UN General Assembly to debate sanctions on Zimbabwe

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to formally debate the impact of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States, following the submission of two critical reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, Professor Alena Douhan. This development marks a significant escalation in Zimbabwe's decades-long campaign to have the sanctions lifted.

The reports, submitted over the past three months, detail the detrimental effects of sanctions on Zimbabwe's development and human rights, calling for their immediate removal. The issue will now be discussed for the first time in over two decades at the UNGA, reflecting growing international attention and support for Zimbabwe's anti-sanctions stance.

Reports Highlight Humanitarian and Economic Impacts

Prof. Douhan's first report, submitted in July, focused on "Access to justice in the face of unilateral sanctions and over-compliance". It provided a comprehensive analysis of the sanctions' humanitarian consequences and their legal challenges. Her second report, presented last month, addressed the impact of sanctions on human rights, highlighting issues such as rampant inflation, food price fluctuations, and decreased vaccination coverage in sanctioned countries, including Zimbabwe.

The reports revealed significant challenges caused by sanctions: Fluctuations in inflation and consumer food prices. Decreases in vaccination coverage across various sanctioned nations. Barriers to justice for individuals and communities affected by sanctions.

Prof. Douhan reiterated that sanctions disproportionately harm marginalised and vulnerable groups, exacerbating economic hardships and undermining fundamental human rights.

UNGA to Debate Recommendations

The UNGA's discussions, informed by the reports, will provide member states with an opportunity to debate the findings and potentially adopt resolutions condemning unilateral sanctions. While UNGA resolutions are non-binding, they serve to amplify international awareness and increase pressure on sanctioning states to reconsider their policies.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi highlighted the growing global awareness about sanctions. Speaking at the International Conference on Sanctions, Business, and Human Rights hosted by Prof. Douhan, he said:
"Although the General Assembly does not have enforcement powers, the reports assist with creating awareness on the situation in sanctioned countries. This shows that the global lobby against these sanctions is growing louder."

Broader Support for Zimbabwe's Position

Zimbabwe's anti-sanctions stance has gained strong backing from multilateral organisations, including the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Political analysts view the debate as a step toward galvanising global consensus against unilateral sanctions.

Dr. Gift Manyatera, a political analyst and Midlands State University pro-vice chancellor, emphasised the importance of Zimbabwe participating in such global discussions.
"These sanctions have a negative impact on every sector of the economy, so we have an interest in ensuring our voice is heard on this global stage," he said.

As the UNGA debates unfold, Zimbabwe hopes to leverage the momentum generated by Prof. Douhan's reports and growing international support to intensify calls for the removal of sanctions. While the UNGA lacks enforcement powers, its discussions will amplify Zimbabwe's position, potentially influencing global perceptions and policies surrounding unilateral coercive measures.