International humanitarian law and policy on

Sanctions and Counter-terrorism measures

Over the past two decades, states and international organizations have increasingly resorted to sanctions and counter-terrorism measures to attempt to change the behaviour of designated individuals and entities. Many of these measures aim at denying these individuals and entities the means to support or conduct any action considered to amount to terrorism or to a threat to international peace and security. In many cases, these measures take effect in contexts where impartial humanitarian organizations such as the ICRC operate.

A street in ruins, littered with destroyed vehicles.

The ICRC approach

The ICRC unequivocally condemns terrorism of all forms, no matter whether it occurs during or outside of armed conflict and irrespective of the perpetrators. Terrorism violates international humanitarian law and negates the basic principle of humanity. The ICRC recognizes the legitimacy for States to take responsive action to counter terrorism and ensure their security and that of their population. In the same vein, the ICRC does not take a position on the legitimacy or necessity of sanctions.

However, these sanctions and CT measures – whether adopted at the UN, or at regional or domestic levels – have caused concern in the humanitarian community. This concern originates mainly in the complex legal, logistical and financial challenges posed by sanctions and CT measures, the cumulativeeffects of which have adversely affected the scope and quality of humanitarian activities conducted for people affected by armed conflict.

From the Humanitarian Law and Policy blog

Counterterrorism and Sanctions

This theme examines the interplay between counterterrorism measures, sanctions, and humanitarian efforts, highlighting the challenges and legal frameworks needed to ensure the delivery of aid in conflict-affected and politically sensitive environments.

Counterterrorism and Sanctions law and policy

From the Humanitarian Law and Policy podcast