Overview
UN Sanctions
There are no UN sanctions on Zimbabwe.
EU Sanctions
The EU introduced sanctions in relation to Zimbabwe in response to the escalation of violence and intimidation of political opponents and the harassment of the independent press in 2002 – an embargo on arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression, travel bans, and asset freezes.
The designation criteria was expanded in 2008 in response to violence during the Zimbabwean presidential campaign. In response to the progress made in the Zimbabwean constitutional referendum in March 2013, the EU suspended the travel bans and asset freezes applying to the majority of individuals and entities on the sanctions list. An asset freeze against Zimbabwe Defence Industries remains in place.
Current EU sanctions are contained in Council Decision 2011/101/CFSP and Council Regulation (EC) No 314/2004.
UK sanctions
The UK adopted the Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in January 2021. They aim to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe, and any person or entity who may be involved in human rights abuses to: (i) respect democratic principles and institutions and the rule of law; (ii) refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress civil society in Zimbabwe; and (iii) comply with international human rights law and respect human rights.
US Sanctions
The US revoked its Zimbabwe sanctions regime in March 2024.
Current EU Sanctions
The EU introduced sanctions in relation to Zimbabwe in response to the escalation of violence and intimidation of political opponents and the harassment of the independent press in 2002 – an embargo on arms and equipment which might be used for internal repression, travel bans, and asset freezes.
The designation criteria was expanded in 2008 in response to violence during the Zimbabwean presidential campaign. In response to the progress made in the Zimbabwean constitutional referendum in March 2013, the EU suspended the travel bans and asset freezes applying to the majority of individuals and entities on the sanctions list. An asset freeze against Zimbabwe Defence Industries remains in place.
Current EU sanctions are contained in Council Decision 2011/101/CFSP and Council Regulation (EC) No 314/2004.
- Legislation
- Sanctions List
Annex III to Council Regulation (EC) No 314/2004
- Judgments
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C-330/15 P Tomana & Others
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T-66/14 Bredenkamp & Others
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T-190/12 Tomana & Others
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T-168/12 Georgias & Others
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Current UK Sanctions
The UK adopted the Zimbabwe (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in January 2021. They aim to encourage the Government of Zimbabwe, and any person or entity who may be involved in human rights abuses to: (i) respect democratic principles and institutions and the rule of law; (ii) refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress civil society in Zimbabwe; and (iii) comply with international human rights law and respect human rights.
- Legislation
- Sanctions List
- Guidance
- Judgments
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Feeney v Information Commissioner [2016] UKFTT 2015_0019 (GRC)
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R (Bredenkamp) v SSFCA [2013] EWHC 2480 (Admin)
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Current US Sanctions
The US revoked its Zimbabwe sanctions regime in March 2024 but re-designated some of the targets, including the President of Zimbabwe, on its corruption sanctions regime.
The US first imposed sanctions relating to Zimbabwe in 2003 when President Bush issued EO 13288 authorising targeted sanctions on individuals and entities allegedly responsible for undermining democratic institutions. The designation criteria were expanded in 2005 pursuant to EO 1339, then again in 2008 pursuant to EO 13469.
- Legislation
*ALL EXPIRED*
Executive Order on the Termination of Emergency With Respect to the Situation in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Sanctions Regulations
EO 13469 Blocking Property of Additional Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe (July 25, 2008)
EO 13391 Blocking Property of Additional Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe (Effective Date – November 23, 2005)
EO 13288 Blocking Property of Persons Undermining Democratic Processes or Institutions in Zimbabwe (Effective Date – March 7, 2003)
- Sanctions List
Search “Zimbabwe” on the OFAC SDN List
- Guidance
- Judgments
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USA v Gregory Turner No. 13 CR 572
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