Financial sanctions, Belarus

The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 ensure sanctions relating to the Republic of Belarus are implemented effectively after the UK leaves the EU.

Context

This sanctions regime is aimed at encouraging the Government of Belarus to:

• respect democratic principles and institutions and the separation of powers and the rule of law in Belarus
• refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress civil society in Belarus
• investigate properly and institute criminal proceedings against the persons responsible for the disappearances of Yury Zakharanka, Viktar Hanchar, Anatol Krasouski, and Dzmitry Zavadski
• comply with international human rights law and respect human rights

The regulations impose asset freezes on persons reasonably suspected of involvement in conduct enabling or facilitating the disappearances of four people or the failure to investigate properly or institute criminal proceedings against the persons responsible for those disappearances; the commission of serious human rights violations in Belarus; the repression of civil society or democratic opposition in Belarus; or other actions, policies or activities which undermine democracy or the rule of law in Belarus.

UK regulations

• The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
• The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Regulations 2020
• The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 4) Regulations 2020
• 13.04.2016 The Belarus (Asset-Freezing) (Amendment) Regulations (SI 2016/504 (applicable prior to 11:00pm, 31 December 2020)
• 21.02.2013 The Belarus (Asset-Freezing) Regulations 2013 (SI 2013/164) (applicable prior to 11:00pm, 31 December 2020)

EU regulations (applicable prior to 11:00pm, 31 December 2020)

Council Regulation (EC) 765/2006

Find out more about UK sanctions on the Republic of Belarus