Report on the Use of Targeted Sanctions to Protect Journalists

Authored by Amal Clooney, barrister and Deputy Chair the High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, the report has been endorsed by the High Level Panel, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights First, PEN America, Reporters without Borders and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, David Kaye (2014-2020). The report examines current challenges faced by journalists around the world and recommends the consistent use of targeted sanctions as a tool to enforce compliance with international human rights law, including the right to a free press. The report contains an in-depth analysis of the existing systems for targeted sanctions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union and concludes with eleven recommendations for designing and implementing global human rights sanctions regimes to better protect journalists around the world.

The High Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom is an independent body that was convened by the Chair, The Rt Hon Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury at the request of the UK and Canadian governments. The High Level Panel comprises a diverse group of leading lawyers from around the world, including the Deputy Chair, Amal Clooney and the IBAHRI Director Baroness Helena Kennedy QC.

This event was organised by the Secretariat to the High-Level Panel of Legal Experts on Media Freedom, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, in collaboration with Chatham House.