Mauritius Issues Guidelines for Military-Related Sanctions Implementation

Enhancing Compliance with United Nations Sanctions

Mauritius has issued guidelines for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions under the UN (Financial Prohibitions, Arms Embargo, and Travel Ban) Sanctions Act 2019. This move aims to enhance compliance with United Nations sanctions.

National Sanctions Secretariat: The Focal Point for UN Sanctions-Related Matters

The National Sanctions Secretariat (NSSec) is responsible for UN sanctions-related matters in Mauritius. The NSSec must notify the public immediately of any changes to UN sanctions lists, including new designations, changes to existing designations, and removed designations.

Role of Supervisory Authorities

Relevant supervisory authorities in enforcing compliance with the Sanctions Act include:

• Attorney General
• Bank of Mauritius
• Financial Intelligence Unit
• Financial Services Commission
• Gambling Regulatory Authority
• MIPA
• Registrar of Companies
• Registrar of Cooperatives

Responsibilities of Reporting Persons

Reporting persons are required to:

• Implement internal controls and procedures to effectively comply with their obligations under the Sanctions Act, including counter proliferation financing obligations.
• Monitor and immediately implement any changes to UN sanctions lists.
• Refrain from dealing or releasing funds and other assets accordingly.

Importance of Sanctions Screening

The guidelines emphasize the importance of sanctions screening for all clients and transactions, regardless of financial limit or threshold. Reporting persons must:

• Verify whether the details of a listed party match with the particulars of any customer.
• Identify and freeze their assets if there is a match.

Key Takeaways

• The National Sanctions Secretariat (NSSec) is the focal point for UN sanctions-related matters in Mauritius. • Reporting persons must implement internal controls and procedures to comply with their obligations under the Sanctions Act. • Supervisory authorities have a role in enforcing compliance with the Sanctions Act. • Sanctions screening is required for all clients and transactions, regardless of financial limit or threshold. • Reporting persons must monitor and immediately implement any changes to UN sanctions lists.

Training and Assistance

The NSSec offers training and assistance to reporting persons on the implementation of targeted financial sanctions. For more information, please contact the NSSec at [insert contact information].