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When Targeted Sanctions Miss the Mark: The Use, Effectiveness, and Human Rights Consequences of Sanctioning Family Members

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Though sanctions on family members of primary targets have become increasingly popular coercive instruments, we know very little about their use, effectiveness, and major legal and human rights consequences. Drawing insight from several targeted sanctions directed at family members of the Russian elite in recent years, this article offers a detailed analysis of (1) why sanctioning states have increasingly opted for family member sanctions, (2) whether targeting family members increases the efficacy of sanctions regimes, (3) to what extent such targeted sanctions are legally and ethically defensible, and (4) whether they undermine human rights of targeted individuals. Our analysis suggests that family member sanctions have limited utility as they are mostly ineffective tools. They could also cause major human rights issues and legal challenges for the sanctioned individuals. Hence, family member sanctions appear to be ethically problematic tools that warrant careful reconsideration.

Source: Human Rights Review

DOI: 10.1007/s12142-026-00756-3

Authors: Celia Challet, Ryan Yu-Lin Liou, Dursun Peksen

Institutions: Université Catholique de Lille, Wabash College, University of Memphis

Language: English

Topic: Economic Sanctions and International Relations

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,090