Financial Sanctions Regulations in Guinea Take Effect: Government Urged to Address Human Rights Abuses

The Guinea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 came into force on December 31st, aiming to ensure the effective operation of financial and immigration sanctions related to West Africa. These regulations replace relevant EU legislation and UK regulations with substantially the same effect.

Background

The sanctions regime is designed to encourage the government of Guinea to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for violent repression in September 2009 and its aftermath. Those designated under this regime are included on the UK’s sanctions list, indicating a significant step towards addressing human rights abuses in the country.

Key Regulations

• Guinea (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019: Replaced EU legislation and UK regulations with substantially the same effect.
• Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 and Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020: Reviewed for any amendments made to the regulations.

Impact

The sanctions are a crucial step towards promoting accountability and justice in Guinea, as they aim to bring those responsible for human rights abuses to account and ensure that the government takes concrete steps to address these violations.

Contact Information

For further information on financial sanctions, contact:

• Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI): OFIS@hmtreasury.gov.uk or subscribe to their e-alerts. For export controls, contact:

• Export Control Joint Unit Helpline: 020 7215 4594 or email exportcontrol.help@trade.gov.uk and subscribe to their notices to exporters. The Department for Transport can provide information on transport sanctions at transportsanctions@dft.gov.uk, while the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Sanctions Directorate is available at Fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk for general inquiries.