Expanded UK human rights sanctions regime replaces 2020 rules from 15 October

The UK is replacing its global human rights sanctions regime with a broader one from 15 October, and the change is being given effect in the Isle of Man, the Treasury has said.

According to an Isle of Man Government notice, the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 are being revoked and replaced by the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026. On the island, the switch is made through the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2026, which amend the Sanctions (Implementation of UK Sanctions) Regulations 2024.

The Treasury said the new UK rules widen the range of serious human rights abuses and violations the UK Government can target with sanctions. It cited breaches of the right to liberty and security as one example.

The sanctions themselves are unchanged in type. They remain targeted asset freezes and travel bans, with exceptions and a Treasury power to license specific activity. Anyone designated under the 2020 regime stays subject to sanctions under the new one, and transitional provisions keep licences issued under the old rules in force. The amendment also corrects a typographical error in the legislation.

Revised guidance is due to be published on the Sanctions and Export Control website this week. The Treasury warned that failing to comply with financial and trade sanctions, or attempting to get around them, is a criminal offence.

The Treasury’s Sanctions Team can be contacted on 648109 or at [email protected]. The team said it cannot give legal advice and that independent advice may be needed.