Why are sanctions imposed?

Australia established a thematic autonomous sanctions regime in relation to serious violations or serious abuses of human rights on 21 December 2021. Unlike a country-specific autonomous sanctions regime, a thematic autonomous sanctions regime applies to sanctionable conduct wherever it occurs in the world.

Under the regime, the Minister for Foreign Affairs may designate a person or entity for targeted financial sanctions and declare a person for a travel ban if the Minister is satisfied the person or entity has engaged in, has been responsible for, or has been complicit in an act that constitutes a serious violation or serious abuse of a person's:

• right to life; or
• right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; or
• right not to be held in slavery or servitude, or right not to be required to perform forced or compulsory labour.

The application of the regime will be reserved for the most egregious situations of international concern. Before making a designation or declaration under the regime, the Minister for Foreign Affairs must obtain the agreement in writing of the Attorney‑General and consult such other Ministers as the Minister for Foreign Affairs considers appropriate.

The Information Note details further information about the autonomous human rights sanctions regime, including on how to submit information to DFAT concerning possible listings.

What is prohibited by the serious violations or serious abuses of human rights sanctions regime?

The serious violations or serious abuses of human rights sanctions regime imposes the following sanctions measures:

Restrictions on providing assets to designated persons or entities

Restrictions on dealing with the assets of designated persons or entities (requirement to freeze assets)

It is prohibited to directly or indirectly make an asset available to, or for the benefit of, a designated person or entity.

It is also prohibited to use or deal with an asset, or allow or facilitate another person to use or deal with an asset, owned or controlled by a designated person or entity (the assets are 'frozen' and cannot be used or dealt with). The prohibition on 'dealing' with assets includes using, selling or moving assets.

An 'asset' includes an asset or property of any kind, whether tangible or intangible, movable or immovable.

Go to the Consolidated List to search the names of designated persons and entities.

If you become aware that you are holding an asset of a designated person or entity, you are required to freeze (hold) that asset and notify the AFP as soon as possible. Go to What You Need to Do for more information.

Travel bans

All declared persons are prohibited from transiting through or entering Australia.

Sanctions Permits

The Minister for Foreign Affairs may grant a sanctions permit to allow an activity that would otherwise be prohibited under the regime provided the activity meets specific criteria.

The table below provides a general guide to relevant criteria. You should get your own legal advice if you think your proposed activity is affected by sanctions and may meet the criteria for a permit. Go to Sanctions Permits for information on permits, including how to apply.

Relevant legislation

The relevant legislation for the serious violations or serious abuses of human rights sanctions regime includes the following:

• Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011
• Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011
• Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons – Thematic Sanctions) Instrument 2022
• Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958