UN Sanctions Reform - The Watson Institute for International Studies

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Workshop on UN Sanctions 16-17 July 2004 4. Advancing the Targeted Sanctions Agenda and Workshop Evaluation At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were provided the opportunity to give feedback on the kinds of issues that would benefit from discussion in possible future workshops, in addition to assessing the success of the workshop in achieving the stated goals. Through a general plenary discussion and written evaluations, participants’ views were sought on the full range of substantive and administrative matters in planning the workshop. Continuing to advance our understanding of targeted sanctions: Substantive ideas for future discussion In the course of workshop discussions, and especially in the concluding plenary, presenters and participants raised a number of key substantive issues to be addressed in moving forward with the targeted sanctions agenda. These may be grouped under two headings: (1) Building on the sanctions reform processes to refine the targeted sanctions tool Participants all acknowledged the utility of the recommendations put forward as part of the sanctions reform processes. Indeed, many of the specific findings of the processes have been implemented in practice. However, participants also reflected that these recommendations are now up to five years old. The interceding period has revealed areas in which further refinements to the targeted sanctions tool are needed. For example, the effectiveness of current listing and delisting processes could be improved. Specifically, there may be a need to evaluate the kinds of information used to justify inclusion on lists, and the procedures for delisting. Regarding Expert Panels, there would be some benefit in analyzing the capability and utility of including humanitarian assessments in the experts’ mandates. Further, questions have emerged regarding the sequencing of sanctions measures. To improve leverage over the targets, multiple resolutions could be used in imposing different kinds of targeted sanctions (perhaps initiated with targeted financial sanctions, which require timely passage and implementation). In these and other areas, former targets of sanctions may be a useful source of information about the effects of sanctions. While new questions have arisen regarding the operation of targeted sanctions, others are enduring, suggesting that new ways of approaching issues be considered. For example, participants observed that the international community is yet to develop mechanisms to improve the capacity of Members States to implement targeted sanctions. (2) Targeted sanctions in an evolving political context Again pointing to the passage of time since the findings of the sanctions reform processes were published, participants noted that the broader context in which targeted sanctions are implemented has changed, giving rise to a number of novel challenges. For example, we have little experience in the role that targeted sanctions ought to play in considering 13
Workshop on UN Sanctions 16-17 July 2004 multilateral approaches to “nation-building.” Often, the conclusion of a sanctions case marks the beginning of the nation-building process. In some of these cases, sanctions may retain an important role in that process. These links warrant further elaboration. Most broadly, the role of the Council and the UN in post-conflict situations requires closer examination. Importantly, a number of presenter and participants expressed the need to evaluate the role of sanctions (as part of broader strategies) in responding to non-state actors that pose transnational threats, whether by virtue of their involvement in transnational crime, terrorism, trafficking in WMD components, etc. These situations are becoming more prevalent (the inclusion of the figure of arms dealer Paul Armstrong pointed to these issues). Finally, since the conclusion of the sanctions reform processes, the international criminal court as come into being. Many participants suggested that the relationship between the imposition of sanctions and the new architecture for international justice warrants examination. Participants’ views on the organization of the workshop Twenty-nine participants submitted written evaluations concerning the organization of the workshop, answering both open-ended questions as well as rating aspects of the workshop on a one-to-ten scale (ten being the highest possible score). Overall, participants found the workshop to be valuable. Asked to evaluate how effective the workshop was at illuminating key issues, participants responded with an average score of 8.8. One participant found the workshop “very interesting and informative. As someone working in the field it was an eye-opener.” A primary goal of the workshop was to familiarize participants with the three reform processes and manuals. While some participants noted that they were “already familiar” with the manuals, almost all of the others (23 out of 25) agreed that the conference helped them gain more experience with these materials. One participant recommended taking the time to review the manuals in “greater detail,” while another felt that it was more important “to try to think beyond the existing resolutions on sanctions and to bring fresh new ideas to deal with sanctions.” Many participants noted that some of the greatest benefits of the workshop were “enhanced collegiality,” “interaction with colleagues in informal setting,” and “networking” opportunities. Similarly, participants stated that the expert presentations were a highlight of the workshop. One attendee wrote that, “It was extremely useful having someone like Mr. Alfred Fofie present. He was in a position to brief us on the implications of Council decisions for the situation on the ground.” Other attendees suggested inviting additional experts from the NGO community to provide further insights. 14
Page 1 and 2: WORKSHOP ON UN Sanctions Reform 16-
Page 3 and 4: Workshop on UN Sanctions 16-17 July
Page 15: Workshop on UN Sanctions 16-17 July
Page 31 and 32: Draft 1. Welcomes UNMIA’s readine
Page 33 and 34: Draft UNITED NATIONS S Security Cou
Page 35 and 36: Draft Sanctions Committee: • Task
Page 37 and 38: Draft 4. The successful conclusion

UN Sanctions Reform - The Watson Institute for International Studies

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?