Sanctions against Zimbabwe

Description of the sanctions

1. Arms embargo, etc.

The arms embargo covers the sale, export and supply of arms, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment to Zimbabwe, as well as any associated financial and technical assistance. Exemptions may be granted for equipment that is to be used for humanitarian or protective purposes by the UN or the EU. There is also a prohibition on the export of equipment that might be used for internal repression, as well as any associated financial and technical assistance.

2. Travel restrictions

The travel restrictions involve a prohibition on entry and transit for individuals involved in activities that seriously undermine democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. The persons covered by the travel restrictions are included on a list, which is updated continuously. The list mainly includes people linked to President Mugabe and ZANU-PF. Exemptions may be made on urgent humanitarian grounds or, in special exceptional circumstances, for participation in intergovernmental meetings in which dialogue directly promoting human rights and democracy is conducted. A special procedure applies to these exemptions. As stated in the section on the background to the sanctions, the EU has now removed a large number of people from the EU list of people covered by restrictive measures and has decided to suspend the restrictive measures against the majority of the remaining people and companies on the list.

3. Freezing of assets

The restrictions mean that assets and economic resources belonging to certain identified individuals in the regime in Zimbabwe or linked to it are to be frozen. The restrictions also apply to entities controlled by these individuals, such as companies. It is also prohibited for others to place assets and other resources at their disposal. Exemptions may be granted for funds necessary to cover basic living costs and for expenditure to cover legal costs. The persons covered by the freezing of assets are included on a list which has subsequently been amended. The group is described as members of Zimbabwe's government and persons and entities linked to it. The list includes the same natural persons as the list of those covered by the travel restrictions, with the addition of certain companies. As stated in the section above, the EU has now removed a large number of people and companies from the EU list of people and companies covered by restrictive measures and has decided to suspend the restrictive measures against the majority of the remaining people and companies on the list.

Competent Swedish authorities

The Swedish Migration Agency and Sweden's missions abroad are responsible for applying travel restrictions.

The Inspectorate of Strategic Products has primary responsibility for issues concerning the arms embargo.

Information on frozen accounts, etc. is to be submitted to Finansinspektionen (the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority).

Exemptions from freezing of assets may be granted by Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency).

Links to the relevant agencies are available below.