Since the end of the Cold War, the use of sanctions as a soft approach in international diplomacy has gained pre-eminence among states that want to influence the perception and behaviour of other states. In 2001, the United States (U.S.) through the adoption of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) imposed targeted sanctions against selected Zimbabwean officials. Similarly, in 2002, the European Union (EU) imposed sanctions that it officially referred to as restrictive measures against Robert Mugabe and some of his allies. These sanctions were meant to influence a change in the behaviour of the Mugabe regime, particularly in the area of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Unfortunately, after more than a decade and a half, sanctions have still been unable to achieve its set goals; instead, there are daunting records of their gloomy impact on the rights and well-being of ordinary and otherwise innocent civilians. This study focuses on the impact of U.S. targeted sanctions and EU restrictive measures on the right to education and healthcare of Zimbabweans. The study concluded that the use of sanctions is not a plausible way of resolving international disagreements and conflicts, and instead advocated for the adoption of non-violent approaches to conflict resolution.

The study examined the impact of child marriage on the education attainment and welfare of girls in Northern Uganda. Two indigenous communities, Tepeth and Matheniko were used as case study. The study employed case study design, while qualitative approach (face-to-face interview) was used in data collection. 25 key informants participated in the study that includes 15 female and 10 male. The study was guided by the Radical Feminist Theory. The theory, argues that patriarchy is the primary cause of women oppression because partriachy gives men advantage over women in the society and puts men in an advantage position to determine the future of women. The study findings reveal that two main factors: poverty and cultural practice of cementing alliances are responsible for child marriage in Northern Uganda. In addition, the study found that child marriage breaches different aspects of human/ children’s rights, such as the right to education, healthcare, and protection from physical and sexual abuse among others. The study concluded that child marriage is a practice that has long lasting negative impact on the welfare of the affected individuals and by extension the development of the communities where it is practiced. Consequently, the study made recommendations on possible solutions and strategies to eradicate the practice.

The insecurity caused by Boko Haram's insurgency is among the primary challenges faced by Nigeria. The group's activities in the North have resulted in thousands of casualties, the displacement of more than one million people, the destruction of hundreds of schools, mosques, churches and government establishments and have ravaged the economy of the region. The nefarious actions of the sect even undermine the existence of the country as a single sovereign political territory. In fact, the group's appalling operations made it the deadliest terrorist organization worldwide in 2015. The dynamics, sophistication and boldness of the sect's actions have raised fundamental questions about national security and governance. In March 2015 the faction, through its leader Abubakar Shekau pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and further declared that territories under its control belong to the Islamic State and will be governed under orthodox Islamic Sharia law. The authors contend that economic deprivation and want, poverty, illiteracy, inequality and corruption are among the principal factors propelling Boko Haram's violent rampage across northern Nigeria. This study investigates the activities of the sect, whilst underscoring the need for a permanent solution to terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.

Of special mention are my parents Nze, George and Lolo, Veronica Ogbonna. Also my appreciation goes to Gabriela Fernández, Barrister Uzoma Ogbonna, Mr. Kelvin Iroegbu, Chinedu Anyanwu, Magnus Umunnakwe and Mr. Lawrence Ubani. More so, it is imperative to acknowledge my past teachers and academic counsellors, who set the stage running through meticulous advice, guidance, inspiration and constructive criticisms. Among them are Dr.

The article examines the plausibility of using sanctions as an instrument that can deter nuclear proliferation. Sanctions have been a favored policy tool in the arsenal of the international community, when it comes to issues relating to deterring nuclear proliferation. The adoptions of sanctions as a policy instrument that can quench the nuclear ambition of states and/or regimes are based on two main assumptions. First, it is believed that they add cost to the regime aspiring to acquire nuclear weapons, by limiting the regime’s access to finance and thus discourage it from furthering its nuclear ambition. Second, it is believed that the impact of sanctions on the welfare and well-being of the citizens of a targeted regime will prompt the citizens to rebel against the regime and perhaps force it to comply with the demands of the sanctions imposing party. This article however, took a dissimilar view and argues that sanctions as a single policy tool cannot check nuclear proliferation. At best they can be used to express discontent or signal displeasure to a regime with nuclear ambition. The article concludes that diplomacy devoid of rapacity is and will remain the plausible mechanism to deter nuclear proliferation.