These Regulations are made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (c.13) to establish a sanctions regime in relation to Belarus for the purposes of encouraging the Government of Belarus: to respect democratic principles and institutions, the separation of powers and the rule of law; to refrain from the repression of civil society in Belarus; to properly investigate and institute criminal proceedings against those responsible for the disappearance of four persons named in the Regulations; and to comply with international human rights law and to respect human rights. Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, these Regulations also replace the EU sanctions regime in relation to Belarus, implemented via an EU Council Decision and Regulation.