Human Rights in the Light of Unilateralism and Coercive Measures

This article deals with the impact of unilateral coercive measures (UCM) on human rights. The main argument is that the implementation of unilateralism by states with the aim of forcing them to change the policy of the target state can lead to systematic violations of international human rights. The deterioration and complexity of coercive measures in the transition from simple sanctions to comprehensive economic embargo have led to a paradigm shift in the misuse of economic tools for political gain. Unilateral coercive measures, regardless of fueling the economic downturn, have had irreparable effects on the fundamental rights of citizens, which are in fundamental conflict with internationally jus cogens. The main question is: Why some states do not consider human rights norms in the implementation of unilateral coercive measures? The research method in this essay is descriptive, analytical and data collection is from library resources and reports of special rapporteurs. The purpose of this article is to understand and ascertain the fundamental and hidden roots of systematic human rights violations by state actors. Findings show that coercive measures in light of intensifying and accumulating economic sanctions outside the legal permission and without the massive derogation of human rights have had detrimental effects on human rights and fundamental human freedoms.