Al-Qaida and the Taliban
On 17 June 2011 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted new UNSC resolutions (UNSCR) 1988 and 1989, amending the sanctions regime in relation to Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Resolution 1988 will target individuals associated with the Taliban who are threats to Afghanistan's stability. Resolution 1989 refocuses the existing UNSCR 1267 sanctions regime squarely on Al-Qaida and its associates. The separation of the sanctions regimes targeting the Taliban and Al Qaida represents a response to the changing and distinct threats posed by these entities. The scope and effect of the sanctions measures, however, do not change. Both regimes will continue to apply targeted financial sanctions, travel bans and an arms embargo against individuals and entities listed.
Further information can be found at the UNSC webpage for sanctions relating to Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities, and the Taliban.
On 15 October 1999 the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted resolution 1267 (1999) imposing sanctions against the Taliban in response to the continuing violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights, particularly discrimination against women and girls, and the continuing use of Afghan territory, especially areas controlled by the Taliban, for the sheltering and training of terrorists and planning of terrorist acts. On 19 December 2000, the UNSC adopted resolution 1333 (2000) which extended the sanctions to apply to Al-Qaida and Bin Laden. The sanctions imposed against Al-Qaida, Taliban and Bin Laden have been modified and extended by resolutions 1390(2002), 1455(2003), 1526(2004), 1617(2005), 1735(2006), 1822(2008) and 1904 (2009).
As a consequence, Australian law now prohibits the following conduct:
1. The supply, sale or transfer of arms or related matériel to a person or entity designated by the Committee established by the United Nations Security Council pursuant to Resolution 1267 (1999) (the 1267 Committee):
- Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions - Al-Qaida and the Taliban) Regulations 2008, regulations 6 and 8
- Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958, regulation 13CI
2. The provision of technical advice, assistance or training related to military activities to a person or entity designated by the 1267 Committee:
3.The use or dealing with the assets of, and the making available of assets to, persons and entities listed by the Security Council or by the 1267 Committee:
- Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions - Al-Qaida and the Taliban) Regulations 2008, regulations 10 and 11
- Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008
- Consolidated list of persons, entities and assets subject to UN Security Council financial sanctions (Excel) as provided for by regulation 40 of the Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008
- Australia's Implementation of United Nations Security Council Financial Sanctions
4. The entry or transit through Australia of persons listed by the Security Council or the 1267 Committee
Authorisations and inquiries
To apply for an authorisation to engage in conduct otherwise prohibited by sanctions, or to make an inquiry as to whether a specific transaction is subject to sanctions, please use the UN Sanctions Permit Management System.