- The Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Australian Government is imposing Magnitsky-style sanctions on 13 individuals and two entities involved in egregious human rights violations and abuses.
Among them are Iran's Morality Police, the Basij Resistance Force and six Iranian individuals, involved in the violent crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa 'Jina' Amini and the continued oppression of the people of Iran.
Seven Russian individuals involved in the attempted assassination of former opposition leader Alexei Navalny will also have human rights sanctions imposed on them.
These sanctions target grievous human rights situations where the perpetrators continue to act with impunity.
The listings demonstrate the Australian Government's commitment to take clear action to assert our values, and to hold perpetrators of serious human rights violations and abuses to account.
In addition to human rights sanctions, Australia is joining partners to announce further targeted financial sanctions on three Iranian individuals and one business involved in the supply of drones to Russia for use against Ukraine.
Russia is using Iranian-made drones to target civilians and critical infrastructure, with the intention of denying Ukrainian people energy, heating and water as they face freezing winter temperatures.
The supply of drones to Russia is evidence of the role Iran plays in destabilising global security. This listing highlights that those who provide material support to Russia will face consequences.
The Australian Government calls on countries to exert their influence on Russia to end its illegal, immoral war.
Australia stands with the people of Ukraine and with the people of Iran.
We employ every strategy at our disposal towards upholding human rights - ranging from dialogue and diplomacy to sanctions - consistent with our values and our interests.
The Albanese Government's approach is to deal with the world as it is, and seek to shape it for the better.
