UN Slaps Travel Ban and Asset Freeze on Individuals Threatening Central African Republic

The United Nations Security Council has imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on individuals designated by the Committee as engaging in or providing support for acts that undermine the peace, stability or security of the Central African Republic (CAR).

Travel Ban and Asset Freeze Measures

The measures outlined in a new resolution aim to prevent individuals from entering or transiting through the CAR’s territories, or attempting to do so. The travel ban also applies to those who have attempted to enter or transit through the country.

In addition, the UN has frozen all funds, other financial assets and economic resources within its territories that are owned or controlled by designated individuals or entities, or by those acting on their behalf or at their direction.

Exceptions

The resolution states that the measures will not apply in cases where travel is justified on humanitarian grounds, for judicial purposes, or to promote peace and national reconciliation in the CAR.

Designation Criteria

The UN has defined the designation criteria for individuals and entities that will be subject to the measures, including those who:

• Act in violation of the arms embargo established in the CAR
• Provide support for armed groups or criminal networks through the illicit exploitation or trade of natural resources
• Obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the CAR
• Recruit or use children in armed conflict
• Engage in planning, directing, or committing acts that violate international human rights law or international humanitarian law

Cooperation and Implementation

The UN has emphasized that violations of the travel ban can undermine the peace, stability or security of the CAR, and calls upon all parties and Member States to cooperate with the Committee and the Panel of Experts on the implementation of the travel ban.

Regional Initiative and Due Diligence Frameworks

The UN has welcomed measures taken by Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to implement the Regional Initiative against Illegal Exploitation of Natural Resources, and encourages all states to promote the use of Due Diligence Frameworks such as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas.

Significance

The resolution is seen as a significant step in addressing the crisis in the CAR, where armed groups and criminal networks have exploited natural resources and committed human rights abuses with impunity.