In its resolution 40/3, the Human Rights Council requested OHCHR organize a biennial panel discussion, in accordance with Council resolution 27/21, on the issue of unilateral coercive measures and human rights. Also in its resolution 40/3, the Council requested the Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights to act as rapporteur for the panel discussion and to prepare a report to be presented and submitted to the Council at its forty-third session. Due to illness and the subsequent resignation of the Special Rapporteur, OHCHR submitted the present report to the Council pursuant to the request contained in its resolution 40/3. 2.

The biennial panel discussion, entitled “The way forward to a United Nations declaration on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of all human rights, including the right to development”, was held on 12 September 2019. Its objectives were to facilitate an exchange of views and experiences among all stakeholders, including Member States, academic and civil society organizations and United Nations human rights mechanisms, on the impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights.