Anche l'embargo economico può essere una violazione dei diritti umani. L'impatto delle sanzioni sulla salute della popolazione infantile

The impact of an embargo on civilians has been studied often, although the claim that sanctions not involving military force also affect human development in the victims'country and constitute violations of human rights is scantly recognized. Economic sanctions, which affect a population's health status (in particular, children) and are often related to the cessation of humanitarian assistance, are the most commonly applied form. The effects on infant mortality and malnutrition of embargo's against Haiti, Iraq and Palestine were examined. In all three countries, infant mortality rose and child nutrition deteriorated dramatically during sanctions in relation to the duration of the embargo. In general, the changes resulting from embargo included declining social and economic conditions and deteriorating health care infrastructures. Thus, economic sanctions resulted in extensive violations of basic (including health). An assessment prior to the imposition of sanctions, as well as systematic monitoring of country situation is essential for minimising the impact of political measures on the fundamental rights to life specifically of the weakest members and groups of the populations.