What's In Blue

DRC Sanctions Committee

Tomorrow (2 March), the DRC Sanctions Committee will meet with the newly appointed DRC group of experts, prior to the group’s departure to the region and several European and Asian capitals. (In resolution 2021 of 29 November 2011, the Council renewed the DRC sanctions regime and the mandate of the group of experts for another year. The group is expected to spend several months in the DRC this year before reporting back by 19 October.)

The committee and the experts are likely to exchange views on the focus of the group’s work and expectations for the fulfilment of its mandate, prior to the group’s departure. The focus of the group’s reporting is of particular significance this year, as the group was given a 23,000 word limit for its annual report (a significant decrease from last year’s 160-page report). One additional task given to the group of experts in resolution 2021 is to evaluate the impact of the due diligence guidelines for the private sector regarding the purchase, sourcing, acquisition and processing of mineral products from the DRC. The methodology of this evaluation is likely to be discussed. Another issue that may be raised is the cooperation of the sanctions committee with Interpol in order to strengthen the implementation of sanctions.

On 10 February 2012, the Secretary-General, after consultations with the members of the Committee, reappointed five experts to the group from Kenya, the Netherlands, the US, Moldova and Belgium (S/2012/85). Yesterday (29 February), the sanctions committee approved the appointment of the final member of the group, a French expert on regional issues who will also be responsible for human rights issues. Following the Committee’s approval, the Secretary-General can now officially appoint the sixth member, thus finalising the group of experts.

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