The Australian Parliament on 2nd of December, 2021, has passed the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act.
The new act provides a framework for a thematic sanctions regime that allows the country to impose sanctions or measures against an entity or an individual if a certain set of criteria are met, without restricting the response to jurisdictions / countries.
The amendment made to Australia’s Autonomous Sanctions Act of 2011 will facilitate rapid response against issues of international concern. With the passing of the act, Australia can now address specific issues (thematic sanctions) and impose targeted measures such as travel bans on designated entities and persons.
Four thematic sanctions regimes for designations are established, which provide the framework for an entity or a person to be designated.
- Contribution to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
- Engaging in serious violations or abuses of human rights
- Partaking in, causing or assisting with criminal cyber activity
- Involvement in serious corruption (including bribery)
Through the act, the Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be able to designate a person or an entity following a consultation and decision-making process.
