Mauritius: UN Sanctions Act 2019 Implements Targeted Financial Sanctions

• The United Nations (Financial Prohibitions, Arms Embargo and Travel Ban) Sanctions Act 2019 came into effect in Mauritius on May 29, 2019.
• The Act establishes two regimes: one for implementing UN sanctions and another for domestic sanctions.
• Reporting persons must regularly consult the UN Consolidated List and take immediate action upon any changes.

Regular consultation of the UN Consolidated List and immediate action upon any changes are essential to ensure compliance with the Act.

On May 29, 2019, the United Nations (Financial Prohibitions, Arms Embargo and Travel Ban) Sanctions Act 2019 came into effect in Mauritius. This legislation provides the framework for implementing targeted sanctions, including financial restrictions, arms embargoes, and travel bans, as imposed by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. The Act establishes two regimes: one for implementing UN sanctions (the 'UN Regime') and another for domestic sanctions (the 'Domestic Regime').

The UN Consolidated List, accessible at https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/content/un-sc-consolidated-list , is a critical resource for understanding which parties are subject to targeted sanctions. This list is also available on the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) website and disseminated to relevant agencies through the goAML platform. The FIU plays a crucial role in supervising and enforcing compliance with AML/CFT regulations, as mandated by section 40(2) of the Act.

The implementation of targeted financial sanctions in Mauritius has significant implications for lawyers, compliance officers, and other stakeholders. Regular consultation of the UN Consolidated List and immediate action upon any changes are essential to ensure compliance with the Act. Reporting persons must also monitor notices issued by the National Sanctions Secretariat and take prompt action accordingly. Failure to comply with the Act constitutes an offence.

Lawyers and compliance officers should regularly consult the UN Consolidated List and take immediate action with respect to any changes brought thereto, and also monitor notices issued by the National Sanctions Secretariat for updates on targeted financial sanctions in Mauritius.

Source: Original reporting via Implementation of Targeted Financial Sanctions