Why it matters:
The reminder comes amid escalating concerns over the use of unilateral sanctions—often justified by national legislation—which, critics argue, violate international treaties and harm populations.
Flashback:
The U.S. scrapped an internationally signed agreement with Iran known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. The European parties of the agreement also followed the U.S. and refused to fulfill their commitments to the agreement.
Driving the news:
Douhan cited Article 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, which stipulates that a nation cannot use its domestic legislation as an excuse to avoid international responsibilities.
What she’s saying:
Alena Douhan: "Governments cannot invoke their domestic regulations as an excuse for failing to fulfill their international obligations."
“This principle reminds states that commitments under international law must be respected, even when they conflict with national interests or laws.”
The big picture:
Douhan made the remarks at the International Conference on Unilateral Coercive Measures and Access to Justice. The conference, attended by diplomats, legal scholars, and human rights advocates, focused on challenges to justice posed by unilateral sanctions.
Go deeper:
Iran’s Dep. FM: Sanctions Instruments of Economic Warfare, Not Diplomacy
seyed mohammad kazemi
