GovWire

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
• cease actions destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine, including by supporting or facilitating Russias actions in respect of Ukraine
• refrain from any other action which undermines or threatens peace, security or stability in Europe.

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.

General Licences

Under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2018), HMT may grant general licences under any autonomous UK sanctions regime. More information is available in OFSIs UK financial sanctions general guidance.

OFSI has issued a general licence under the Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. A list of general licences published by OFSI can be found on the general licences page.

UK regulations

• The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
• The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021
• The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2022
• 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