Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights

MANDATE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF UNILATERAL COERCIVE MEASURES ON THE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights is one of the thematic special procedures overseen by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The phrase “unilateral coercive measures” typically refers to economic measures taken by one country to influence a policy change in another country. An example of this would be one country’s placement of a trade embargo on another country in order to compel a certain action from that country. They may also take the form of targeted sanctions.

The Special Rapporteur works to minimize the negative effects of unilateral coercive measures on human rights by collecting and reviewing information regarding trends, developments, and challenges pertaining to such measures and their impacts and by making recommendations. The Special Rapporteur also promotes accountability by reviewing independent mechanisms that assess unilateral coercive measures and works with United Nations bodies to prevent and redress the adverse impacts of unilateral coercive measures on human rights.

COMPOSITION AND WORKING METHODS

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur lasts for a period of three years and is filled by one highly qualified individual.

The UN Human Rights Council established the Special Rapporteur’s mandate in 2014 with Resolution 27/21 (and its corrigendum). In fulfilling the mandate, the Special Rapporteur issues statements and reports annually to the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council.

Statements

The Special Rapporteur records his or her statements made before meetings of experts and international bodies relating to unilateral coercive measures and human rights. These statements are available on the Special Rapporteur’s Statements and Letters webpage.

Reports to the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council

The Special Rapporteur reports annually to the UN General Assembly and Human Rights Council on all activities related to its mandate. Reports submitted by the Special Rapporteur as well as other reports concerning unilateral coercive measures are available on the Special Rapporteur’s webpage.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The Special Rapporteur may be contacted by:

  • Mail:

Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights
c/o Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais des Nations
CH-1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland