SEMA, Magnitsky, and Canada’s Role in the Global Sanctions Regime

How can we make aggressors pay for war; ensure victims receive reparations; and prevent corrupt foreign assets from fueling further injustice? Join CLAIHR-O, in collaboration with the Wallenberg Centre and the Peace Coalition, for an in-depth discussion on Canada’s leading role in the push to advance economic justice for Ukraine and war victims worldwide. This event brings together a panel of leading experts to discuss their advocacy efforts to advance the Magnitsky Act and the Special Economic Measures Act, which serve as legislative tools for justice and accountability for the most serious human rights abuses.

Learn about current legal advocacy and accountability efforts while discussing how lawyers can contribute to Canada’s legislative leadership on the international stage.

Event Details:

· SEMA, Magnitsky, and Canada’s Role in the Global Sanctions Regime

· Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 12:30 ET, online

· Register here

Confirmed Speakers

The panel will feature several prominent figures, including:

· Michael Cholod, Executive Director of the Peace Coalition

· Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Special Envoy for Ukraine (attendance permitting);

· Fen Osler Hampson, President of the World Refugee and Migration Council; Chancellor’s Professor and Professor of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs

· Kimberly Lenz - Program and Policy Officer, Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights

· Tetyana Nesterchuk – Barrister, Fountain Court Chambers U.K.

· Jeff Stoub, Director of Public Affairs at the World Refugee and Migration Council

More About the Event

This online event brings together a panel of leading experts to discuss their efforts to advance the Magnitsky Act and the Special Economic Measures Act, which serve as legislative tools for justice and accountability for the most serious human rights abuses.

The discussion will examine how Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and Magnitsky Act serve as legislative tools to hold perpetrators of serious human rights abuses accountable, ensure reparations for victims, and deter future violations.

It will focus on advancing economic justice for Ukraine and victims of war worldwide, while highlighting how lawyers and advocates can contribute to strengthening Canada’s leadership on the international stage.

This event is part of Magnitsky Month, in honour of Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky, who was murdered by the Russian state for exposing corruption. (Read his story here.)

Join the Discussion

The panel discussion is intended for law students and legal practitioners.

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