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Research guide European Union

The European Union is a political and economic union of 28 member states in Europe. The EU operates through a hybrid system of supranational and intergovernmental decision-making. The EU has developed an internal single market (free movement of people, goods, services, and capital) through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states. The EU maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries, and regional development, justice and home affairs, common security and defense.

Check our Research Guide on European Union

Library blog The Effectiveness of Sanctions and Iran’s Nuclear Program

With Iran and the United States seemingly on the brink of war, it would be justified to examine both country’s viewpoints and intentions to gain a greater understanding of this international relations dilemma. While the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif affirms that his country would never pursue a nuclear weapon since Islam prevents the country in doing so, many in Washington are not convinced. US President Donald Trump remains certain that Iran’s nuclear program represents a threat to international security and peace, with his administration opting to impose sanctions this past year. However, with all of the controversy surrounding this international situation an important question should be asked: Are sanctions an effective tool in order to make Iran comply with the demands of the international community?

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News and events Stacks Access and Retrieval Restricted

Dear Library user,

Stacks acces and retrieval will be restricted for the coming period due to construction works on the concrete floors. Please, be aware that for several parts of the collection no requests can be handled for some time. We will keep you up-to-date on these construction works. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience.

Kind regards, the Peace Palace Library Staff

Stacks Access and Retrieval Restricted

Women’s rights are the rights claimed for women and girls worldwide, and formed the basis for the women’s rights and feminist movement. In some countries, these rights are institutionalized by law and local custom, whereas in other countries these rights are ignored and suppressed. Issues associated with women’s rights include the right: to bodily integrity and autonomy, to be free from sexual violence, to vote, to hold public office, to enter into legal contracts, to have equal rights in family law, to fair wages or equal pay, to have reproductive rights, and to education. Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured.

As migration and refugee movements to Europe have gained unprecedented momentum last year and continue to dominate the news, we have created a Library Special on this topic in order to provide you easy access to our collection: a selective bibliography, newsletters, books, articles and online resources.