ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Secretary-General as an actor and examines the bases of the Secretary-General’s authority, power and influence that can be exploited to lay out and implement the rebuilding agenda. The failure of the UN’s principal political organs–the UN Security Council and General Assembly–to function as envisaged in the UN Charter, places a disproportionate burden on the shoulders of the Secretary-General, turning the office into one with little power, but considerable influence. Responsibility to Protect emerged against the backdrop of a highly charged international controversy over NATO’s self-proclaimed emerging new norm of ‘humanitarian intervention’ in Kosovo in 1999 that could trump national sovereignty. Post-conflict societies have special needs in order to avoid a return to conflict while laying a solid foundation for development. Ensuring sustainable reconstruction and rehabilitation will involve the commitment of sufficient funds and resource and close cooperation with local people.
