UN experts* today urged the United States to review its national framework that triggers targeted sanctions against States designated as Sponsors of Terrorism (SSTs).
Currently, four countries - the Republic of Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Syrian Arab Republic - appear on this US State Department list, with additional restrictions imposed as a result of the designation.
"The unilateral designation itself runs counter to fundamental principles of international law, including the principle of sovereign equality of states, the prohibition of intervention in the internal affairs of states and the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes," the experts said. They recalled that these principles constitute universally recognised peremptory norms of international law.
"Fundamental human rights, including the right to food, the right to health, the right to education, economic and social rights, the right to life and the right to development, are negatively affected by the additional restrictions and prohibitions raised by the designations of OSH," the experts said.
"Moreover, the process by which the designation is made is unclear and non-transparent. The relevant US legislative instruments exacerbate fear and uncertainty, and establish or reinforce over-compliance among humanitarian and other actors that may wish to establish relationships or operate in the territory of the designated country," they said. "The designation particularly affects countries already subject to other unilateral coercive measures and has potentially catastrophic humanitarian and human rights implications."
Experts have previously expressed concern about the negative repercussions of excessive US government enforcement. Additional restrictions and unilateral sanctions on SST designations create a chilling effect, blocking access to designated countries. "This total isolation of the designated state sponsor of terrorism may adversely affect the delivery of essential goods, such as food, medicine, medical equipment and other supplies, including humanitarian goods under UN Security Council humanitarian resolutions," the experts warned.
"We urge the United States to comply fully with its international obligations, including extraterritorially," the experts said.
They called on the US government to comprehensively review the current framework for SST designations, leaving it within the authority of the UN Security Council, as set out in the UN Charter. Pending its elimination, the US should take steps to avoid negative humanitarian repercussions, the experts said.
The experts have communicated with the US government on this issue.
*The experts: Alena Douhan, Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights; Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Attiya Waris, Independent Expert on foreign debt, other international financial obligations and human rights; Cecilia M. Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Livingstone Sewanyana, Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order.
(Taken from CubaMinrex)