By Taylor Paraboschi

Former Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and the Legal Counsel of the United Nations Hans Corell addressed the University’s law school this past Wednesday. “I always wonder which one of the students sitting in front of me will be the future leaders of the world,” he said when talking about what he likes most about addressing University students. “If I can touch one heart it makes my day,” Corell added.

Corell began his lecture by addressing the current state of the country and the rule of law. “I’m critical of America because I am disappointed in a country that I admire,” he said, adding that it is hard to speak to other countries, urging them to follow the policies of the rule of law, when one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council isn’t following them.

He spoke about how heads of state would come up to him and say, “why are you preaching the rule of law to us, when the lone super power, The United States, is doing what it wants.”

Corell went on to address the three issues that are plaguing the UN Security Council; the criminal activity in countries, the UN council and the rule of law and the general composition of the security council. He stressed that when sending troops into a particular country there needs to be a defined mission agreement between the United Nation and the “host state.”

“The mission agreement should state how one will act in the host state,” said Corell adding that it was the job of the Security Council to execute force when they deem it necessary. He also stressed that heads of state need to be educated on the problem at hand before taking action and deploying troops.

Next, he went on to address the fact that in order to make sure people comply to the mission agreements passed by the Security Council, a legislation that “protects natural standard,” needs to be adopted by every country. “There need to be proper groups to enforce this, along with a proper tax system,” said Corell.

Corell went on to add that he believed that the UN Security Council should be expanded from its original five members to include the ideas and beliefs of the newest super powers. In addition he stressed the fact that the current five members of the Security Council need to “join hands and adopt a declaration” that will clearly state that they will follow the laws that they put in motion.

“Permanent members of the council need to abide by the law, if they don’t it sends a bad signal to everyone else,” said Corell, adding that countries shouldn’t use force unless there is a direct attack, and countries need to resist the urge to veto a bill or piece of legislation. “Do not use your veto power unless your national policies are directly threatened, and you should explain why you are vetoing something so that it is clearly understood.”

Corell closed his address with thanking everyone and reiterating his love of speaking to students. “It’s a privilege to talk to students because they truly are the future.”

Hans Corell spoke about the problems with current United Nations policies and the major issues at the Law School on Wednesday. (Krystie Gan)