Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
HARARE-GOVERNMENT has welcomed the resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly proclaiming 4 December as the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs), describing it as a significant step in raising global awareness of the negative impacts of such measures on developing countries.
The resolution, passed on Monday, urges all states to refrain from adopting, promulgating, or applying unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter, and which hinder the full attainment of economic and social development, particularly in the Global South.
Zimbabwe, which has endured illegal economic sanctions for over two decades, was among the key sponsors of the resolution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade says the resolution represents a milestone in the country’s ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“Our embassy in New York was working with like-minded countries in what we call the group of friends in defence of the Charter of the United Nations and we sponsored this resolution as part of on-going efforts that we have been undertaking to create awareness on the adverse impact of unilateral coercive measures on targeted countries. The adoption of this resolution therefore by the United Nations General Assembly is another milestone in the on-going efforts aimed at raising global awareness on the adverse impact of these unilateral coercive measures which are imposed not in accordance with international law,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade-Spokesperson, Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika said.
Mrs Chidawanyika noted that the proclamation aligns with the findings of UN Special Rapporteur on Unilateral Coercive Measures, Professor Alena Douhan, who visited Zimbabwe in 2021 and highlighted the extensive socio-economic harm caused by the sanctions regime.
“The SADC region also designated October 25, as the Anti-Sanctions Day in 2019, further emphasising the regional consensus on the issue. Professor Douhan has been instrumental at the UN level in raising awareness on this subject. In November last year, she co-organised a major conference with the Group of Friends, which drew over 450 participants from member states, civil society, academia and the business sector to discuss the developmental impact of UCMs on affected populations.” she said.
The resolution was adopted with 116 votes in favour, 51 against, and 6 abstentions.
Those opposing the resolution included several Global North countries such as the United States, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, and Japan.
The declaration invites all UN member and observer states, UN organisations, regional bodies, civil society, and individuals to observe the International Day against Unilateral Coercive Measures annually starting December 4 2025.
The resolution also mandates the President of the General Assembly to convene an annual informal plenary meeting to commemorate the day and promote awareness of the social and economic consequences of UCMs on targeted countries.
