This study analyzes the effectiveness of International Human Rights Organizations as protectors and promoters of human rights during the violence in Darfur, Sudan between 2003 and 2008. The United Nations Human Rights Council’s purpose is the promotion and protection of human rights around the world. Since its inception in 2006, the Human Rights Council has been instrumental in the advancement of humanitarian action internationally, however, it has struggled in the protection of human rights in locations when they are under the most duress. Struggling with factors such as politicization and power blocking, the Human Rights Council has not been able to implement strong actions for the preservation and protection of civilians during times of extreme violence, a similar situation that was pervasive within its predecessor, the UN Commission of Human Rights. This paper reports on the backgrounds of these organizations, delineates the human rights crisis in Darfur, explores explanations for the crisis, and proposes aspects of structural change to increase effectiveness.
