He will also discuss the preparation of the upcoming 2018 Secretary-General’s report on RtoP, focusing on the linkages between early warning, prevention and RtoP and particularly on moving from early warning to early action.

Mr. Ivan Šimonović has been UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) since October 2016. His role is to further the political, institutional and operational development of the RtoP concept/principle. Before joining the United Nations in 2010, Mr. Šimonović held the position of Minister for Justice of Croatia. He has published extensively in the fields of international relations, law, human rights, as well as development of national institutions and continues to pursue a career in academia.

The presentation will be followed by an informal discussion among participants.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please RSVP to Lorenzo Conti if you would like to participate.