Sanctions are most successful when implemented multilaterally. The EU has an effective arms embargo in place covering the whole of Sudan. The existing UN arms embargo, established in UN Security Council Resolution 1591, applies to rebels in the whole of Sudan, but to the Government of Sudan (GoS) in Darfur only. Amnesty International and the Panel of Experts have reported that all sides are violating the UN arms embargo. Such reports highlight the limitations in the UN arms embargo.
Sanctions are an important tool for applying pressure on the Sudanese Government. We consider that it was the threat of further UN sanctions that persuaded the Sudanese Government to agree to the hybrid AU-UN peacekeeping force on 12 June. This is a significant achievement and an important step towards restoring stability, the protection of civilians and ensuring full humanitarian access in Darfur.
We will maintain pressure on the GoS and rebels, and will pursue further targeted sanctions against any party that obstructs progress on the peacekeeping force, ceasefire, political process or humanitarian access.