 |
| Picture Credit: United Nations |
The Council imposed sweeping Sanctions against Iraq, in response to the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. This economic embargo continued in force for thirteen years and it came to be seen increasingly as unfair and punitive - a "blunt instrument" according to the Secretary General.
The growing controversy over Iraq sanctions led to several important innovations. First, UN agencies and independent researchers undertook to measure the humanitarian impact of sanctions. Second, the Council took steps to mitigate the negative impact of the sanctions on the Iraq population through the so-called "Oil for Food Program." Third, reform-minded governments sponsored inquiries into alternative options, notably "targeted sanctions." And fourth, some Council members pressed for more effective sanctions oversight, management and enforcement. Most observers concluded that general economic sanctions caused disproportionate harm and should never again be used.
The Council set up a working group on sanctions, which embarked on long reform negotiations. But after more than a year of effort, this initiative collapsed, due to disagreement among P-5 members.
Each sanctions regime within the Council has its own sanctions committee, traditionally chaired by an elected member. The Council often creates Panels of Experts to investigate sanctions enforcement and other aspects of the sanctions regimes. Some of these reports are famously frank and revealing.
A major controversy has arisen over sanctions that directly name individuals. Seemingly ideal and tightly-focused, these sanctions have several serious problems. Names of individuals may be unfairly or hastily placed on Council lists, named persons have little or no recourse if named unfairly, and common names may be result in harm being done to completely innocent persons. These problems are often referred to as "Listing and De-Listing."
This site offers materials about current UN sanctions regimes as well as archives on former UN sanctions regimes. There are Key Documents as well as information about non-UN sanctions such as those imposed by the United States and the European Union.
Key documents
The Adverse Consequences of Economic Sanctions on the Enjoyment of Human Rights (June 21, 2000)
Sanctions: An Analysis
Sixteen Policy Recommendations on Sanctions
Iraq Sanctions: Humanitarian Implications and Options for the Future
UN Sanctions Committees, Statements, Documents, and Press Releases
More information
General Articles on Sanctions
Sanctions Policy Studies and Recommendations
Viewpoints of Business and Conservative Groups
UN Sanctions on Specific Countries
Bibliography on Sanctions
Links and Resources on Sanctions
