Reapproval of Anticorruption Tool Will Help Hold Kleptocrats Accountable
A statement from Transparency International U.S.
April 13, 2022
President Biden signed into law the reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (the “Act”). The Act authorizes the President to impose economic sanctions on, and deny entry into the United States to, foreign individuals or entities identified as engaging in corruption or human rights violations. The Act was set to expire on December 23, 2022.
Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy for Transparency International U.S. (“TI-US”), said the following on the reauthorization of the Act:
The United States can and must take decisive action to hold leaders accountable for their endemic corruption and human rights abuses. The reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Act is an essential response to the corruption that has fueled Russia's authoritarian regime and military aggression. It will help ensure that our government can hold the perpetrators of corruption and human rights abuses accountable everywhere.
The Global Magnitsky Act has been one of the most powerful anticorruption accountability tools at our disposal. To date, the U.S. has used the Act to impose sanctions on more than 200 individuals and entities. The Act has also inspired similar sanctions programs in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada—creating opportunities for the kinds of coordinated sanctions that can make immediate impacts on corrupt patronage networks.
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Transparency International is the world’s largest coalition against corruption. We give voices to victims and witnesses of corruption, and work with governments, businesses, and citizens to stop the abuse of entrusted power. In collaboration with national chapters in more than 100 countries, we are leading the fight to turn our vision of a world free from corruption into reality.
Related Resources
- Read a letter of support for the reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Act signed by over 50 organizations;
- Read TI-US's written testimony before the U.S. Helsinki Commission calling for the reauthorization of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act;
- Read the Administration’s United States Strategy on Countering Corruption.
Media Contact
Scott Greytak, Director of Advocacy, Transparency International U.S.
Telephone: +1 614-668-0258
Email: sgreytak@transparency.org
Twitter: @TransparencyUSA
