Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 4, 2025 International law
Today marks the first International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures. The General Assembly held an informal meeting to mark the occasion. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock highlighted the key difference between unilateral coercive measures and those provided for in the UN Charter.
"As the name suggests, 'unilateral' measures are taken by one side. And their purpose is to coerce the other side," she said.
She stressed that such steps are fundamentally different from actions taken collectively by the Security Council or regional organizations in accordance with the UN Charter.
According to Baerbock, unilateral coercive measures are not an abstract policy. She cited the Secretary-General's latest report, which describes the consequences of such actions for developing countries and their populations, including food and medical shortages, problems with the delivery of humanitarian aid, economic slowdowns, and rising inflation.
“They [unilateral coercive measures – editor’s note] have a real impact on people’s lives,” the General Assembly Speaker emphasized.
Baerbock noted that the negative effects are felt far beyond the individual countries against which such measures are directed.
“They can also extend beyond their borders, disrupting regional and global supply chains,” the Chair said.
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Baerbock also emphasized that UN member states agree that any restrictive measures must comply with the Charter of the Organization and international law.
She added: “Such measures and sanctions would not be necessary if all Member States respected the principles of the UN Charter and their obligations under international law.”
Baerbock called for dialogue instead of coercion and a multilateral approach instead of a unilateral one.
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