New York: The United Nations (UN) General Assembly has adopted a resolution to designate December 4 each year as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures. This resolution calls for countries to avoid implementing any unilateral economic, financial, or trade measures that are not in line with international law and the UN Charter, which could hinder the economic and social development of nations, especially those in the developing world.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the resolution aims to support ongoing global initiatives to raise awareness about the harmful effects of unilateral coercive measures. It seeks to foster international collaboration and solidarity in addressing the repercussions of these measures. The resolution received 116 votes in favor, while 51 countries, primarily from the Global North such as EU states, Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, and the United States, opposed it. Six countries abstained from voting.
The resolution further instructs the UN secretary-general
to arrange for the commemoration and promotion of this International Day. This includes efforts to increase global awareness about the negative impacts of measures that contravene international law and the UN Charter.
Additionally, the resolution calls upon all UN member states, observers, UN system organizations, international and regional organizations, civil society, individuals, and relevant stakeholders to participate in observing this day. The aim is to highlight the adverse effects of unilateral coercive measures, particularly on developing countries, and to promote compliance with international law and the UN Charter.
The resolution also requests the president of the General Assembly to hold an informal plenary meeting each year, beginning in 2025, to commemorate and promote the International Day.