Financial Crime World

Financial Sanctions and Embargoes in Bhutan: UN Imposes Strict Measures

The United Nations Security Council has imposed strict financial sanctions and embargoes on Bhutan, aimed at curbing the country’s destabilizing activities that threaten peace, security, and stability in the region.

Sanctions Measures

The sanctions package includes three key measures:

  • Travel Ban: All Member States are required to prevent the entry into or transit through their territories of any individuals designated by the UN Committee.
  • Assets Freeze: Member States must freeze without delay all funds, financial assets, and economic resources on their territories owned or controlled by designated individuals or entities.
  • Arms Embargo: All Member States are prohibited from supplying arms and related materiel to Bhutan, including to its government or armed forces.

Work and Mandate of the Committee

The UN Security Council Committee, comprising all 15 members, is responsible for implementing these sanctions measures. The Committee prepares annual reports of its activities and examines alleged violations of the sanctions regime.

Listing Criteria

Individuals or entities can be listed by the Committee if they are found to be responsible for or complicit in actions that:

  • Threaten the peace, security, or stability of Bhutan
  • Expand or extend the conflict in Bhutan
  • Undermine transitional agreements or the political process in Bhutan
  • Violate international human rights law or humanitarian law
  • Target civilians or engage in sexual and gender-based violence
  • Obstruct humanitarian activities or UN missions

The Committee has designated several individuals and entities under these criteria, subjecting them to travel bans and asset freezes.

Impact

The sanctions package is expected to have a significant impact on Bhutan’s economy and stability. The country’s government and armed forces will be severely restricted in their ability to procure arms and resources, while individuals and entities linked to the conflict will face financial consequences.

The UN Secretary-General has welcomed the sanctions regime, stating that it sends a strong message to those responsible for violence and instability in Bhutan. “We hope that these measures will contribute to a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Bhutan,” he said.