World News – AU – Australian Magnitsky Bill recommended

Australia should enact world-leading law to impose targeted sanctions on perpetrators of serious human rights abuses and corruption, according to a new Australian Parliament report.

The chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade, who tabled the report today, said targeted Magnitsky-style sanctions will align Australia with a global movement seeking to limit opportunities for Human rights abusers, corrupt officials and their beneficiaries enjoy the proceeds of their violations.

« With these recommendations, Australia would strengthen our commitment to protecting the human rights of people around the world. Following the recommendations of the report, Australia would implement a world leading version of Magnitsky legislation, ”said Andrews.

Recommended targeted penalties include prohibiting entry into Australia and the ability to seize assets.

« We cannot control whether the perpetrators will be brought to justice in their home country, but targeted sanctions laws keep Australian beaches, schools, medical care and financial institutions banned from people who have benefited from irresponsible behavior, » Andrews said.

“A targeted regime of sanctions for serious human rights violations and corruption will close the opportunity gap for the perpetrators and prevent Australia from becoming a safe haven for these people. ‘

The report follows an extensive research that began in 2019 and includes contributions from over 160 individuals and organizations from around the world. During the investigation, the subcommittee heard evidence from a number of experts including Geoffrey Robertson OAM QC, Amal Clooney and Garry Kasparov.

Senator David Fawcett, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade, approved the subcommittee’s report.

« The community, legal professionals, human rights violators, and our allies have spoken, and the committee has listened, » said Senator Fawcett.

« Australia has an opportunity to lead the fight against human rights abuses and corruption, and we should do so at the first opportunity.

“Working with like-minded nations on this matter has the potential to protect the human rights of countless citizens around the world. Australia is an attractive destination for investment and lifestyle, and we have the opportunity to reduce incentives for corrupt and unscrupulous human rights abusers. ‘

“Respect for the individual and the freedoms that underlie the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are at the heart of the values ​​that have made it possible for the rule-based order to make people of so many nations more secure in the past few decades and bring prosperity. ‘

Human Rights, European Union, Law, Magnitsky Law, Foreign Ministers, International Sanctions