The UK is set to introduce expanded powers to sanction people and organisations involved in serious human rights abuses, violations of international humanitarian law and obstruction of humanitarian assistance from Thursday, 15 October 2026.
The Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026, formally numbered SI 2026/1071, were made on 12 October and laid before Parliament on 13 October. They replace the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020 with a broader framework.
What changes under the new rules?
The expanded regime allows the Foreign Secretary to designate individuals and entities linked to serious violations of international humanitarian law, as well as those involved in blocking the delivery or distribution of, or access to, humanitarian assistance.
It also extends the human rights grounds for designation to include serious violations of the right to liberty and security of the person, alongside protections already covered by the previous regime.
Depending on the designation, sanctions can include asset freezes, restrictions on making funds or economic resources available, director disqualification measures and immigration restrictions. The framework can reach those who facilitate or benefit from relevant conduct, subject to the legal designation criteria.
Existing sanctions remain in place
The new regulations contain transitional provisions designed to preserve existing designations and relevant licences under the 2020 regime. Their introduction does not mean every individual or organisation associated with a conflict is automatically sanctioned: specific designations must be made under the applicable legal tests.
Parliamentary scrutiny
The instrument was made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and takes effect on 15 October. It is subject to the made-affirmative procedure, meaning it comes into force before parliamentary approval but must receive the required approval within the statutory scrutiny period to remain in effect.
The regulations arrive amid government efforts to strengthen its response to alleged abuses in conflict zones, including illegal settlement activity and restrictions on humanitarian access. The new framework is global in scope, rather than being confined to one country or conflict.