Abstract
This paper aims to contribute to the debate on the applicability of human rights law to the United Nations Security Council, in particular when this organ adopts ‘smart’ sanctions, which either directly or indirectly limit the targeted subjects’ enjoyment of human rights in name of superior interests of peace and security. Whereas human rights standards can be said to be broadly applicable to the United Nations, especially when its action has an impact on individuals, this argument is not conclusive as to the binding force of human rights law on the Security Council, and therefore calls for further qualification.