Viewed from a historical perspective, recent events in the Human Rights Council represent not so much a backlash against the international human rights system, as manifestations of longstanding tensions concerning issues of international oversight and enforcement. This article argues that it is possible to acknowledge, but not be constrained by, such tensions. More deep-seated challenges remain, including how to most effectively and coherently address mass human rights violations. After undertaking a case study of UN responses to Libya and Syria in 2011–2012, this article proposes concrete reforms that might be considered, including strengthening preventive capacities, pursuing creative procedural reform of the Security Council and increasing integration within the broader international human rights response system.