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UNSC Threatens Sanctions on Wildlife Poachers in Congo


FILE - A Lowland Gorilla is seen in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
FILE - A Lowland Gorilla is seen in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The U.N. Security Council has unanimously passed sanctions on anyone supporting militants in the Democratic Republic of Congo through wildlife trafficking.

Thursday's resolution is aimed at individuals and entities who illegally trade in such natural resources as gold, wildlife and ivory.

Anyone violating the ban wold be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban. The resolution also extends an arms embargo against the D.R.C.

The council passed a similar resolution against wildlife trafficking on the Central African Republic earlier this week.

Conservation groups welcome the moves as a huge step forward.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power said the resolutions will not only promote stability but will also help protect endangered species around the world.
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