Zimbabwe Financial Sanctions List Takes Effect

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A new set of regulations aimed at promoting human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe has come into force, replacing existing EU legislation. The Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 officially took effect on December 31st, 2020.

Purpose of the Sanctions Regime

The sanctions regime is designed to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe and individuals involved in human rights abuses to:

Respect democratic principles
Refrain from repressing civil society
Comply with international human rights law

Amendments to the Regulations

The regulations have been amended by subsequent legislation, including:

Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020

The UK’s Financial Sanctions List

Those designated under this regime will be added to the UK’s financial sanctions list, aimed at preventing the flow of funds to those responsible for:

Human rights abuses
Undermining democratic institutions in Zimbabwe

Sources of Information

Individuals seeking more information on the new regulations can contact:

Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation
Export Control Joint Unit
Department for Transport
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Sanctions Directorate (a general source of information on sanctions)

Background and Goals

The UK government has taken this step to promote human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe, following a long-standing pattern of abuse and repression by the country’s government. With these new regulations in place, the UK aims to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe to respect its citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.