In 2018, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) successfully launched its Anti-Corruption Initiative to document the links between corruption, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses, and to publicize instances where kleptocratic regimes are aided and abetted by oligarchs and their cronies inside democratic nations abroad. This work has also since expanded to specifically include those who have committed, overseen, or financed serious human rights abuses. 

Sanctions and other financial tools can be used as one piece of the puzzle in a broader diplomatic strategy to target corruption and human rights violators, change their behavior, and ultimately deter and prevent future abuses. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act was signed into law on December 23, 2016. In its expanded form, the Act allows the U.S. President to block or revoke U.S. visas, and to block all U.S.-based property and interests in property of foreign individuals and entities who have engaged in some specified form, in acts of corruption or serious human rights abuses. 

Organizations are invited to submit case files to the U.S. State Department and U.S. Treasury Department regarding such perpetrators. HRF is a member of the Global Magnitsky Coalition and works directly with activists, investigative journalists, other relevant stakeholders, and individuals in the U.S. Government to compile case files regarding perpetrators, for eventual inclusion on the Specially Designated Nationals List for sanctions. 

Following its first submission under the Global Magnitsky Act, HRF has strengthened its advocacy efforts with State and Treasury experts on subsequent cases and welcomes tips on future potential case file submissions.