Why are sanctions imposed?

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) initially imposed sanctions in relation to Lebanon in 2005 in response to the terrorist bombing in Beirut in February 2005 that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others. The UNSC imposed additional sanctions measures in 2006 in response to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in July 2006.

Australia implements the UNSC sanctions concerning Lebanon by incorporating them into Australian law.

What is prohibited by the Lebanon sanctions regime?

The Lebanon sanctions regime imposes the following sanctions measures:

Restrictions on supplying arms or related matériel

The Lebanon sanctions regime imposes an arms embargo. It is prohibited to supply, sell or transfer (directly or indirectly) arms or related matériel to Lebanon.

Arms or related matériel includes, but is not limited to, weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, and spare parts or accessories for any of those things. It also includes paramilitary equipment. While each case will be considered individually, goods on the Defence and Strategic Goods List are likely to be considered arms or related matériel. Depending on the context, end-user and end-use, other goods may also be considered arms or related matériel. Go to Factsheet: Arms and Related Matériel for information on what to consider when assessing whether a good is an arm or related matériel.

Note: Hezbollah is also listed under the UNSCR 1373 (Counter-Terrorism) sanctions regime. Refer to the UNSCR 1373 (Counter-Terrorism) Snapshot for further information.

Restrictions on providing certain services

To complement the restrictions on supplying arms or related matériel, providing services that relate to those sanctioned goods is also restricted. It is prohibited to provide any technical training or assistance related to the provision, manufacture or use of such sanctioned goods.

Restrictions on providing assets to designated persons

It is prohibited to directly or indirectly make an asset available to a designated person or an entity owned or controlled by a designated person.

Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities (requirement to freeze assets)

It is prohibited to use or deal with an asset, or allow or facilitate another person to use or deal with an asset owned or controlled by a designated person or entity (the assets are ‘frozen’ and cannot be used or dealt with). The prohibition on ‘dealing’ with assets includes using, selling or moving assets. ‘An 'asset' includes an asset or property of any kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable.

Go to the Consolidated List to search the names of designated persons and entities.

If you become aware that you are holding an asset of a designated person or entity, you are required to freeze (hold) that asset and notify the AFP as soon as possible. Go to What You Need to Do for more information.

Travel bans

Persons designated for the Lebanon sanctions regime are prohibited from transiting through or entering Australia.

Sanctions Permits

The Minister for Foreign Affairs may grant sanctions permit to allow an activity that would otherwise be prohibited under this regime provided the activity meets specific criteria.

The table below provides a general guide to relevant criteria. You should get your own legal advice if you think your proposed activity is affected by sanctions and may meet the criteria for a permit. Go to Sanctions Permits for information on permits, including how to apply.

The Foreign Minister may need to notify or receive the approval of the UNSC before granting a sanctions permit. Where required, the Australian Sanctions Office will assist the Foreign Minister to notify or seek approval from the UNSC as part of the permit application process.

Relevant legislation

The relevant legislation for the Lebanon sanctions regime includes the following:

• Charter of the United Nations Act 1945
• Charter of the United Nations (Sanctions – Lebanon) Regulations 2008
• Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008
• Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958
• Migration (United Nations Security Council Resolutions) Regulations 2007

Other Resources

• UNSC Resolution 1636 (2005)
• UNSC Resolution 1701 (2006)
• UNSC Lebanon Sanctions Committee
• DFAT country page for Lebanon