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Inquiry into Magnitsky-style laws moves digital
The Australian government said it will push ahead with an inquiry into the laws governing human rights abuses despite the spread of COVID-19.
Naomi Neilson
An inquiry into whether Australia should adopt Magnitsky-style laws to impose sanctions on individuals who commit human rights abuses will hold its first public hearing this week via teleconference, amid concerns around social distancing rules.
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The Honourable Kevin Andrews MP, chair of the human rights sub-committee on joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade said it is important that the Australian government “continues its work in these difficult times”.
“This teleconference hearing will enable the human rights sub-committee to advance an inquiry. This is important work and we will be pressing on to deliver a report this year,” he said.
The inquiry relates to US laws inspired by Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered a plot worth $230 million committed by Russian government officials. He testified against the officials, was arrested, tortured and died in jail – and was then trialed posthumously.
The US passed the Sergei Magnitsky Accountability Act in 2012, which was expanded on in 2016. The US government has since imposed sanctions on 94 individuals, 102 entities and across 24 countries, including South Sudan, Uganda, Iraq and Cambodia.
Financier Bill Browder, who spearheaded the US act, said Australia is at risk of becoming a “magnet for dirty money” from abusers and urged the nation to implement the act. Last year, Senator Marise Payne requested the inquiry and it is set to begin this week.
The public hearings via teleconference will provide an opportunity for the sub-committee to hear from human rights advocates and community groups.
“These groups have overwhelmingly expressed support for Australia to expand targeted sanction laws and give the Australian government more options in dealing with its human rights violators,” Mr Andrews said.
