On April 15, 2024, Canada announced new sanctions regulations under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights. The Special Economic Measures (Sudan) Regulations (the “Regulations”) designate six individuals and entities and entered into force on April 12, 2024. The Regulations were announced on the one-year mark of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forced (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, who are fighting…
On April 15, 2024, Canada announced further amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations (the “Regulations”). These amendments list an additional 21 individuals under Schedule 1 of the Regulations in response to ongoing human rights violations in Belarus. The amendments took effect on April 12, 2024. The announcement follows a visit by the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to Ottawa. The individuals targeted are current and former senior government officials involved in human rights abuses…
On March 8, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced further amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations (the “Regulations”). These amendments list an additional two individuals in Schedule 1 of the Regulations. The announcement was released on International Women’s Day, signalling Canada’s focus on targeting human rights violations of women and girls. The sanctioned individuals are Masoud Dorosti, the Chief Executive of the Tehran metro system, and Zohreh Elahian, a senior parliamentarian in…
On March 1, 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced further import restrictions on diamonds and diamond-jewelry-related products from Russia. The amendments to the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations (the “Regulations”) prohibit any person in Canada and any Canadian outside of Canada from purchasing, importing, or acquiring certain diamonds mined or produced in Russia that are exported, processed and/or polished in a third country. The Regulations entered into force on February 29, 2024. The amendments…