UN Adopts 4 December as Anti-Sanctions Day — Zimbabwe Welcomes Milestone
HARARE – The Zimbabwean government has welcomed the United Nations’ adoption of a resolution designating 4 December as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs), describing it as a key milestone in efforts to highlight the negative impact of sanctions on developing nations.
Passed by the UN General Assembly on Monday, the resolution urges all states to refrain from imposing unilateral economic, financial or trade restrictions that violate international law or the UN Charter.
It specifically targets measures that hinder sustainable development, particularly in countries of the Global South.
Zimbabwe, under Western-imposed sanctions for more than two decades, was among the primary co-sponsors of the resolution.
Government officials say the adoption represents a major diplomatic gain in the country’s push for global recognition of the effects of coercive measures that are not backed by multilateral consensus.
In a media briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika said Zimbabwe’s embassy in New York had worked closely with allies in the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter to sponsor the resolution.
“The adoption of this resolution is another milestone in ongoing efforts to raise global awareness on the adverse impact of these unilateral coercive measures, which are imposed not in accordance with international law,” she said.
Mrs Chidawanyika further highlighted that regional consensus on the issue has been growing. “The SADC region also designated 25 October as Anti-Sanctions Day back in 2019, which reaffirms shared opposition to measures imposed outside the United Nations framework,” she said.
She also acknowledged Professor Douhan’s ongoing contributions to the global discourse on UCMs, citing a high-level conference she co-organised in November last year with the Group of Friends.
The event drew over 450 participants from governments, civil society, academia and the private sector.
The resolution passed with 116 votes in favour, 51 against and six abstentions. Countries voting against included the United States, European Union member states, Canada, Australia and Japan.
The resolution invites all UN member and observer states, UN organisations, regional blocs, civil society, and individuals to commemorate the International Day annually starting 4 December 2025.
It also mandates the President of the General Assembly to convene an informal plenary session every year to raise awareness of the economic and social consequences of UCMs on affected nations.
