UN Blacklisting of Hamza Bin Laden

Why in news?

United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) Sanctions Committee blacklisted Hamza bin Laden, the son of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.

Who is Hamza bin Laden?

• Hamza bin Laden is the 30-year-old son of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.
• In 2015, Hamza was introduced by Osama Bin Laden’s successor Ayman al-Zawahiri in an audio message.
• The US-based Brookings Institution claims that Hamza was with his father (Osama) in Afghanistan, prior to 9/11 attacks.
• Hamza is also said to have spent time with his father in Pakistan after the NATO invasion of Afghanistan in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks.
• Now, in the light of the Islamic State occupying the centre stage in the terrorist world, Hamza is seen as a fresh face.
• Al Qaeda thus seems to bank on him to increasingly inspire the youth to join militancy.

What does UNSC blacklisting mean?

• The blacklisting of Hamza would mean that he is subjected to a travel ban, freezing of his assets along with an arms embargo.
• His entry or transit in any of the countries that are UN members will not be allowed in accordance with the travel sanctions.
• Freezing of assets requires all UN member governments to immediately freeze funds, financial assets or any economic resources that come under direct or indirect ownership of the designated individual.
• The arms embargo prevents Hamza from acquiring arms and ammunition.
• All UN member countries are directed to block the channels that might directly or indirectly facilitate the sale of arms to the Al Qaeda leader.
• In addition to this, all member states are required to prevent the transfer of arms, ammunition, spare parts and other related articles, to Hamza.
• Non-material support in the form of technical advice, assistance, logistic support, or training in relation to military activities is also prohibited.

What are the other measures?

• Hamza bin Laden's Saudi citizenship was revoked after his blacklisting by the UNSC's Sanctions Committee.
• The U.S. government, as a part of its ‘Rewards for Justice’ programme, had announced a bounty of $1 million for any information that leads to the capture of Hamza.
• The Security Council also described Hamza as the “most probable successor” of Al Qaeda’s present chief Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Source: Indian Express