New Zealand imposed targeted sanctions against Belarus under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, a new legislative instrument adopted specifically in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Belarus's active support for it. New Zealand became one of the first countries outside Europe and North America to impose autonomous sanctions on Belarus.
Legal Framework
New Zealand's Belarus sanctions are implemented primarily under the Russia Sanctions Act 2022, which was enacted swiftly in March 2022 and covers both Russia and Belarus. The Act authorises the Minister of Foreign Affairs to designate individuals and entities subject to:
- Asset freezes: prohibition on dealing with designated persons' assets held in New Zealand
- Travel bans: prohibition on designated persons entering New Zealand
- Financial services restrictions
March 2022 — Initial Measures
New Zealand imposed its first Belarus sanctions in early March 2022, designating President Alexander Lukashenko and senior Belarusian officials for allowing Russian forces to use Belarusian territory to launch attacks into Ukraine.
May 2022 — Expanded Designations
In May 2022, New Zealand sanctioned 27 Belarusian leaders and military officials, specifically citing that "Belarusian territory has been used to launch attacks into Ukraine" and that this constituted an unacceptable violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
Subsequent Rounds
New Zealand has continued adding individuals to its Belarus designations list in subsequent rounds, coordinating where possible with Five Eyes partners (US, UK, Canada, Australia) and other like-minded countries.
Export Controls
New Zealand has also implemented export controls on Belarus as part of its broader commitment to denying Russia and Belarus access to dual-use goods and technologies that could support military operations in Ukraine.
Context
New Zealand's decision to sanction Belarus reflects a significant evolution in New Zealand's use of autonomous sanctions, which had previously been reserved for situations where UN Security Council action authorised restrictive measures. The Russia-Belarus case established a precedent for New Zealand acting in coordination with democratic partners without a UN mandate.
