On April 3 at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), a resolution was adopted which condemns the “negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.” The resolution was put forward by Azerbaijan on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries.
Sanctions have been one of the most brutal forms of warfare, because they take as their victims the general population of the nation they are waged against. The resolution called particular attention to the crime of despair and poverty that is engendered through sanctions, the “disproportionate and indiscriminate human costs.” The text expressed “grave concern” over the effects sanctions have on people around the world.
The resolution passed, with 33 voting in favor, and 13 opposed, with 1 abstention. The countries that voted “No” were: U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Belgium, Finland, Ukraine, Czechia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Georgia, and Montenegro.
