UN Special Rapporteur Launches Tool to Monitor Humanitarian Impact of Unilateral Sanctions

The tool enables users to observe changes in humanitarian indicators on a yearly basis, comparing data before and after the imposition of unilateral sanctions.

The UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures and human rights, Alena Douhan, has unveiled a new online tool designed to monitor and assess the humanitarian impact of unilateral sanctions. This innovative platform was introduced during a side event at the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council and is now accessible at [ucmmonitoring.ohchr.org](https://ucmmonitoring.ohchr.org). The tool enables users to observe changes in humanitarian indicators on a yearly basis, comparing data before and after the imposition of unilateral sanctions. It also focuses on years when sanctions were either intensified or relaxed. Describing the tool as "unique," Douhan emphasized its impartiality and comprehensive nature, explaining that it collects data from diverse sources and is verified through an independent interface.

 

"Adequate monitoring and assessment can only be achieved at the UN level, ensuring comprehensiveness, transparency, and verification," Douhan stated. At present, the tool focuses on countries directly affected by unilateral sanctions. However, Douhan noted that the long-term goal is to expand its scope to include all nations, as even the countries enforcing sanctions experience negative impacts. The platform allows stakeholders, including states, organizations, civil society, and academia, to submit relevant data through a thematic submission form.

 

Douhan highlighted that the tool would provide concrete evidence of the humanitarian consequences of unilateral sanctions, depoliticizing the issue by offering undeniable data. This information will be critical for victims of sanctions-related human rights violations, helping them pursue remedies, accountability, and redress. The Special Rapporteur encouraged states, international and regional organizations, and other actors to participate in the initiative by contributing data to further the understanding of the global humanitarian effects of unilateral sanctions. This tool is a significant step towards systematic monitoring and raising awareness about the humanitarian toll of such measures, Douhan emphasized.