The Special Program on the
Implementation of Targeted Sanctions

Welcome to the website of the Special Program on the Implementation of Targeted Sanctions (SPITS).

This program was initiated as the "Stockholm Process" by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs together with the Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University in November 2001. The Stockholm Report ("Making Targeted Sanctions Effective" Link to report page) was delivered to the Security Council on February 25, 2003.
As the work has continued to
(a) spread information on the Stockholm process,
(b) deepen academic research on targeted sanctions, with systematic studies as well as with policy-related reports and
(c) keep a website continously updated on development on sanctions issues in the UN,
the program changed its name to the Special Program. Its ambition is also to keep information on sanctions by the European Union.
Uppsala universitet

Iran: Sanctioned into Submission?

Three sanctions researchers discuss critically the experience of sanctions on Iran. Peter Wallensteen, Uppsala University; George Lopez, University of Notre Dame; and Linda Gerber-Stellingwerf, Fourth Freedom Foundation raise internal, international and historical aspects of the sanctions policies. The comments are published in the January issue of Peace Policy, the Kroc Institute's online policy journal.
See http://peacepolicy.nd.edu/

The Special Program on the Implementation of Targeted Sanctions launches a new Study on EU management of Targeted Sanctions (2009-11-19):

In Search of a Due Process - Listing and Delisting Practices of the European Union

By Mikael Eriksson

The study examines current listing and delisting procedures of the European Union (EU), both with regard to autonomous sanctions measures and to the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) actions. The aim is to identify recent legal as well as administrative concerns. While much attention has been devoted to UN targeted sanctions, less attention has been given to recent EU practices. This study looks at the most recent developments to strengthen the sanctions tool on a European level. Focus of the study is on measures applied on individuals and legal persons. The study forms part of a more general scientific debate on the rationale of imposing targeted sanctions as a mean to address threats to peace and security on the one hand, while preserving human rights on the other. The report was originally commissioned by the Sanctions and Security Research Program at The Fourth Freedom Forum. Financial assistance was also provided by the Swedish Research Council.
Full report Downkoad as acrobat file

In addition to an overview of current EU sanctions practices, this research project has also created an overview of national practices of sanctions in 11 countries of the European Union (“National Sanctions Practices in 11 European Countries”). This additional part, dealing more exclusively with national practices, is published separately as a PDF. The online overview should be considered a work in progress.
Web appendix Downkoad as acrobat file

The above mentioned reports can be downloaded here or purchased by the Department. The price is 50 SEK + distributional cost (without value added tax). For further info, contact: Ulla Öberg

Angola Sanctions Work Revisited in 2009

The UN Angola Sanctions Committe led by Ambassador Robert Fowler, Canada, was a breakthrough in active diplomacy for international sanctions. In this report Swedish Ambassador Anders Möllander recounts his experience as Chair of the Panel of Experts and tells what made the Angola Committee a novelty. He concludes with recommendations for furthering targeted sanctions.

The Report Downkoad as acrobat file

Save the Arms Embargo!

Peter Wallensteen is summarizing the results of the SPITS-SIPRI report on UN Arms Embargoes in a policy brief published by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. The brief was disseminated at the pre-Coarm meeting at the European Union, Brussels, February 21, 2008.
Download the four-page brief
Full report Downkoad as acrobat file
Supplement Downkoad as acrobat file

New SPITS Pulication (2007)

Targeting the Leadership of Zimbabwe: A Path to Democracy and Normalization?
by Mikael Eriksson, Uppsala University

This report is based on a set of interviews and observations from a research mission undertaken in Harare, Zimbabwe in September 2006. As part of a broader dissertation project conducted at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy, this field trip to Zimbabwe was designed to study the impact of targeted sanctions. Of particular concern was the impact of the travel bans and assets freeze measures on targeted individuals applied by the European Union (EU). Other sanctions measures in place, such as the arms embargo or other indirect trade restrictions, are omitted in this study.

A set of interviews were conducted with different members of the civil society (both national and international); key representatives of the government of Zimbabwe; political parties (ZANU-PF and MDC factions), foreign embassy representatives, as well as researchers. .All interviews had an open-en­ded character with guiding questions. Anonymity was granted to those interviewed. Additionally information public reports, news-articles and monthly bulletins covering African and Zimbabwean issues were used (also news articles from state owed papers) in order to include government perceptions.

For a hardcopy of the report, contact the author or the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University.

Report Download as pdf
Cover Download as pdf

Now launched:
ARMS EMBARGO STUDY of SIPRI and SPITS

On Monday 26 November 2007 SPITS and SIPRI launch the joint report "United Nations Arms Embargoes: Their Impact on Arms Flows and Target Behaviour". The event takes place at the UN in New York. On Tuesday 27 November, 08.00-10.00, the report will be presented and discussed at a second event organised by the International Peace Academy.
Report Downkoad as acrobat file
Supplement Downkoad as acrobat file

In this joint project, researchers of SPITS at Uppsala University and SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) investigated the effects of UN arms embargoes. 27 embargoes since 1990 are focused. The Uppsala team concentrated on the impact on target behavior, while the SIPRI team dealt with the effects on arms flows. Joint conclusions were developed. The study was financed by the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Researchers Daniel Strandow and Peter Wallensteen were involved from the Uppsala side.
Flyer download pdf

Ban Ki-Moon appreciates work at Uppsala University and points to some of its conclusions.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon introduced a workshop on targeted sanctions in the UN Headquarters, April 30, 2007. The event was organized by the Permanent UN Mission of Greece, in cooperation with the Kroc Institute ofor International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame.

The sanctions work done in Uppsala was presented by Professor Peter Wallensteen. Among other researchers introducing their work were the Kroc Institute's David Cortright and George Lopez, as well as Sue Eckert of Brown University. Ban Ki-Moon noted the Uppsala work on West African sanctions and the observation that they 'have had a restraining effect on their targets'.

The final report has now been published. Dowmnload as Acrobat file

Targeting-Efficiency of Sanctions Strategies

This new project, funded by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was initiated at SPITS in December 2005.

The first report is now available in a pdf form hete and a printed version is available at the department.

Sanctions for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding. Lessons Learned from Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, by Peter Wallensteen, Mikael Eriksson and Daniel Strandow.
Short description description as acrobat file
Content (535 kB) description as acrobat file
Cover (522 kB) description as acrobat file

The second report, authored by Daniel Strandow, is accesable as a pdf file and will be available as a printed publication in late October 2006.

It investigates the impact of UN targeted sanctions on the settlement of intra-state conflicts, for the cases of Liberia and the Ivory Coast. The impact of sanctions is analysed when taking into consideration the important role played by battles between the targeted actors.
Content (797 kB) content as acrobat file
Cover (802 kB) cover as acrobat file

International Sanctions -
Between Words and Wars in the Global System.

New publication on international sanctions. See pdf-flyer for further information and how to order. Download flyer as Acrobat file

The 2004 Roundtable on UN Sanctions against Iraq:
Lessons learned

Executive Summary

The Roundtable has identified, discussed and analyzed experiences from the Iraq sanctions, particulary in implementation and monitoring. It brought together 18 international sanctions experts. In this report main points on sanctions strategies, monitoring issues, regional effects and impacts on the target country are summarized. view Report

Burma / Myanmar Report

The pilot study has examined the current sanctions, the future of targeted sanctions and the possibilities of supporting the democratic dialogue in the case of Burma / Myanmar. The study was completed by April 2004. Read the report The report as Acrobat file
Project page

Report on UN ways of operating

On December 2, 2004 the UN High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Changes presented their report. The report contains some of the proposals presented in the Stockholm Report concerning the improvement of the sanctions instrument. The report also refers to an idea introduced in the report mentioned below of a UN commission under the Security Council, tasked with conflict management and peacebuilding activities.
Read the Executive Summary Broschure as acrobat file Report Report as acrobat file

Building on the experience of UN ways of operating facing international emergencies and post-conflict situations, a special assignment was extended by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden in 2004 to the Department of Peace and Conflict Research to study the commitment gaps of the UN and what to do about them. This was in relations to the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Changes appointed by the UN Secretary General. This was a joint project with NUPI, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.Link to NUPI website
The report was presented in June 2004. The Uppsala paper was done by Carina Staibano and Peter Wallensteen.
Read the Executive Summary executiove summary as Acrobat file   Report Open acrobat file

United Nation Website

Recent resolutions by the UNSC

Democratic Republic of the Congo:.
22 December 2008 – With resolution 1857 the Security Council decides to renew the arms and transport embargo as well as the assets freeze and travel ban until 30 November 2009. The measures shall also be reviewed and adjusted to the security sector reform (SSR) and in disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating (DDR) Congolese and foreign armed groups before 30 November 2009.

The mandate of the Committee is expanded to regularly review the list of individuals and entities and to keep the list updated. The mandate of the Group of Experts is decided to also include in its report to the Committee relevant information and updates about listed individuals. It is also decided that member states shall provide the Committee detailed information about individuals and statement of case when proposing names for listing. When a name is removed from the list, the Permanent Missions of the country where the individual is believed to be located shall be notified.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in DRC Democratic Republic of Congo page

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea):
12 June 2009 – The Security Council condemns the nuclear test conducted by DPRK on May 25 and imposes resolution 1874. SC decides that DPRK shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs. The measures imposed through resolution 1718 shall also apply to all arms and related material and to financial transactions and measures imposed on entities, goods and individuals are adjusted. The Committee shall intensify efforts to promote the full implementation of resolution 1718. IAEA shall be given access to individuals, documentation, equipment and facilities as may be required and deemed necessary by the IAEA.
Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in North Korea Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Eritrea
23 December 2009 The Security Council imposes an arms embargo on Eritrea and economic sanctions (freezing of assets) on Eritrean political and military leadership with resolution 1907. It also decides to expand the mandate of the Committee and the Monitoring Group to monitor the implementation of the sanctions and to designate individuals and entities subject to sanctions.
Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Eritrea Eritrea page

Iran
3 March 2008 – With resolution 1803 the Security Council decides on a travel ban for persons listed in this resolution as well as others designated by the SC or the Committee as being engaged in, associated with or supportive of Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear activities or the development of nuclear weapon delivery. The asset freeze and travel ban stipulated in 1737 also apply to persons and entities listed in this resolution. States are to prevent the supply, sale or transfer from their territories of any materials, equipment, goods or technology related to ballistic missile programmes. Humanitarian assistance and IAEA are exempted.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Iran Iran page

Iraq:
24 November 2003, The Security Council decided today through resolution 1518 to establish a Sanctions Committee to continue to identify individuals and entities according to resolution 1483, that have funds or other financial assets or economic resources that have been removed from Iraq.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Iraq Iraq Page

Israel and Lebanon:
11 August 2006– Following the outbreak of violence between Israel and Hizbollah the Security Council adopted resolution 1701. The Security Council decides that there can be no supply of arms and related material to Lebanon unless when authorized by the Lebanese government. It is also decided that UNIFIL is to be strengthened with additional forces, resulting in a presence of up to 15 000 troops. UNIFIL is furthermore mandated to assist the Lebanese armed forces in making sure that the area between the so called Blue Line and the Litani river is free from any unauthorised armed personnel, assets and weapons.

To implement the arms embargo it is also decided that all states shall prevent the supply of arms and related material, and of related technical training and facilities, to entities or individuals in Lebanon.

Ivory Coast:

29 October 2009 – The Security Council decides, with resolution 1893, to renew the sanctions on arms, travel and finances as well as the mandate of the panel of experts one more year until 31 October 2010. 

28 January 2010 – With Resolution 1911 the Security Council decides to extend the mandate of UNOCI and the French forces which supports it until 31 May 2010

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Ivory Coast Ivory Coast Page

Liberia:
15 September 2009 – The Security Council decides, with resolution 1885, to extend the mandate of UNMIL one year until 30 September 2010.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Liberia Ivory Coast Page

Libya:
Security Council lifts sanctions imposed on LibyaLibya page

Rwanda:
10 July 2008 – With resolution 1823 the Security Council decides to lift the sanctions imposed by resolution 1011 (1995) and dissolve the Committee established pursuant to resolution 918 (1994) concerning Rwanda.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Rwanda View list of individuals

Somalia:
28 January 2010 – The Security council decides, with resolution 1910, to authorize the member states of the African Union to maintain AMISOM until 31 January 2011.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Somalia Somalia page

Sudan:
13 October 2009 - With Resolution 1891 the Security Council decides to extend the mandate of the panel of experts one year until 15 October 2010.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions in Sudan Sudan Page

Syria and Lebanon:
15 June 2006 – With resolution 1686 (2006) the Security Council decides to extend until 15 June 2007 the mandate of the International Independent Investigation Commission to continue investigating the terrorist attack in Beirut 2005 that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others. It should be noted that although a previous resolution (1636, 2005) imposed individual measures no persons have actually been named by the Sanctions Committee.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions on Syria and Lebanon Sudan Page

Taliban and Al-Qaida:
30 June 2008 - With Resolution 1822 it is decided that all states shall take the measures that have been imposed through previous resolutions, including the asset freezes, travel bans and the arms embargo. The mandate of the Monitoring Team is extended for a further 18 months.

Regarding listing and delisting of individuals and entities, when a name is added the Committee is directed to make accessible on the Committee’s web site reasons for listing. Also it is decided that the Permanent Mission of the country or countries where the individual or entity is believed to be located and the country where the person is a national should be notified within one week after the name is added or removed from the list. States receiving notification of delisting are demanded to notify concerned individuals or entities in a timely manner.

Recent Sanctions-related UN Resolutions on taliban and Al-Qaida Taliban and Al-Quaida page

All Security Councils Resolutions

Link to List Open UN Sanction list

Link to UN News centre

Updated: 2010-03-09