Here is a detailed article explaining the United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 legislation:
Statute Details
- Title: United Nations (Sanctions — Somalia) Regulations 2021
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: UNA2001-S744-2021
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation
- Commencement Date: 4 October 2021
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: Section 4: Definitions; Section 7: Prohibition against supply of technical advice, etc., related to military activities; Section 8: Prohibition against supplying designated export items; Section 9: Prohibition against procuring designated import items; Section 14: Offences
- Related Legislation: Air Navigation Act 1966, Customs Act 1960, Markets Act 2022, Merchant Shipping Act 1995
What Is This Legislation About?
The United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 are a set of regulations enacted by the Singapore government to assist in giving effect to various United Nations Security Council resolutions related to the situation in Somalia. The key purpose of this legislation is to impose sanctions and restrictions on certain activities and transactions involving Somalia, in order to support the UN's efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
The regulations prohibit a range of activities, including dealing with funds or assets of designated persons, making funds available to designated persons, supplying technical assistance or military-related items to Somalia, and procuring certain goods from Somalia. These measures are intended to limit Somalia's access to resources that could be used to undermine stability and security.
Overall, the United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 are an important part of Singapore's efforts to comply with its international obligations under the UN Charter and support the UN's sanctions regime targeting Somalia.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The key provisions of the United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 are as follows:
Definitions (Section 4): This section defines important terms used in the regulations, including "designated person" (individuals or entities on the UN sanctions list), "designated export item" and "designated import item" (certain goods and technologies subject to trade restrictions), and "funds" (which includes financial resources).
Prohibition against dealing with funds, etc. of designated persons (Section 5): This prohibits persons in Singapore or Singaporean citizens outside Singapore from dealing with funds, financial assets or economic resources owned or controlled by designated persons or entities.
Prohibition against making funds available to designated persons (Section 6): This prohibits making any funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of designated persons or entities.
Prohibition against supply of technical advice, etc. related to military activities (Section 7): This prohibits the supply of technical advice, assistance, training or other support related to military activities, designated export items, or the acquisition of weapons to persons in Somalia or designated persons.
Prohibition against supplying designated export items (Section 8): This prohibits the supply, sale or transfer of designated export items (certain goods and technologies) to persons in Somalia or designated persons.
Prohibition against procuring designated import items (Section 9): This prohibits the procurement, directly or indirectly, of designated import items (certain goods and technologies) from Somalia.
General prohibition (Section 11): This is a catch-all provision prohibiting any other acts that would circumvent the sanctions imposed by the regulations.
Offences (Section 14): This section establishes that contravening the prohibitions in the regulations is an offence punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 consist of 16 sections, which can be broadly grouped into the following parts:
- Preliminary Provisions: Sections 1-4 cover the citation, object, application, and definitions.
- Prohibitions: Sections 5-11 set out the various prohibitions and restrictions, including on dealing with funds/assets of designated persons, making funds available to them, supplying technical assistance or military-related items, and procuring certain goods.
- Enforcement Provisions: Sections 12-13 cover the duty to provide information and the power to investigate.
- Offences and Penalties: Section 14 establishes offences for contravening the regulations, and Section 15 covers forfeiture.
- Exemptions: Section 16 provides for exemptions from the prohibitions.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 apply to persons in Singapore, as well as Singaporean citizens outside of Singapore. This includes both individuals and entities.
The regulations do not apply to certain financial institutions and variable capital companies that are subject to separate directions or regulations issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
The prohibitions and restrictions in the regulations are targeted at dealings with "designated persons" - individuals and entities that have been identified by the UN Security Council or its Somalia Sanctions Committee as subject to the sanctions measures.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
The United Nations (Sanctions - Somalia) Regulations 2021 are an important part of Singapore's efforts to support the UN's sanctions regime targeting Somalia. By imposing restrictions on activities and transactions involving Somalia, the regulations aim to limit Somalia's access to resources that could be used to undermine peace and security in the region.
Enforcement of the regulations is carried out by various government agencies, including the Singapore Customs. Violations of the prohibitions can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The regulations demonstrate Singapore's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the UN Charter and contributing to international efforts to address the situation in Somalia. They also reflect Singapore's broader policy of supporting UN sanctions regimes as a means of promoting global peace and security.
Related Legislation
- Air Navigation Act 1966
- Customs Act 1960
- Markets Act 2022
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the United Nations (Sanctions — Somalia) Regulations 2021 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.