Sanctions for human rights and democracy

Stefano Silingardi

Chapter 76 in Elgar Encyclopedia of International Sanctions, 2025, pp 265-271 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This entry discusses the concept of sanctions for human rights and democracy, emphasizing their role in promoting human rights and addressing violations through economic measures. Initiated in the 1960s, these sanctions have evolved, particularly since the 1990s, with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) increasingly applying them, under Chapter VII, in response to serious human rights violations deemed threats to international peace. The legality of these sanctions varies based on their implementation — by the UNSC or unilaterally by individual states. While UNSC sanctions are bound by the United Nations Charter, unilateral sanctions raise complex legal questions due to the lack of explicit international regulation. The emergence of horizontal sanctions regimes, like the European Union Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, marks a significant shift towards targeted measures. Despite their potential effectiveness, these sanctions face criticism for selective application and geopolitical implications. The entry ultimately highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the legality of sanctions aimed at safeguarding human rights and democracy.

Keywords: Human rights; Democracy; Economic measures; Security Council; Horizontal sanctions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035339525
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