In 2020, the UK established the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Over the past 5 years, it has been used to sanction the perpetrators of Magnitsky's torture in Russia, Khashoggi’s murder in Saudi Arabia, as well as Israeli settlers in the West Bank. With 35 countries enforcing targeted sanctions against gross human rights violators, the debate over their legitimacy and effectiveness has never been more pressing.

This event brings together policymakers, legal experts, and human rights advocates to explore this innovative yet controversial tool for human rights accountability. Gain firsthand insights from those shaping sanctions legislation and advocacy, as well as top lawyers who have defended sanctioned individuals in landmark cases—from Kadi to Shvidler. Join us for this dynamic and thought-provoking discussion on human rights and sanctions.

Welcome Remark 10:30-10:35

Yifan Jia, PhD Candidate & Visiting Lecturer at the Dickson Poon School of Law at KCL

Opening Speech 10:35-11:55

Professor Thomas Biersteker, Gasteyger Professor Honoraire at the Geneva Graduate Institute

Panel 1 Using Targeted Sanctions to Combat Human Rights Abuses 11:00-12:30

Chair: Dr Ksenia Kirkham, Lecturer at the Department of War Studies at KC

The Rt Hon The Lord Garnier KC, Member of the House of Lords, Barrister at 4 Pump Court

Presentation: Westminster and the Development of Sanctions Police

Natalia Kubesch, Legal Officer at Redress

Presentation: Magnitsky Sanctions as a Tool for Accountability for Human Rights Abuses

Jonas Helyar, Advocacy Director at the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign

Presentation: Magnitsky Sanctions: A Powerful Weapon, Weakened by Inconsistent Implementation

Lunch Break 12:30-13:30

Panel 2 Role and Impact of Human Rights Sanctions – Domestic and International Perspectives 13:30-15:00

Chair: Dr Nathanael Tilahun, Senior lecturer at Law School at the University of Essex

John Binns – Partner at BCL Solicitors LLP

Presentation: Mechanisms for Addressing Human Rights Violations Abroad: From Criminal Law to Targeted Sanctions

Ben Keith – Barrister at 5 St Andrew's Hill

Presentation: The International Perspective and Impact of Sanctions

Peter Caldwell KC – Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers

Presentation: Navigating the Consequences of Human Rights Sanctions: Challenges for Individuals, Businesses and the Charity Sector

Coffee Break 15:00-15:30

Panel 3 Human Rights Challenges for Sanctioned Individuals 15:30-17:00

Chair: Professor Satvinder Juss, Professor at the Dickson Poon School of Law at KCL

Guy Martin – Head of International Law & Consultant at Carter-Ruck

Presentation: Sanctions and the Rule of Law

Maya Lester KC – Barrister at Brick Court Chambers

Presentation: Delisting in the EU / UK: From Kadi to now

Dr Anna Bradshaw – Partner at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP

Presentation: Calibrating the Grounds for Sanctions Designations and the Implications for Legal Challenges

Yifan Jia – PhD Candidate & Visiting Lecturer at the Dickson Poon School of Law at the KCL

Presentation: Towards Criminal Punishment? The Nature of Global Human Rights Sanctions

Drink Reception 17:00-18:30

The event is located in the Council Room (K2.29) in the King's building.

Targeted Sanctions and Human Rights