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Sanctions Profile: Human Rights
At a glance
In December 2020, the EU adopted Council Regulation (EU) 2020/1998 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1999 to establish a new sanctions regime to address serious human rights abuses worldwide.
In July 2020, the UK adopted the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 under the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018 to deter and provide accountability for activities which if carried out by or on behalf of a State, would amount to a serious violation of certain human rights.
News
EU designates Wagner Group & linked people/entities
The EU has imposed sanctions on the Wagner Group, a Russian private military organisation, as well as 8 people and 3 entities for their involvement in serious human rights abuses in, and the destabilisation of, Ukraine, Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic (CAR), Sudan and Mozambique. Press Release. Foreign Affairs Council Outcomes. Listed on the EU’s human rights sanctions list: …
Libya
Russia
UK Parliament debates human rights sanctions
On 8 December 2021, the UK Parliament held a Westminster Hall debate, ‘Magnitsky Sanctions: Human Rights Abuses’. Recording. MPs discussed human rights situations in China, Iran, Sudan, Rwanda, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong, and recommended a list of people to be designated pursuant to the UK’s human rights sanctions regime. Those suggested include: Chen Quanguo, Zhu Hailun, Peng Jiarui, Sun …
UK Myanmar and human rights designations
Today (10 December 2021), the UK added the Myanmar Directorate for Defence Procurement, Directorate for Defence Industries, Quarter Master General Office and the Myanmar War Veterans Organisation to its sanctions list. Notice & Press Release. The latter 3 entities were also designated by the US today. See post. In addition, the UK imposed sanctions on Furqan Bangalzai, who is said to …
US corruption and human rights designations
The US imposed sanctions on numerous people and entities this week for their involvement in corruption and/or human rights abuses. The designations were made ahead of/on International Anti-Corruption Day, International Human Rights Day and the Summit for Democracy. The US also issued its ‘Strategy on Countering Corruption’ on 6 December (previous post). 6 December 2021 OFAC designated Alain Mukonda and …
Corruption 
Human Rights 
Iran 
Syria Liberia
Ukraine 
China 
North Korea 
South Sudan 
Burma / Myanmar 
Belarus
EU human rights and Ukraine de-listings
The EU has de-listed the deceased former leader of the Kaniyat Militia, Mohammed Khalifa al-Kani. Mr al-Kani was designated by the EU in March 2021; he continues to be listed on US and UK sanctions lists. See previous post, post and post. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2151 and Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/2160. Oleksandr Viktorovych Klymenko has been removed from the …