Here is a detailed article explaining the United Nations (Sanctions - Yemen) Regulations 2015:
Statute Details
- Title: United Nations (Sanctions — Yemen) Regulations 2015
- Full Title: N/A
- Act Code: UNA2001-S525-2015
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation
- Commencement Date: September 1, 2015
- Parts: N/A
- Key Sections: Section 4: Definitions; Section 8A: Power to inspect and seize certain items; Section 9: Offences
- Related Legislation: Air Navigation Act 1966, Customs Act 1960, Markets Act 2022, Merchant Shipping Act 1995, Police Force Act 2004
What Is This Legislation About?
The United Nations (Sanctions - Yemen) Regulations 2015 were enacted to assist in giving effect to various United Nations Security Council Resolutions related to the situation in Yemen. The key Resolutions referenced are 2140 (2014), 2216 (2015), 2564 (2021), and 2624 (2022). These Resolutions imposed sanctions on certain individuals and entities in relation to the conflict in Yemen, and the Regulations provide the legal framework for Singapore to implement those sanctions domestically.
What Are the Key Provisions?
The Regulations contain several key prohibitions and requirements: 1. Prohibition against dealing with property of designated 2140 List persons (Regulation 5): This prohibits any person in Singapore, and any Singaporean citizen outside Singapore, from dealing with property owned or controlled by individuals or entities designated under UN Security Council Resolution 2140. 2. Prohibition against provision of funds, financial assets and economic resources to or for benefit of designated 2140 List persons (Regulation 6): This prohibits making any funds, financial assets or economic resources available to or for the benefit of individuals or entities designated under Resolution 2140. 3. Prohibition against supplying arms and related materiel (Regulation 6A): This prohibits the supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel to Yemen. 4. Prohibition against using Singapore ship or aircraft to supply arms and related materiel (Regulation 6B): This prohibits the use of any Singapore ship or aircraft to supply, sell or transfer arms and related materiel to Yemen. 5. Prohibition against provision of technical assistance, training, etc. (Regulation 6C): This prohibits the provision of technical assistance, training, financial assistance, investment, brokering or other services related to military activities or the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance or use of arms and related materiel to Yemen. 6. General prohibition (Regulation 7): This is a catch-all prohibition against any act that would circumvent the other prohibitions in the Regulations. 7. Duty to provide information (Regulation 8): This requires any person to provide information or documents related to the Regulations when requested by an authorized officer. 8. Power to inspect and seize certain items (Regulation 8A): This gives authorized officers the power to inspect any cargo bound for Yemen and within Singapore, and to seize any items suspected of violating the Regulations.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
The Regulations are structured in a straightforward manner, with 10 main sections: 1. Citation and commencement 2. Object 3. Application 4. Definitions 5-7. Prohibitions (on dealing with property, provision of funds/resources, supply of arms, etc.) 8. Duty to provide information 8A. Power to inspect and seize 9. Offences 9A. Forfeiture 10. Exemption
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
The Regulations apply to all persons in Singapore, as well as all Singapore citizens outside of Singapore. This includes both individuals and entities. The key targets are those individuals and entities designated under the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, such as the "2140 List" and "2216 List" referenced in the definitions.
The Regulations also apply to any person or entity acting on behalf of, or under the direction of, the designated individuals and entities. This ensures the sanctions cannot be circumvented through the use of proxies or intermediaries.
There are some limited exceptions, such as for financial institutions and variable capital companies that are subject to separate directions or regulations issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
This legislation is an important part of Singapore's efforts to implement United Nations sanctions and support international efforts to address the conflict in Yemen. By prohibiting activities like dealing with designated persons' property, providing them funds or resources, and supplying arms, the Regulations help Singapore comply with its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
Failure to comply with the Regulations can result in criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The Regulations also empower authorities to inspect cargo and seize items suspected of violating the sanctions. This enforcement mechanism is crucial to ensuring the sanctions are effective and not undermined.
More broadly, this legislation demonstrates Singapore's commitment to the rules-based international order and its support for multilateral efforts to address threats to international peace and security. It is part of Singapore's wider sanctions regime that implements UN Security Council decisions across various contexts.
Related Legislation
- Air Navigation Act 1966
- Customs Act 1960
- Markets Act 2022
- Merchant Shipping Act 1995
- Police Force Act 2004
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the United Nations (Sanctions — Yemen) Regulations 2015 for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.