Question

It seems that we turn on the news and see different sanctions against various companies and countries across the world. The question still remains is if actually works. In the case of South Africa, the sanctions did work, but at an extreme cost. When the sanctions were imposed, 30,000-40,000 Africans lost their jobs due to layoffs due to the sanctions. This ultimately led to an increase in the number unemployed entering the sex trafficking ring. With this information, one could see that there was definitely a larger price to pay that degraded that country’s integrity even further. So when the United States (or any country) places sanctions, we have to carefully consider the risks and if they are worth mitigating. “International sanctions must have a lawful purpose, must be proportional, and must not harm the human rights of ordinary citizens, and none of these criteria is met in this case," said Jazairy, who is serving as UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. Calling the U.S. sanctions "unjust and harmful," Jazairy said they are "destroying the economy and currency of Iran, driving millions of people into poverty and making imported goods unaffordable," including "urgently needed humanitarian goods" (UN, 2018). With any move, there must be a degree of accountability for the sanctions. Through the years, we have seemed various leaders slammed for the outcomes of the sanctions. For example, the Cuba embargo that was just recently lifted has allowed for increased profitability for the area. There are several outcomes, but hopefully those imposing them understands that it affects more than just a company’s GDP and economic growth. There are livelihoods that are in the hands of politicians that deserve more careful moderation. OPEN A DISCUSSION AND ASK QUESTIONS!

Answer 1

The article summarizes how US sanctions on Iran has caused increase in unemployment, rise in illegal activities and making daily consumption goods unaffordable and driving people into poverty with excessive currency depreciation.

Hence the question arises that is there any international law which audits these sanctions ?

Secondly, does the sanction imposer also weigh down unprecedented effects it will have on nations economy and more beyond than that is the livelihood of people ?