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
C&SN Statement on Proposed Designation of Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization November 20, 2020
We are aware of more and more reports and testimonials that the Trump Administration and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are considering designating the Houthis in Yemen as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Such a
UN Report Calls for Lifting Sanctions During Covid-19 Pandemic, Says Humanitarian Exemptions Are Inadequate
In a report submitted to the UN General Assembly in mid-October, Alena Douhan, the UN Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, found that unilateral sanctions
OFAC License Intended to Ease Humanitarian Aid to Iran
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Feb. 27, 2020 issued General License 8 “Authorizing Certain Humanitarian Trade Transactions Involving the Central Bank of Iran” and related FAQs in conjunction with the formalization of the Swiss
19 Years Later EO 13224 Continues to Block Humanitarian Aid. It’s Time for an Update
by Kay Guinane Nineteen years ago today – Sept. 23, 2001- President George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13224, an emergency declaration responding to the 9/11 attacks that relied on sanctions authorities in the International
Webinar Recording: Sanctions Licensing Processes at OFAC and Commerce (BIS)
Many nonprofit organizations operating across borders have to cope with the complex web of U.S. sanctions programs and the processes for obtaining licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or the Department of
Treasury Issues New Guidance on Sudan and Darfur Sanctions
The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued new guidance on its Sudan and Darfur sanctions programs. The new guidance clarifies that U.S. persons are no longer prohibited from engaging