Topic: 2026 – Implementation of Sanctions
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Avery Water
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes on the subject of the implementation of Sanctions, that all though sanctions are a powerful tool and should not be used as weapons. Sanctions are put in place to support international peace, sovereignty, and security. If sanctions are put in place for the purpose of political pressure, then other states may see it as a threat or may see it as being used for a weapon, which should never be the case. Saudi Arabia believes that when implementing sanctions, they should only be used when attempts of diplomacy are exhausted and not allowing for peaceful resolution.
Saudi Arabia also believes that the act of implementing sanctions on states without authorization from the United Nations Security Council could cause the exposition of UN ideals. Implementing sanctions unauthorized is unnecessary and dangerous for the common security of UN states. Saudi Arabia can and will work with organizations, such as the Arab League, to ensure authorized sanctions on other states.
Saudi Arabia does however support the ideas behind “smart” sanctions. The delegation believes that these “smart” sanctions allow for strategic sanctions that don’t impose on other independent states and can be used to assist the said state. These “smart” sanctions can include actions like bans on travel, freezes on assets, or sanctions on weapons for international threats, such as terrorist organizations. Saudi Arabia would not however support sanctions on imperative actions such as trade bans or financial sanctions that can harm national economies. Saudi Arabia would also like to point out how implementation of sanctions without oversight from the committee or security council can be ineffective or indefinite.
Saudi Arabia also insists that when in discussion on this topic that humanitarian safeguards are mandatory. When implementing these sanctions they should all have humanitarian exemptions, but still protect access to food, water, medicine, and fuel. These sanctions should also allow for humanitarian aid organizations, like WHO or UNICEF, to continue to operate as normal. Human suffering should not be a consequence for international sanctions due to conflict.
Saudi Arabia must also insist that due to recent issues and conflicts, regional security must be protected. Sanctions must avoid disruption within the middle-east, due to their recent complications. Sanctions can also disrupt the production and trade of energy. Energy is an essential market item for all countries, and disruption of this generation can also be a threat to humanitarian interests.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is prepared and willing to collaborate with the committee to find an equitable agreement on the implementation of sanctions to ensure national sovereignty, security, and humanitarian interests are not at stake. Saudi Arabia will have interests on voting yes to proposals if they are defined and include precise UNSC and SCUNC approved sanctions that avoid humanitarian disruptions. If too broad or contains political pressures, Saudi Arabia will be voting no.
https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/sites/default/files/subsidiary_organs_series_7sep23_.pdf
https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/delisting
https://www.justsecurity.org/90394/the-united-nations-in-hindsight-un-security-council-sanctions/
SCUNC Sanctions – GLICA.org
What Are Smart Sanctions In AML Compliance?
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