Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Sanctions are a widely used tool in international relations to enforce compliance with international norms, laws, and regulations. While sanctions serve as a non-military means to address violations of human rights, they also have a significant impact on the enjoyment of human rights by individuals within targeted countries. This research project delves into the complex relationship between sanctions and human rights, examining both the intended effects of sanctions as well as their unintended consequences on vulnerable populations. The study analyzes the various types of sanctions, including economic, trade, and financial sanctions, and their specific implications for different human rights such as the right to food, health, education, and work. By reviewing existing literature and case studies, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how sanctions can affect the realization of human rights in targeted countries. Furthermore, the research explores the legal and ethical dimensions of sanctions in international law, focusing on the principles of proportionality, necessity, and non-discrimination. It investigates how sanctions can sometimes lead to violations of human rights, particularly for marginalized groups, women, children, and refugees. The study also considers the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations, in monitoring and evaluating the human rights impact of sanctions, as well as in providing humanitarian assistance to mitigate negative consequences. Moreover, the research project examines the effectiveness of targeted sanctions in achieving their intended human rights objectives compared to broad-based sanctions that may have widespread humanitarian implications. It considers the importance of cooperation among states, regional organizations, and non-governmental actors in ensuring that sanctions are implemented in a manner that upholds human rights standards. In conclusion, this research contributes to the ongoing debate on the ethical and practical considerations of using sanctions as a tool of foreign policy. By shedding light on the complexities of the relationship between sanctions and human rights, the study offers insights for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates seeking to address human rights violations while minimizing adverse effects on civilian populations.

Thesis Overview

1.       INTRODUCTION
1.1.         Background of the Study
Sanctions are actions taken unilaterally or jointly against a State considered to be a threat for world peace and security. Sanctions have been applied in different forms since the time immemorial; however, the first case of sanctions as a foreign policy tool was recorded in 432 BC during the time of Pericles used by Athenian government against Megara, the incident which eventually led to Peloponnesian war.1Since then, sanctions have been used at various times to compel states to respect international law and to yield to the demands of the sanctioning states. Particularly, after the end of Cold War, they appeared to be better alternative to war which are frequently used by States.2
Traditionally, sanctioning countries3 (more generally the international community) have tended to impose comprehensive type of sanctions that include restraining economic, cultural, political and diplomatic links with states that deemed to possess objectionable behavior. However, comprehensive sanctions often produce results that run counter to other norms, like the protection of vulnerable groups of the people and the promotion of basic human rights that are embedded in the United Nations Charter and human rights treaties.4It is accepted that sanctions and any other international measures should serve the good will of the people and should respect international norms and treaties. As long as sanctions run counter to international norms and the will of the people, it is impossible to speak of it as effective. The purpose of sanctions should be to compel the transgressor state to conform to the law and to make it respect and promote the dignity and rights of the people either by rewarding it for improvements it shows or punishing that government separately from the people if the government is unwilling or reluctant to respect the international norms and the dignity of the people.