On May 9, Human Security Collective, alongside the Center for Civil Society and Democracy and Spaces for Change, joined the Charity & Security Network in submitting input to the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights. The submission responds to an open call from Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan to inform the development of Principles on access to humanitarian assistance in sanctions environments.

Drawing on partner case studies and field-based insights, the submission highlights how unilateral coercive measures, particularly U.S.-imposed sanctions, obstruct humanitarian assistance, shrink civil society space, and restrict financial access. It also addresses the global chilling effect of overcompliance and regulatory ambiguity, especially in high-risk contexts such as Syria, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Venezuela.

Key recommendations include: strengthening humanitarian carve-outs; promoting risk-based approaches by financial institutions; supporting regionally rooted mechanisms; and advancing grievance and redress systems for impacted organizations. The submission also calls for aligning domestic enforcement with multilateral norms such as UNSCR 2664.

Read the full submission here.