The United Nations, fully dependent on its negligent members to pay for missions, did not have the money. The 5,500 additional troops never arrived in Rwanda to intervene. The genocide was stopped by the Tutsi rebel forces a few weeks later.  

Almost a million people died on everyone’s watch in only three months.

The current world order is based on realism, or Realpolitik, the oldest and most used theory of international relations. The realist approach views states as rational and unitary factors focused solely on self-interests, national security, and balance of power.  

Realism influences states to pursue their national interests even if they are contrary to the interests of other states and peoples. Morals, ethics, and legality are the least important principles for realists.

One of the by-products of international relations based on the realist theory is the lack of interest in conflicts that do not come under the sphere of national interests.  

Sadly for the people in Darfur, their suffering does not bother those in power who could make a difference.

The Western world does not have burning interests in the area. China’s interest in Sudan is oil and Chinese will do everything to be on good terms with the Sudanese government. Not long ago, China claimed in the UN Security Council that the human suffering in Darfur was insufficient to provoke serious reflection on whether Sudan was fulfilling its responsibilities to its citizens.  

As one of the five members with veto power, China can block any UN decision concerning Darfur.

The UN cannot intervene in Darfur or in any other conflict on its own, since it is an umbrella organization dependent on its member states for decisions, funds, equipment, and troops. “We’re in the hands of member states,” said a UN spokesman for Darfur. “They need to make good their pledges of support.” 

Many people, NGO’s, and human rights organizations care about the suffering in Darfur and elsewhere around the world. Many protest, write letters, and campaign. Some Hollywood stars give their own money to help the World Food Program deliver food to the refugees in Darfur.

This is not enough to influence powerful states to intervene and stop atrocities, as long as the international relations are based solely on realism, and not at all on empathy, legal principles, ethics, and morals.