Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act 2016

Summary

Authorises the US President to impose sanctions (asset freezes and visa bans) on foreign persons who commit serious human rights abuses or engage in significant corruption. Implemented principally through Executive Order 13818. The OFAC Global Magnitsky list is regularly updated.

Relevance to the diaspora

Tamil diaspora organisations in the US can petition the State Department and OFAC to designate Sri Lankan generals and officials documented in the UN Panel of Experts Report (2011) as responsible for war crimes under E.O. 13818.

Key provisions

• §1263(a) — visa ineligibility for human rights abusers
• §1263(b) — asset blocking and property of designated persons
• §1264 — annual report to Congress on potential designations
• E.O. 13818 §1(a)(ii) — expanded criteria including serious human rights abuse

Primary source

Related entries

• → Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act 2017 (Sergei Magnitsky Law) (CA)
• → Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 (UK Magnitsky) (UK)
• → EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime 2020 (EU)