§ Baroness Whitakerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What changes there have been in United Nations sanctions in relation to Sierra Leone. [HL2903]
§ Baroness AmosUN Security Council Resolution 1385 (2001) was adopted on 19 December 2001.
The resolution extends for a further 11 months the mandatory UN embargo on the export of rough diamonds from Sierra Leone originally imposed for a period of 18 months by UNSCR 1306 (2000) of 5 July 2000.
Diamonds certified under the Government of Sierra Leone certification scheme continue to remain exempt from the embargo.
The UK originally played a leading role in promoting UNSCR 1306 in the UN Security Council. It continues to support measures aimed at breaking the link between conflict and the illicit trade in rough diamonds.
The embargo is implemented in the UK and the Isle of Man by means of an amendment to the open general licence, effected on 17 July 2000, and in the Channel Islands and Overseas Territories by Orders in Council under the United Nations Act 1946 (S.I. Nos 1822/2000 and 1840/2000).