The Security Council today decided to provide a “humanitarian carve-out” — a standing humanitarian exemption — to the asset freeze measures imposed by United Nations sanctions regimes.
Adopting resolution 2664 (2022) (to be issued as document S/RES/2664(2022)) by a vote of 14 in favour to none against, with 1 abstention (India), the 15-member organ decided that the provision, processing or payment of funds, other financial assets or economic resources or the provision of goods and services necessary to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance or to support other activities that support basic human needs are permitted and are not a violation of the asset freezes imposed by that organ or its sanctions committees. […]
Joao Genesio de Almeida Filho (Brazil), noting the deleterious effects of sanctions, said it was high time to improve the way the Council makes use of its coercive power to address threats to international peace and security. “Brazil is proud to be a member of the Security Council at this moment when it decides to take action to help those in need,” he emphasized, noting that the resolution will allow humanitarian providers to carry out their essential activities in more predictable conditions. Above all, it will benefit millions of civilians who have had the misfortune to live under sanctions regimes, he added. […]
Geng Shuang (China) noted that sanctions are a unique tool of the Council, which should approach the issue in a prudent and responsible manner and avoid abuses that could have negative humanitarian implications. In February, his delegation called for a standing sanction mechanism for certain humanitarian agencies and assistance. Ireland and the United States responded with the proposed resolution and his delegation participated in improving the text. The text should dispel the worries of providers of assistance, he said, also expressing hope that countries will scale up humanitarian assistance. […]
Anna M. Evstigneeva (Russian Federation), noting her delegation’s vote in favour of today’s resolution, said Council-imposed sanctions should be applied very carefully. Their use as a punitive weapon is unacceptable, she said, adding that the Council must make decisions on humanitarian issues, then those decisions must be free from the politicized attitudes of individual States. Läs mötesprotokollet