An urgent call for “embedded multipolarity” to fortify human rights was issued by George Katrougalos, the UN expert on promoting a democratic and equitable international order. In a report presented to the Human Rights Council, Katrougalos highlighted the detrimental effects of unilateral coercive measures and geopolitical fragmentation, which he warns are eroding the foundations of the UN Charter.
Katrougalos introduced the concept of “embedded multipolarity,” characterizing it as a non-hegemonic distribution of power across states and regions, operating within the multilateral framework of the United Nations. This approach, he argues, aligns most closely with the aspirations enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. A growing concern raised in the report is the use of sanctions and tariffs for coercive diplomacy, as seen in the contexts of Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. The UN Security Council recognizes that sanctions may be used under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to maintain or restore international peace, provided they do not infringe upon fundamental human rights.
Further complicating matters, Katrougalos noted that the extraterritorial influence of domestic financial institutions has created a “compliance chilling effect,” disproportionately affecting developing countries. This dynamic has been shown to restrict access to international banking services, hinder remittance flows, and deter foreign investments crucial for sustainable development. This perspective echoes the judgment of the International Court of Justice regarding the use of coercive measures against Nicaragua, revealing that such tactics violate customary international law by infringing on a state’s sovereignty over its political, economic, social, and cultural systems. The complete report is accessible through JURIST.
The issue has become even more pronounced with the recent actions by the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. Since his return to power in 2025, there has been a marked increase in sanctions targeting countries like Iran, Canada, China, and Mexico. Notably, there were also sanctions imposed against officials of the International Criminal Court. This aggressive stance has attracted criticism from various quarters, including a legal challenge by Human Rights Watch questioning the legality of these measures in a U.S. District Court.
Katrougalos argues that unilateral sanctions are not merely abstract violations of sovereignty but lead to concrete humanitarian crises. The emphasis on reinforcing a multipolar international order seeks to counteract these negative developments, aiming to promote a more balanced and cooperative global framework conducive to upholding human rights. This call to action reflects a broader dialogue within international forums, as nations grapple with the complexities of balancing power dynamics and safeguarding fundamental freedoms. An additional perspective on the implications of these geopolitical moves can be found in reports by BBC News, which explore the broader impacts of international sanctions policies.