In addition to the prohibition on material support to proscribed groups, sanctions programs imposed by the United Nations, the U.S. and the EU, among others, inhibits the delivery of lifesaving aid to many countries. These programs may prohibit the flow of goods without adequate protections for humanitarian action, or place restrictions on financial services that delay or prevent program funds from reaching programs. Examples of countries sanctioned by the U.S. include Cuba, Syria and North Korea, all of which experience humanitarian need.
Please also see our pages on Counter-terrorist Financing and Humanitarian Safeguards.
Featured Resources
Biden Administration Eases Restrictions on Aid to Afghanistan – The Hill
December 22, 2021 C&SN's Founder and Senior Advisor Kay Guinane is quoted, arguing that while "the new general licenses go farther than their predecessors by protecting a broader range of activities... Rather than taking a
‘Let Us Eat’: Kabul Protesters Demand Release of Frozen Afghan Assets – Common Dreams
December 22, 2021 C&SN's Founder and Senior Advisor Kay Guinane is quoted, arguing that while new general licenses issued by the Treasury Department "represent important progress in protecting the lifesaving work of civil society groups
Treasury Takes Important Steps to Address Afghanistan Crisis, But More Must Be Done
Washington, D.C., December 22, 2021 — In response to the U.S. Treasury Department issuing General Licenses 17, 18 and 19, and accompanying guidance, to facilitate humanitarian and other civil society operations in Afghanistan, Kay Guinane,
Removal of FARC from Terrorism Lists is Welcome, but Highlights Larger Flaws in U.S. Counterterrorism Policy
Dec. 3, 2021 On Nov. 30, the State Department announced that the removal of the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) from the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) lists.
OFAC Expands Scope of Syria General License for NPO Activities
December 2, 2021 On Nov. 24, 2021 the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced expansion of its General License for NPO activities in Syria. This is an encouraging sign that Treasury
Civil Society Exceptions in Afghanistan Sanctions Bill Broader Than OFAC General License
The Afghanistan Counterterrorism, Oversight, and Accountability Act of 2021 (S. 2863) proposed by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member James Risch (R-ID) includes a statement of policy supporting humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and clear sanctions