Megan Smith

Associate at the Good Law Practice (public law, human rights, environment). Former Magnitsky sanctions lead at REDRESS. Novice/reluctant tweeter. Views my own.

[Amanda Strayer @AmandaLStrayer]

The U.S. government often #sanctions human rights abusers based on NGO recommendations - but it has been sitting for far too long on many important cases in #Africa and elsewhere.

[Freedom from Torture🧡 @FreefromTorture]

🚨BREAKING: WE WON!!!

Privilege Style - the airline whose plane was ready to fly to Rwanda in June - has confirmed they WILL NOT fly any refugees to Rwanda!

People power WORKS!
Now let’s defeat this cruel scheme altogether.

[Protection Approaches @IBVprev]

Individual sanctions should enable a networked approach to determine who is involved in violations & targeting them says @SmithVMegan of @REDRESSTrust

Yet usage of this tool has slowed down, with only 2 sanctions on #NorthKorea

[Protection Approaches @IBVprev]

What could a UK playbook look like?

The new @CommonsIDC report calls for a National #AtrocityPrevention Strategy including
🔸network analysis
🔸training for embassy staff
🔸distinction between conflict & atrocity, as #NorthKorea clearly shows, is needed

[Protection Approaches @IBVprev]

#AtrocityPrevention, @WordsAreDeeds explains, is an approach that seeks to prevent violence - also when violence is already occurring

This means you need
🔸political will
🔸expertise
🔸systems that monitor & analyse risks
🔸communication of risks
🔸a playbook on what to do

[Protection Approaches @IBVprev]

What pathways are available on #NorthKorea @CatrionaMurdoc1 discusses

For the @ICC, the #Bangladesh/#Myanmar case opens a path for jurisdiction

@KFuturexhr’s prison database could serve as important documentation of violations

[Protection Approaches @IBVprev]

Final panel of the international #NorthKorea human rights conference❗️

The conversation on opportunities to address human rights violations in NK includes our Co-Director @WordsAreDeeds, @SmithVMegan of @REDRESSTrust, @CatrionaMurdoc1, @cartonancy, moderated by @janethanderson

[Foreign Affairs Committee @CommonsForeign]

📅 On Tuesday at 2.30pm we are taking evidence for our inquiry on state #hostage taking

🗣 We'll be speaking to @RupertSkilbeck of @REDRESSTrust , @TatyanaEatwell of @DoughtyStreet and Dr Hans-Jakob Schindler from @FightExtremism

📺Watch live:
https://t.co/8sf8Ii4Q4j

[GCHR @GulfCentre4HR]

#Bahrain: Rights groups call for accountability for torture through universal jurisdiction at UK event

https://t.co/r8ZUiB7E0K

@dpg_law @ADHRB @BahrainRights @BirdBahrain_ @REDRESSTrust

[Lord (David) Alton @DavidAltonHL]

Yesterday, with Baroness Kennedy QC, Dr Ewelina Ochab, and Meghan Smith of Redress, I met with Evgenia Kara-Murza, wife of Russia’s brave imprisoned democracy leader - and U.K. citizen-Vladimir Kara-Murza https://t.co/4NxHfr2o9F https://t.co/LDM3yIo9mT

[Free Russia Foundation 4freerussia.org @4freerussia_org]

"The other day a fellow prisoner asked if I wish I'd stayed silent [on the war]. 'No' was the easiest answer I've ever given. To stay silent means to be complicit"��� @ekaramurza, wife of imprisoned Russian dissident @vkaramurza, read her husband's letter at @OsloFF. #FreeKaraMurza

[Emma Barnett @Emmabarnett]

Exclusive tonight: @BBCOne 8pm-Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe tells her story for the first time - something she’s wanted to do for 6 long years. It’s a very special conversation. One I will never forget. It’s a @BBCWomansHour special - with the full interview on @BBCRadio4 tmrw 10am

[Catherine West @CatherineWest1]

My thoughts are with the Tamil community on Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day.

Labour has long called on the UN to ensure a properly resourced & effective accountability mechanism, and for UK govt to deploy Magnitsky sanctions against SL officials complicit in the killings.

[Geeth Kulasegaram, @geethkula]

Thank you for the brave victims and Tamil youth standing up for justice and tirelessly demanding the @UKParliament @FCDOGovUK to sanction @SilvaShavendra & others. Thank you @itjpsl @SLcampaign @REDRESSTrust @PEARL_Action for supporting @TimetoSanction campaign.

[Freedom from Torture🧡 @FreefromTorture]

⚠️Exposed: the UK's connection to torture in Xinjiang⚠️

THREAD 🧵

[David Lammy @DavidLammy]

There must be accountability for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. These scenes of mourners being beaten are indefensible and only heighten demands for justice and add to her family’s pain.

[Lord (David) Alton @DavidAltonHL]

Although Magnitsky and anti-corruption sanctions are extremely welcome, @REDRESSTrust is right. They must be used more effectively & consistently. Parliament should insist on oversight by a Committee such as the International Relations and Defence Select Committee @LordsIRCom

[Jeff Kaye @Jakdaw09]

@ukaccoalition @REDRESSTrust Excellent report on the UK's 'Magnitsky Sanctions' equivalent- GACS.
Trouble is - NO ONE has been sanctioned since 9/21 @DominicRaab & <10% of those sanctioned under US Magnitsky regime @Billbrowder
Seems UK (home to world's sanction busting enablers) prefers the money 🤑💷

[Freedom from Torture🧡 @FreefromTorture]

Just a reminder that it's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and Priti Patel is trying to send LGBTQI+ people, who have been tortured & traumatised, halfway across the world to Rwanda.