Need for better monitoring stressed as Security Council discusses sanctions

The need for better monitoring of sanctions implementation was stressed today as the Security Council met in an open session to hear reports on processes and planned initiatives relating to targeted measures put in place by the 15-member body.

Addressing the Council, Ibrahima Fall, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said a constructive dialogue on the implementation of sanctions must take place and pragmatic solutions must be found to the difficulties of monitoring these measures.

The Council could encourage compliance by devoting more attention to mitigating the effects on civilian populations and third States, Mr. Fall said. It might also develop models of legislation that would enable Member States to adjust their domestic laws and regulations to permit compliance.

Reporting on a series of expert meetings organized by the Swiss Government and the UN, the Observer for Switzerland, Jeno Staehelin, said that among the main results of the "Interlaken Process" was the development of standardized language and definitions that would enhance a more uniform drafting and implementation of resolutions as well as unambiguous interpretation. Other results included the identification of the basic legal and administrative requirements for national implementation of financial sanctions, including the development of elements for a national legal framework.

Germany's representative, Dieter Kastrup, told the Council sanctions should not hit the innocent civilian population or non-target nations but should focus on those responsible for the threat to international peace and security. Sanctions should not be a punishment but, rather, should lead to compliance with the UN Charter. He also introduced a handbook containing model Security Council resolutions on arms embargoes and travel related sanctions, suggestions for national implementation and suggestions for monitoring and enforcement of arms embargoes.

Hans Dahlgren, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said his Government was ready to continue the work done by Switzerland and Germany through the Stockholm Process, a project that would involve representatives of governments and non-governmental organizations, academics and UN bodies. Among other things, the project would focus on how the UN and its Member States could ensure a truly effective monitoring of compliance and enforcement, and how best to assist Member States to implement sanctions regimes.

Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters afterwards, current Council President Ambassador Richard Ryan said the presentations were heard with great interest. "Sanctions are an important tool of the Council," he said.