living in the targeted state. For example, a trade ban targeted at a third country can significantly disrupt the distribution of food and sanitation supplies to vulnerable groups such as the poor or women, but the oppressive elites in the targeted state may be able to maintain their quality of life as they usually enjoy considerable wealth. This may also diminish the effectiveness of sanctions as the elites may be unaffected by them. Therefore, a sanction regime targeting individuals instead of states can avoid the unintended adverse impact on innocent civilians, while also being more effective in applying pressure to the personnel responsible for the human rights violations. References External links Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 (consolidated version) on EUR-Lex Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 (consolidated version) on EUR-Lex Sanctions legislation Magnitsky Act Global Global Council of the European Union Human rights instruments