Pinki BorahInternational Stand Against Coercive Measures is a growing global movement that defends the right of every nation to govern its people and create its own laws without fear of external pressure. Yet, sometimes powerful countries use coercive tools—like sanctions, trade bans, or economic restrictions—to force other nations into changing their policies. These actions are often taken without the approval of the United Nations (UN) or any international agreement.
That is why this stand has become so crucial. It is not just about politics—it is a worldwide call for fairness, peace, sovereignty, and respect for human rights, especially for those living in affected countries.
The UN General Assembly has declared December 4 as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures. The resolution was passed with 116 votes in favour, 51 against, and 6 abstentions. It aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sanctions that violate international law and highlights the need for global cooperation, especially to support developing countries.
What Are Coercive Measures?
Coercive measures are steps taken by one or more countries to force another country to change its decisions. These actions are usually political or economic and often harm the people more than the government.
Types of Coercive Measures:
- Economic sanctions – stopping trade or financial support
- Asset freezing – locking a country’s money in foreign banks
- Import/export bans – blocking goods from entering or leaving a country
- Travel bans – stopping leaders or citizens from traveling abroad
- Supply restrictions – cutting off medicine, food, oil, or electricity
Such actions, when done unilaterally (without UN permission), are known as unilateral coercive measures.
Why the World Supports the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
This global stand is not just about politics. It is about standing up for human dignity and equality. When one country tries to punish another without approval, it leads to:
- Violations of international law
- Suffering of ordinary citizens
- Food and medicine shortages
- Economic crisis and rising poverty
- Obstacles to education and healthcare
The world supports this stand to stop powerful nations from using force instead of fairness.
History Behind the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
How the Global Movement Began
The international protest against unilateral coercive measures became stronger in the early 2000s, especially after 2015, when the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) addressed it formally.
Role of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Countries from the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Iran, played a key role in promoting the stand. Their goals were to:
- Protect sovereignty (self-rule)
- Stop economic bullying
- Promote peaceful dialogue over punishment
United Nations’ Role in the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
The UN strongly supports this international stand. Here’s how:
- It says that only the UN Security Council can approve global sanctions.
- It appoints Special Rapporteurs to study human rights impacts.
- It encourages peaceful talks instead of threats or punishment.
- It reports how coercive actions cause harm in different countries.
According to the UN, coercive measures are a threat to world peace and human rights.
How Coercive Measures Hurt Ordinary People
Though aimed at governments, coercive measures mostly harm regular citizens, especially the poor, women, children, and the elderly.
Negative Impacts on Society
- Hospitals run out of medicines and supplies
- Schools close due to lack of electricity or fuel
- Food prices rise sharply
- Farmers cannot access seeds or tools
- Jobs disappear, increasing poverty
These problems were clearly seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people in sanctioned countries struggled to access basic healthcare.
Real-Life Examples of Countries Affected by Coercive Measures
Iran
Sanctions have blocked medical supplies and reduced oil sales, harming hospitals during the pandemic.
Cuba
Over 60 years of U.S. embargo have made it difficult to import food, fuel, and medicines.
Venezuela
Banking restrictions have caused hyperinflation and public service breakdowns.
Syria
Post-war recovery is delayed due to trade bans, affecting rebuilding and basic food supply.
These cases show that coercive measures do not change governments—they punish the people instead.
International Law and Human Rights: Foundation of the Stand
According to international law, every country is equal and sovereign. That means no one country has the right to unilaterally punish another.
Legal and Moral Grounds for the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
Unilateral coercive measures are considered illegal when:
- They violate UN rules or charters
- They affect food, water, and medicine access
- They punish an entire nation’s people for political reasons
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights supports the right to health, education, and development—rights often blocked by such measures.
The Global Meaning of the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
This international movement is a symbol of global unity, fairness, and peace.
Why This Stand Matters
- It protects weaker nations from unfair pressure
- It promotes equality among all countries
- It supports justice, not revenge
- It moves us closer to a world where problems are solved by dialogue, not threats
How Students and Citizens Can Support the Stand
Simple Ways to Contribute to the International Stand Against Coercive Measures
- Learn about international law and world events
- Speak up in your school or college
- Join or organize debates, poster-making, essay contests
- Share posts using hashtags like #InternationalStand or #StopSanctions
- Support peace-based and human rights-focused organizations
Small steps lead to big change—and every voice counts.
Conclusion
The International Stand Against Coercive Measures is about building a fairer, kinder, and more peaceful world. It demands that no nation should suffer because of unfair punishment. This global movement gives a voice to people who are often silenced by economic force.
In the end, it teaches us all a powerful lesson:
True peace comes not from pressure or punishment, but from respect, fairness, and cooperation.
Neha Baruah
Tazrin Jakaria
Pinki Borah