UN financial sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Abstract

The UN has adopted ten sanction resolutions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to date. While they look comprehensive, the DPRK is still advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and procurement, according to the UN 1874 Panel of Experts. The country is apparently taking advantage of insufficient implementation of the resolutions. This chapter analyzes how and why the implementation is insufficient in terms of financial sanctions, and proposes how the Member States and the UN Security Council can implement the sanctions more effectively. The analysis focuses on the actual sanction evasions identified by the UN Panel of Experts and other monitoring groups: the DPRK is using oversea networks, diplomatic missions, and cyber space as routes using tools such as high-value items, virtual currency, gold, and bulk cash. To deal with such activities, Member States need to share information more actively. The DPRK currently enjoys window of opportunity as the UN slowly adapts to emerging intelligence. The UN Security Council has to swiftly adopt new elements to restrict, to give the DPRK no time to prepare for the change. In addition, the Member States need to use clear language and definitions in the resolutions.