Developing Nations Demand End to U.S. Sanctions at UNHRC

At the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, representatives from China and several developing countries called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. The session, held on September 13, focused on a report by UN Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan, who highlighted the damaging impact of these measures on the political, economic, and social stability of affected countries.

Douhan’s report, submitted to the UNHRC on September 9, underscored that unilateral sanctions violate international law and the UN Charter by interfering in the internal affairs of sovereign states. These sanctions, often referred to as unilateral coercive measures, have been imposed by the U.S. on countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Russia, crippling their governments’ ability to deliver essential services and perpetuating poverty and hunger.

As reported by Peoples Dispatch, representatives from countries including Iran, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuela echoed Douhan’s concerns, arguing that these sanctions exacerbate instability and undermine sustainable development in targeted nations. The Cuban representative pointed to the U.S. blockade’s detrimental effect on access to food and medicine, while the Syrian representative noted that sanctions have hindered the reconstruction of war-torn areas, prolonging the suffering of civilians.

Douhan recommended the establishment of a transparent monitoring mechanism to assess the humanitarian impact of these sanctions, emphasizing the importance of accurate data to raise global awareness. Russia and Venezuela described these measures as geopolitical tools used by the U.S. to pressure nations into conforming to its interests, with China accusing the U.S. of masking its violations under the guise of promoting democracy and human rights.

The session concluded with calls for the U.S. and its allies to shift away from coercive actions and towards fostering international cooperation and dialogue to resolve disputes.