Addressing UN Assembly, Annan urges nations to restore respect for rule of law
Decrying what he described as “shameless” disregard for the rule of law around the globe, United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged world leaders gathered at the General Assembly to do everything within their
power to restore respect for the fundamental principles of law – in domestic affairs, as well as on the international
arena.
“Today the rule of law is at risk around the world,” he said in an address to the General Assembly as it met for the
first day of its annual top-level general debate. “Again and again, we see laws shamelessly disregarded – those that
ordain respect for innocent life, for civilians, for the vulnerable – especially children.”
Mr. Annan called on the international community to start from the principle that no one is above the law, and no one
should be denied its protection. “Every nation that proclaims the rule of law at home must respect it abroad; and every
nation that insists on it abroad must enforce it at home,” he said.
And at the international level, all countries need a framework of fair rules and the confidence that others will obey
them, he argued, noting that one of the UN’s proudest achievements has been the creation of a body of norms and laws
covering trade to terrorism, from the law of the sea to weapons of mass destruction.
“Yet this framework is riddled with gaps and weaknesses,” he said. “Too often it is applied selectively, and enforced
arbitrarily. It lacks the teeth that turn a body of laws into an effective legal system,” he said.
In concept alone, he added, the rule of law is not enough – “laws must be put into practice and permeate the fabric of
our lives.”
Citing recent examples of the disregard for the rule of law, Mr. Annan pointed in part to the situation in Darfur, a
vast area where “things are happening which must shock the conscience of every human being.” He urged “every possible
support” for the efforts of the African Union (AU) to bring the 18-monthlong conflict to an end and ease the
humanitarian disaster or risk history’s harsh judgment.
“Let no one imagine that this affair concerns Africans alone,” he said. “The victims are human beings, whose human
rights must be sacred to all of us. We all have a duty to do whatever we can to rescue them, and do it now.”
The Secretary-General noted that the UN was founded in the ashes of a war that brought untold sorrow to mankind. “Today
we must look again into our collective conscience, and ask whether we are doing enough. Each generation has its part to
play in the age-long struggle to strengthen the rule of law for all – which alone can guarantee freedom for all,” he
said.
“Let our generation not be found wanting,” he concluded.