Title:
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL, HUMAN RIGHTS AND STATE IMPUNITY: REDEFINING THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RIGHT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Authors:
Dr. Igonoh Joshua A. ,Nigeria

Abstract:
We live in an integrated world in which we all have a stake in each other’s wellbeing. By the preamble of the UN, it was born out of the endeavors of men and women from different nations of the world with the primary ideal to check State impunity, to give expression to aspirations of the entire human race, no matter their color, religion, sex or country of origin; rather than leave individuals to the whims of their respective governments. Its mandate was to engender global cooperation in the promotion of human rights and humanitarian goals, conceived by the global community, in a manner that could move International Community from unilateral State action, towards basic recognition of mutual obligation and common vision for collective good of humanity. However, the political trajectory characterizing the workings of the United Nations in this Century seems to point the world farther away from these founding values of the Organization. By doctrinal approach, this paper found a link between national interest of members of the Security Council and their cronies and what looks like an effort at redefining the import of human rights in this Century. The paper thus recommends an urgent need to restructure the United Nations, amongst other things, to re-apprise the use of veto power and principle of unanimity in the workings of the Security Council, as a measure to reposition the Organization towards promoting peace, stability, dignity and equality for all.