Media release
7 January 2013
Australia will take a leading role in managing global sanctions against Al-Qaida, the Taliban and Iran as Chair of the UN Security Council Committees overseeing these issues.
Foreign Minister Bob Carr said the Sanctions Committees had delegated authority from the Security Council to determine which persons or entities the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions applied to.
“These appointments are a reflection of our high standing among Security Council members” Senator Carr said.
“We’re seen as having the commitment and resources to deliver effective oversight of international sanctions regimes which are critical to Middle East and global security.
“All Australians would be proud that we’ll be taking up this global security role.”
Senator Carr said the sanctions committees would:
Determine which individuals or entities were subject to Al-Qaida or Taliban sanctions; and
Monitor international compliance with sanctions regimes and report back to the UNSC on apparent breaches.
Senator Carr said the Australia’s global security agenda in 2013 would also include a renewed push for a global Arms Trade Treaty in the UN. The proposed Treaty would impose new controls on illicit cross-border dealings in weapons such as automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and ammunition.
“Our message is its time for action on global arms control,” Senator Carr said.
“An Arms Trade Treaty would improve the efficiency of UN sanctions by reducing the flow of conventional weapons to terrorists.
“Each day there are around 2,000 deaths in conflicts potentially fuelled by illegally traded arms.
“We’re taking a lead against terrorism – overseeing UN sanctions against Al-Qaida and the Taliban and pushing for tougher arms control to cut illicit weapons supplies.”
Security Council sanctions were imposed on the Taliban in October 1999 in response to human rights violations and the use of Afghan territory to shelter and train terrorists and plan terrorist attacks.
Global sanctions were imposed on Al-Qaida in December 2000 in recognition of the threat it posed to international peace and security.
Sanctions were imposed on Iran in 2006 in response to Iran’s non-compliance with UNSC and International Atomic Energy Agency resolutions on the development of its nuclear program.
Sanctions can include international controls or prohibitions on trade, goods and services and financial transactions. They can also include measures targeting individuals or entities through measures such as travel and financial restrictions and the freezing of overseas assets.
In addition to its appointment as Chair of the Sanctions Committees for Al-Qaida, the Taliban and Iran, Australia will be vice-chair of sanctions committees addressing situations in the Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and Lebanon.
