Bertrand Ramcharan Bücher

The concept of preventive diplomacy has captivated the United Nations since it was first articulated by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold. This work traces the history of the practice of preventive diplomacy by UN Secretaries-General, the Security Council, and other UN organizations, and examines its prospects in an age of genocide and terrorism.

Written by a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2003-4), this book has been fully updated for a second edition and continues to provide a much needed, short and accessible introduction to the foundational human rights ideas of our times and shows that every government is under international obligation to respect and uphold universal human rights. Updates include: Discussion of the recent intellectual challenges to the international human rights movement Examination of the establishment and functioning of the Human Rights Council and the Universal Review Process Evaluation of the developments in the area of the Responsibility to Protect and continued efforts to implement the right to development Inclusion of issues such as the push for compensation for slavery, experiments with democracy in a number of countries and the decisions of international judicial and human rights organs on conceptual and protection issues This book will be of great interest to students and scholars of Global Institutions, International Law and Human Rights.

Focusing on the Security Council's protective practices and legal frameworks, this volume aims to enhance its protective function. It explores the doctrines and jurisprudence that underpin the Council's operations, providing insights into how these elements can be refined and applied in future scenarios. By documenting these aspects, the book serves as a resource for understanding and advancing the Council's role in international protection efforts.

Focusing on the UN's Agenda 2030, the book examines the slow progress on its five interconnected themes: conflict prevention, development, peace, justice, and human rights. It highlights urgent calls from various leaders, including the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing that the Sustainable Development Goals are unlikely to be achieved by 2030 without intensified efforts. Despite the challenges, there remains significant effort towards development, underscoring the complexity of achieving these ambitious global objectives.

The book offers an in-depth exploration of the UN Human Rights Council, established in 2006 to succeed the Commission on Human Rights. It examines the council's role in promoting human rights and its potential evolution into a primary organ of the UN. Emphasizing the connection between human rights and sustainable peace, the text highlights the organization's foundational goals of fostering economic and social progress globally.

Focusing on the evolution of the rule of law in a developing country post-independence, this study offers a rare examination of its challenges and progress. It delves into the historical context, analyzing the socio-political factors that have influenced legal frameworks and governance. Through detailed research, the book highlights the successes and setbacks faced in establishing a robust legal system, providing valuable insights into the complexities of legal development in emerging nations.

Focusing on the International Court of Justice's potential future role, the book examines critical global challenges like climate change, environmental degradation, and pandemics. It posits that the ICJ, with its unique independence and expertise, is positioned to fulfill essential judicial, security, and protection functions within the United Nations framework. The discussion emphasizes the need for the ICJ to adapt and take on these responsibilities to address pressing survival issues facing the world.