The success of humanitarian intervention in international affairs is varied . As discussed above , humanitarian intervention is a contentious issue . Examples of humanitarian intervention illustrate , that in some cases intervention can lead to disastrous results , as in Srebrenica and Somalia . In other cases , a lack of clarity as to the rules of when intervention can occur has resulted in tragic inaction , as was witnessed during the Rwandan genocide . One example is of a successful humanitarian intervention and also of humanitarian principles being applied is East Timor which , prior to its independence , was plagued with massive human rights abuses by pro-Indonesian militias and an insurgency war led by indigenous East Timorese against Indonesian forces . A peacekeeping mission was deployed to safeguard the move to independence and the UN established the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor ( UNTAET ) . This not only dealt with traditional security priorities , but also helped in nation building projects , coordinated humanitarian aid and civil rehabilitation , illustrating not only a successful humanitarian intervention but also an effective application of human security principles
Rwandan genocide
Rwandan genocide
Human security