The regulations will enable the UK government to sanction persons “involved” in human rights abuses — potentially anywhere in the world.

On 6 July 2020, the UK Foreign Secretary announced the introduction of the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 (Regulations), which is secondary legislation enacted pursuant to the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA). After the UK withdrawal from the European Union, SAMLA will provide the UK government with the legal basis to impose sanctions, such as through the Regulations, independently from the United Nations or the EU.