UK expands global human rights sanctions regime to cover breaches of international humanitarian law

19 October 2026

The UK has made the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026. The Regulations came into force on 15 October 2026. They revoke and replace the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations 2020.

What has changed

The 2020 Regulations let the UK designate people and entities involved in serious violations of the right to life, the prohibition on torture, and the right to be free from slavery.

The 2026 Regulations add 3 additional criteria. The UK can now also designate people and entities involved in:

• serious violations of the right to liberty and security of person

• serious violations of international humanitarian law

• obstruction of the delivery or distribution of, or access to, humanitarian assistance

The 2020 Regulations only let the UK designate people by name. The 2026 Regulations also let it designate people by description.

The new Regulations also bring together amendments made to the 2020 Regulations since 2020. The government chose to replace the 2020 Regulations, rather than amend them again, so that the title reflects the wider scope.

What stays the same

Designations and licences under the 2020 Regulations continue to have effect under the 2026 Regulations.

The licensing framework and exceptions also stay the same.

Why the UK made the change

According to the Explanatory Memorandum which accompanies the Regulations, the UK aims to respond to a wider range of abuses and to address serious violations of international humanitarian law worldwide. Until now, only some country regimes, such as Sudan, Syria, Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo, contained these criteria.

See our UK Global Human Rights pages for more information.