Existing Legal Limits to Security Council Veto Power in the Face of Atrocity Crimes

'In this bold book, Professor Jennifer Trahan presents a new, major thesis - that when permanent members of the UN Security Council threaten or use their veto power to block measures aimed at preventing or punishing genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity, they may be acting contrary to international law. She persuasively argues that the use or threat of the veto in such situations can contravene fundamental norms of international law, key international conventions and the 'Purposes and Principles' of the United Nations Charter, and suggests ways to challenge the current state of affairs.' Richard Goldstone, former Founding Prosecutor, The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda 'As High Commissioner for Human Rights, I had the opportunity to address the UN Security Council many times and raised my concerns over the use of the veto to block action when factual evidence of egregious human rights violations was presented to the Council. This book provides an invaluable, authoritative analysis of the legality of the use of the veto in situations of ongoing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, measured against legal obligations emanating from jus cogens, the UN Charter, and foundational treaties.' Navi Pillay, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 'This bold and courageous book is on the right side of history.' Mark A. Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor of Law, Washington and Lee University 'I think the analysis that Professor Trahan has made is so important, and it is crucial that this is now discussed in the United Nations. When you look at the manner in which the Security Council has fulfilled its obligations over many years you really understand that there has to be a change and the solution might well be in this book. I find Professor Trahan's arguments very convincing.' Ambassador (ret.) Hans Corell, former Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the Legal Counsel for the United Nations 'This is a terrific book that Professor Trahan has written. It is a fine piece of scholarship with very persuasive legal arguments.' Roger S. Clark, Board of Governors Professor of Law, Rutgers Law School 'This comprehensive book will be of interest to scholars, diplomats and anyone frustrated by the current failure of the United Nations Security Council to work towards deterring atrocity crimes.' Professor Megan Fairlie, Florida International University College of Law