Project Abstract

Abstract
Sanctions have become a widely used tool in international relations to address various issues such as human rights violations, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation. However, the impact of sanctions on human rights is a complex and controversial issue. While sanctions are often implemented with the intention of promoting human rights and holding violators accountable, they can also have unintended consequences that harm the very people they are meant to protect. This research project aims to explore the effects of sanctions on human rights in different countries and contexts. By analyzing case studies of past sanctions regimes, the study will examine how sanctions have influenced human rights outcomes, both positively and negatively. The research will also investigate the mechanisms through which sanctions impact human rights, including economic, social, and political channels. Additionally, the project will assess the legality and ethical considerations surrounding the use of sanctions as a tool to promote human rights. It will examine whether sanctions comply with international law and human rights standards, and whether they are effective in achieving their intended goals without disproportionately affecting innocent civilians. Furthermore, the research will explore alternative strategies that could be used in conjunction with or instead of sanctions to promote human rights. This could include diplomatic negotiations, targeted measures against perpetrators, or support for civil society organizations and human rights defenders. Overall, this project seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between sanctions and human rights. By shedding light on the various dimensions of this issue, the research aims to inform policymakers, academics, and practitioners on the potential risks and benefits of using sanctions as a tool to address human rights violations. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to more effective and ethical approaches to promoting human rights in the international arena.

Project 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.