The United Nations emblem in the General Assembly Hall
The United Nations emblem is a centerpiece of the UN's General Assembly Hall, where nations gather to address collective challenges.
Photo:UN/Cia Pak

Unilateral coercive measures and human rights

According to the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the term “unilateral coercive measures” usually refers to economic measures taken by one State to compel a change in the policy of another State. Examples of such measures include trade sanctions in the form of embargoes and the interruption of financial and investment flows between sender and target countries. More recently, so-called “smart” or “targeted” sanctions, such as asset freezing and travel bans have been employed by individual States in order to influence persons who are perceived to have political influence in another State (Human Rights Council resolution 19/33).

Unilateral coercive measures and legislation are contrary to international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, the Charter of the United Nations and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States, such as the Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States.

Moreover, such measures can impact the full enjoyment of human rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in particular the rights of everyone to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being, including food and medical care, housing and necessary social services.

Background

In June 2025, the General Assembly proclaimed 4 December as the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures as part of global efforts to raise awareness about the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. It emphasized the need to promote dialogue, mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and multilateralism as the cornerstone of international relations and diplomacy.

The establishment of the International Day complements ongoing efforts aimed at raising global awareness of the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations and promote greater international cooperation and solidarity among nations in addressing the consequences of such measures.

The resolution urges States once again to refrain from adopting, promulgating and applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures not in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations that impede or in any other manner undermine the full achievement of economic and social development, particularly in developing countries.

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