(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order extends with modifications the Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/600) ("the Belarus Regulations") as amended from time to time to all British overseas territories except Bermuda and Gibraltar (which implement sanctions under their own legislative arrangements).

Section 63(3)(c) of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c.13) ("the Sanctions Act") provides that Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide for any provision of Part 1 of that Act, or any regulations under Part 1 of that Act, to extend with or without modifications to any of the British overseas territories. Section 63(4) provides that this includes the power to extend any regulations as amended from time to time.

The Belarus Regulations were made under Part 1 of the Sanctions Act to establish a sanctions regime in relation to Belarus for the purposes of encouraging the Government of Belarus: to respect democratic principles and institutions, the separation of powers and the rule of law; to refrain from the repression of civil society in Belarus; to properly investigate and institute criminal proceedings against those responsible for the disappearance of four persons named in the Regulations; and to comply with international human rights law and to respect human rights. Following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, the Belarus Regulations also replace the EU sanctions regime in relation to Belarus currently in force under an EU Council Decision and Regulation.