UN Security Council adopts resolution tabled by Switzerland
Published: Friday, Dec 6th 2024, 18:50
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The UN Security Council in New York unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by Switzerland and the USA on Friday. It allows exemptions for access to humanitarian aid despite UN financial sanctions.
The resolution underlines Switzerland's long-standing commitment to reducing the negative impact of sanctions on the civilian population and humanitarian work, explained the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) in a statement.
Humanitarian exemptions have existed for a long time, but there has been a lack of consistency and clarity in some cases. In December 2022, the UN Security Council decided in a resolution to introduce more comprehensive humanitarian exemptions for sanctions regimes. However, these should initially be limited in time in situations in which the Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda or groups associated with them are active.
After a two-year trial phase, this resolution has now been extended permanently with the necessary control mechanisms. As a result, humanitarian aid is guaranteed by a clear legal framework and everywhere. The ability of humanitarian organizations to act can thus also be facilitated in regions that fall within the scope of the sanctions regime against al-Qaeda and IS.
Switzerland, together with the USA, was in charge of this extension, as it considers humanitarian exemptions in favor of the civilian population around the world to be crucial. It is estimated that this exemption affects over 100 million people who are dependent on humanitarian aid.
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