THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN THE IMPOSITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
Abstract
This article examined the pivotal role of the United Nations (UN), particularly
the Security Council, in the imposition and enforcement of international
economic sanctions. It explored the legal foundations under the UN Charter,
the procedural mechanisms for sanction implementation, and the effectiveness
of economic sanctions as a tool for maintaining international peace and
security. The article assessed both the achievements and shortcomings of UNled
efforts. It also addressed challenges such as humanitarian consequences,
issues of compliance and enforcement, and the tension between collective
action and state sovereignty. Sanctions may include but are not limited to
international trade restrictions, such as embargoes on particular exports and
or imports, blocking of foreign assets, denial of foreign assistance, loans,
investments and other prohibitions on economic transactions with the target
nation. All the above measures and more are separately or cumulatively aimed
at crippling the economic activities of the target State to make the target state
alter her objectionable positions. Using doctrinal methodology, the article
found that despite the prohibition of unilateral economic sanctions and use of
force by the UN Security Council, some powerful States or group of States have
at various times unilaterally imposed sanctions against some States and even
undertaken sole military invasion thus, neglecting Article 2(4) of the UN
Charter. The work further discovered that the targets of most economic
sanctions have been political leaders in the sanctioned states, paradoxically,
the effects of the sanctions are mostly on the vulnerable population of the
affected state. This research recommended that there should be a deliberate
adherence to the principle of "equality of States". The article concluded by
proposing reforms to enhance transparency, coordination, and accountability
in UN sanctions regimes, with the aim of making them more targeted, humane,
and effective.
the Security Council, in the imposition and enforcement of international
economic sanctions. It explored the legal foundations under the UN Charter,
the procedural mechanisms for sanction implementation, and the effectiveness
of economic sanctions as a tool for maintaining international peace and
security. The article assessed both the achievements and shortcomings of UNled
efforts. It also addressed challenges such as humanitarian consequences,
issues of compliance and enforcement, and the tension between collective
action and state sovereignty. Sanctions may include but are not limited to
international trade restrictions, such as embargoes on particular exports and
or imports, blocking of foreign assets, denial of foreign assistance, loans,
investments and other prohibitions on economic transactions with the target
nation. All the above measures and more are separately or cumulatively aimed
at crippling the economic activities of the target State to make the target state
alter her objectionable positions. Using doctrinal methodology, the article
found that despite the prohibition of unilateral economic sanctions and use of
force by the UN Security Council, some powerful States or group of States have
at various times unilaterally imposed sanctions against some States and even
undertaken sole military invasion thus, neglecting Article 2(4) of the UN
Charter. The work further discovered that the targets of most economic
sanctions have been political leaders in the sanctioned states, paradoxically,
the effects of the sanctions are mostly on the vulnerable population of the
affected state. This research recommended that there should be a deliberate
adherence to the principle of "equality of States". The article concluded by
proposing reforms to enhance transparency, coordination, and accountability
in UN sanctions regimes, with the aim of making them more targeted, humane,
and effective.
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