Lifting of and Exemptions to Freezing Measures

 

Requesting an exemption to an asset freeze

There are two specific situations in which an affected party may request permission to access frozen funds or assets:

Scenario 1: Essential or Basic Needs

An individual, group, or entity subject to a freezing order may submit a written application to the Security Council Committee pursuant to UNSCR 1718 to access the frozen funds or resources for the following purposes:

1. To cover essential living or family expenses—including food, medicine, medical care, rent or mortgage, taxes, insurance premiums, and utility bills (water, electricity, gas, te​lecommunications) within reasonable limits;
2. To cover reasonable professional fees and costs related to obtaining legal services; or
3. To pay financial institution fees or service charges associated with managing the frozen funds or assets.

Scenario 2: For extraordinary expenses.

Any person, group or entity affected by a freezing measure may submit a written request to the Security Council Committee pursuant to UNSCR 1718 for authorization to access the funds or economic resources frozen for the purpose of paying for extraordinary expenses. Any asset freeze exemption must be approved, in advance, by the 1718 Committee. ​