Sanctions Committee of UNSC
The Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council (UNSC) is a subsidiary body established to monitor and oversee the implementation of sanctions regimes imposed by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Structure and Functions
- Composition: Each Sanctions Committee consists of all 15 members of the Security Council (five permanent and ten non-permanent members). A non-permanent member of the Council typically serves as the chairperson.
- Decision-Making: Decisions within the committees are made by consensus, which effectively gives all 15 members a form of veto power over specific designations or actions. Members can also place a "hold" on a decision to request more time or information.
- Implementation Oversight: The primary function is to ensure that all UN Member States are implementing the specific sanctions measures, which can include arms embargoes, travel bans, financial asset freezes, or commodity restrictions.
- Listing and Delisting: Committees oversee the process of adding (listing) or removing (delisting) individuals, entities, or groups to a consolidated list of sanctioned parties. The ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee (also known as the 1267 Committee) is a prominent example.
- Exemptions and Monitoring: The committees handle requests for exemptions from sanctions (especially for humanitarian goods) and are supported by expert panels or monitoring groups that gather information and report on compliance and violations.
Current Sanctions Regimes
As of December 2025, there are 14 active sanctions regimes, each with its own dedicated committee:
- Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee
- ISIL (Da'esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee
- 1518 Sanctions Committee (Iraq)
- The Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions Committee
- The Sudan Sanctions Committee
- 1636 Sanctions Committee (Rafiq Hariri killing)
- 1718 Sanctions Committee (DPRK/North Korea)
- 1988 Sanctions Committee (Taliban)
- Libya Sanctions Committee
- Guinea-Bissau Sanctions Committee
- 2140 Sanctions Committee (Yemen)
- South Sudan Sanctions Committee
- 2653 Sanctions Committee (Haiti)
- Committee pursuant to resolution 2745 (2024)
The committees play a crucial role in the UN's efforts to maintain international peace and security without resorting to military force.
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