"Sanctions Vs. Human Rights": FNI’s First Academic Book Tackles the Complex Nexus Between Sanctions and Human Rights

The Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) is proud to announce the release of "Sanctions vs. Human Rights? The Impact of Sanctions on Humanitarian Action and Human Rights Protection," by researcher Leonel Lisboa.

This marks the inaugural academic publication from the Institute’s newly established editorial branch. The book has also been submitted to the United Nations Sanctions Research Platform for inclusion in their resources.

Lisboa, a seasoned contributor to FNI's engagement with the UN on sanctions, has played a significant role in shaping the international discourse on this critical issue.

His previous work for the Institute includes providing feedback on the UN's Draft Monitoring & Impact Assessment Tool for sanctions, participating in UN consultations on guiding principles for unilateral sanctions and over-compliance, and submitting a study to the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights on the impact of transition minerals projects.

"Sanctions vs. Human Rights?" examines the historical trajectory of restrictive measures, examining their evolution from the late 20th century to the present day. The book explores the mechanisms and consequences of sanctions, posing fundamental questions about their nature, functionality, and intended severity.

It refers to the often-devastating consequences of sanctions, ranging from loss of life and infrastructure collapse to the obstruction of humanitarian aid. It also critically examines the effectiveness and limitations of recent transversal humanitarian exemptions in mitigating these negative impacts.

The author offers a crucial perspective from the Global South, highlighting the disproportionate burden often borne by developing nations. As Lisboa writes,

"Coercive measures are especially more burdensome the more fragile and less dynamic the economy of the sanctioned State."

The author further argues that the unilateral nature of many sanctions raises concerns about legitimacy and potential for abuse:

"A State which resorts to countermeasures based on its unilateral assessment of the situation does so at its own risk."

Lisboa also engages with philosophical debates, contrasting “international society” and “international community” to explore how the framing of sanctions shapes their legitimacy under international law.

The reader will benefit from these and other reflections by the author.

"Sanctions are, in a glance, measures that cost very little for those who impose them... However, theit effects can [amount to] catastrophic.

This harm can be so intense that it may cause loss of life, famine, destruction of infrastructure, school evasion, etc."

Lisboa's publication also analyzes the complexities of secondary sanctions and over-compliance, revealing how these mechanisms can amplify the negative impacts of sanctions far beyond their intended targets. The case of the Iranian prisoners’ deal, where humanitarian funds were effectively held hostage, serves as an example of these challenges.

Download option

The book is available for free download, in line with FNI’s mission to promote open-access research and facilitate global engagement with critical human rights issues. Readers can access the full text here:

2024. Lisboa L. Sanctions Vs. Human Rights.pdf

Download PDF • 2.03MB

Recognition by the UN Sanctions Research Platform

Adding to its international impact, Sanctions Vs. Human Rights has been submitted by Leonel Lisboa to the United Nations Sanctions Research Platform, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on the unintended consequences of sanctions and the need for reforms. This platform serves as a hub for research and policy recommendations, aimed at minimizing the humanitarian costs of coercive measures.

FNI Director Henrique Napoleão Alves expressed his pride in this first publication:

"This inaugural publication from our editorial branch reflects not only the importance of tackling sanctions from a human rights perspective but also the depth of Leonel Lisboa’s scholarship.

We are proud to have such a committed researcher as part of our team, whose work will certainly resonate with scholars,policymakers and students alike."

Through this publication, FNI reaffirms its commitment to amplifying voices from the Global South and advancing a human rights-centered approach in international policymaking.