What are sanctions — and do they even work?

There are three prongs within the normal gamut of economic sanctions — trade restrictions, financial restrictions and travel restrictions, Martin explained. WATCH | Canada imposes sanctions on Iran:Who has Canada sanctioned and why? "The irony is, sanctions themselves cause human rights harm" - Craig Martin, professor at Washburn University"The historical record is not that encouraging, to be honest," she said. "The reason we impose sanctions is because countries are violating human rights," said Martin. "But the irony is, sanctions themselves cause human rights harm... and potentially are in violation of human rights."