As November marks Magnitsky Month, advocates worldwide are intensifying efforts to leverage targeted sanctions against individuals involved in serious human rights abuses. For Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), this month serves as a crucial reminder of the impact that coordinated, targeted sanctions can have on the accountability gap. HRA’s work—across multiple projects dedicated to documenting abuses in Iran—has played a significant role in securing over 70 designations of Iranian individuals and entities involved in these violations across five jurisdictions.

Through its news arm, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), HRA sheds light on abuses otherwise hidden from the global view. Spreading Justice provides a comprehensive–open source– database of individuals complicit in human rights violations, making it a vital resource for policymakers and advocates seeking to connect systemic abuses to those directly responsible. Furthermore, HRA’s newest endeavor, the Pasdaran Documentation Project (PDP), has documented the extensive structure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). To date, this project has confidentially mapped over 84,000 IRGC units and identified 3,400 personnel, strengthening calls for accountability within one of Iran’s most corrupt and violent organizations.

In a timely visit to London, HRA’s Deputy Director held discussions with key figures to advocate for expanding the impact of Magnitsky-style sanctions on Iranian officials. Among these figures was Sir William Browder, the driving force behind the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign, whose work underscores the power of sanctions in deterring human rights abuses globally. Browder’s commitment to securing justice for victims of human rights abuses led to the passage of the original Magnitsky Act, named after Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, who was killed after exposing government corruption. Today, Browder’s influential advocacy continues to inspire nations to adopt Magnitsky-style laws targeting human rights violators, providing a blueprint for holding powerful individuals accountable, when domestic accountability is absent.

International momentum for these sanctions is growing. In a recent debate, UK lawmakers from all major parties expressed strong support for Magnitsky-style sanctions to address Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses. UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty reiterated the government’s commitment to responding decisively to Iran’s violations of international law through targeted sanctions.

While in London, HRA engaged with members of the UK Foreign Affairs Select Committee, focusing on the need to prioritize accountability for human rights abuses and violations of international law in Iran.

Additionally, HRA, in collaboration with REDRESS, briefed the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Magnitsky Sanctions and Reparations, chaired by Rt Hon Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The briefing explored strategic and coordinated approaches to implementing Magnitsky-style sanctions targeting human rights violations in Iran.

The international focus on targeted sanctions, particularly during Magnitsky Month, signals a critical moment for accountability in Iran. HRA’s efforts underscore the urgency of coordinated international action and provide essential support for those seeking to hold Iranian officials accountable for their ongoing abuses.

For more, read “Magnitsky Sanctions are the Precision Tool for Iran’s Crisis of Impunity” published in Just Security and authored by HRA Deputy Director, Skylar Thompson and Natalia Kubesch, Legal Officer at REDRESS.