This thesis aims to increase understanding of the sanctions imposed on Eritrea by the United Nations Security Council. The question this thesis asks is “why the security council imposed the sanctions”, and “how did these sanctions affect the country and its population?”. In this study, I have used text analysis, a content analysis method to analyze the resolution the protocol, in order to gain understanding of the motive for sanctions. The resolution and the protocol are the primary source of information. As a secondary source of information, I have used several research analyses. These selected materials have been helpful to answer the questions this thesis raised.

     The results reveal that sanctions imposed on a country appear to never reach their targets, they rather hurt the common people. It is also observed that sanction have negative consequences for a country. They can lead to political turmoil, economic hardship, and they can worsen the standard of living for people within a country. When people do not see a bright future in their own country, they will leave in hope of finding a better life elsewhere. Sanctions also have a negative impact on democracy. To stay in power, the rulers in a country will take undemocratic measures such as being more restrictive on opposition groups, journalists, and introduce changes in many areas that may be perceived as undemocratic. 

      Ultimately international organization has failed to reach its goals. If the organization choose to impose sanctions against a country, the sanctions have to be well thought out and should be based on facts. The UN’s treatment of Eritrea can be called into question.

Due to the sanctions, four million people in Eritrea live under critical condition and many of the country’s young population flee the country for better life elsewhere. One should remember that the UN’s sanctions have negative consequences for Eritrea.