Sanctions were imposed against South Sudan in 2015 by resolution 2206(external link). An arms embargo was added in 2018 by resolution 2428.
United Nations Sanctions (South Sudan) Regulations 2015
New Zealand's sanctions regulations(external link) were last amended on 11 April 2019. These regulations apply to all persons inside New Zealand and to New Zealand citizens outside New Zealand.
A person breaching the sanctions regulations could be liable for up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000. A company breaching the sanctions regulations could be liable for a fine of up to $100,000.
Some of the key restrictions in the sanctions regulations are outlined below. The following list is a summary only and is not comprehensive. We recommend that you look at the detailed regulations and obtain independent legal advice when making decisions about dealings with persons from South Sudan.
Arms embargo
The regulations prohibit the direct and indirect export of arms from New Zealand to South Sudan (with some exceptions). The regulations also prohibit loading or carrying such arms onto a ship or aircraft, and other transactions or dealing with arms that are intended for South Sudan (see regulations 7A to 7F).
Asset Freeze
The regulations prohibit transferring, selling, or otherwise dealing with any property (including land, shares, or money) that is owned or controlled by a person designated by the UN's South Sudan sanctions committee(external link), or their agent (see regulations 5-7).
Training and assistance
The regulations prohibit providing any technical training or assistance related to military activities or the provision, maintenance or use of any arms to any person in South Sudan (see regulation 7G). Assistance includes technical assistance, financial assistance, advice or assistance relating to the repair, servicing, or refurbishment of arms and the provision of armed mercenary personnel.
Travel ban
The regulations prohibit people designated by the UN(external link) from entering or transiting through New Zealand (see regulation 4).