United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 marked the first time the UN authorized military force for human protection against a functioning, recognized government.

On March 17, 2011, the Security Council passed Resolution 1973. It was a watershed moment. For the first time, the international community bypassed a state's sovereign immunity to protect its citizens from its own government. The resolution authorized "all necessary measures" to shield civilians. This shifted the global norm. Sovereignty was no longer an absolute shield. Instead, it became a conditional responsibility.