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OHCHR 
Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures
About the mandate
On 26 September 2014, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 27/21 and Corr.1 on human rights and unilateral coercive measures, establishing the mandate. The most recent renewal of the resolution was on October 2023, HRC resolution 54/15. These resolutions stress that unilateral coercive measures and practices are contrary to international law, international humanitarian law, the UN Charter and the norms and principles governing peaceful relations among States, and highlights that on long-term, these measures may result in social problems and raise humanitarian concerns in the States targeted.
Highlighting the deep-rooted problems and grievances within the international system and in order to ensure multilateralism, mutual respect and the peaceful settlement of disputes, the Human Rights Council decided to create the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.
Learn more about the mandate of the Special Rapporteur
Current mandate holder
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Ms. Alena Douhan.
Professor Alena Douhan (Belarus) took up her functions on 25 March 2020. She is a professor of International Law, the Director of the Peace Research Center at the Belarusian State University (Belarus) and Associated member of the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum. Her teaching and research interests are in the fields of international law, sanctions and human rights law, international security law, law of international organizations, international dispute settlement, and international environmental law. She has authored over 150 books and articles on various aspects of international law.
Calls for Input
Latest thematic reports
Latest country reports
Contact Information
Prof. Alena Douhan
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights
OHCHR-UNOG
8-14 Avenue de la Paix
1211 Geneve 10
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
Activities
On 25 November 2024, the Special Rapporteur participated in the UN Security Council Arria Formula meeting convened by the Russian Federation. The Special Rapporteur’s statement can be found from the UN WebTV recording.
International Conference on Sanctions, Business and Human Rights
Room XXVI, Palais des Nations & Online
21 - 22 November 2024
On 13 November 2024, the Special Rapporteur participated as a speaker in the 6th International Conference on the Future of Peace and Human Rights in West Asia” and she presented at a panel on the “Human Rights Challenges in West Asia”.
Videos
28 March 2023
Side Event: Impact of UCMS on the right to development and implementation of sustainable development goals
Watch the video
16 September 2021
Panel Discussion on Unilateral Coercive Measures - 7th Meeting, 48th Regular Session Human Rights Council
Watch on UN Web TV
15 September 2021
SR on unilateral coercive measures - 6th Meeting, 48th Regular Session Human Rights Council
Watch on UN Web TV