Restoring International Peace: ‘Sanctions are used as enforcement tools’

UN says use of mandatory sanctions intended to apply pressure on a State.

WASHINGTON:

Under the rules of the United Nations (UN), the Security Council can impose economic and other sanctions on countries to maintain or restore “international peace and security”.

The UN says, “The use of mandatory sanctions is intended to apply pressure on a State or entity to comply with the objectives set by the Security Council without resorting to the use of force. The Council has resorted to mandatory sanctions as an enforcement tool when peace has been threatened and diplomatic efforts have failed. The range of sanctions has included comprehensive economic and trade sanctions and/or more targeted measures such as arms embargoes, travel bans, financial or diplomatic restrictions.”

According to the UN website, the Security Council al Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committee has received requests regarding the de-listing of individuals, which is underway, while some are still added to the list.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 29^th, 2011.