The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) calls on the Australian Government to join the international community in punishing human rights abusers by introducing the Magnitsky Act and imposing sanctions.
Serhiy Magnitsky was a Russian lawyer responsible for uncovering the largest tax fraud in Russian history, for which he was jailed without a court sentencing, tortured, and died in 2009.
In his memory, the US and seven other nations have passed the Magnitsky Act, which aims to punish human rights abusers around the world and prevent them from using their illegally obtained funds abroad.
AFUO co-chair Stefan Romaniw has met with Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade representatives and written to Foreign Affairs Minister Marisa Payne about this and other issues pertaining to Ukraine.
A report has been prepared for the Australian Government by the AFUO and Australian Institute of Ukrainian Affairs – the last being a new body established by the AFUO to focus on the Magnitsky issue.
The AFUO’s letter about the Magnitsky Act states: “AFUO supports the parliamentary Human Rights Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s recommendation to enact a world-leading law to apply targeted sanctions to perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption, aligned to the international Magnitsky legislation, which exists in a range of countries.”
“As outlined by the chair of the Sub-Committee, the Hon. Kevin Andrews, in its report, the Magnitsky-style targeted sanctions will align Australia with a global movement seeking to limit opportunities for human rights abusers, corrupt officials and beneficiaries to enjoy the proceeds of their abuses.
“The report states that these recommendations would see Australia strengthen its commitment to protecting people’s human rights worldwide. The report’s recommendations would see Australia implement a world-leading version of Magnitsky legislation.”
Further information: Stefan Romaniw +61 419 531 255
