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
Sanctions are the Fuel to Cuba’s Fire
July 16, C&SN Director Paul Carroll and Bonnie Klassen, the Area Director for South America, Mexico and Cuba at the Mennonite Central Committee, write for InkStick on the role of U.S. sanctions in Cuba's current
Treasury Department Issues General Licenses for Iran, Syria and Venezuela
June 23, 2021 On June 17, 2021 the U.S. Treasury Department issued three general licenses to allow greater access for populations in Iran, Syria and Venezuela to supplies that will help them combat COVID-19. This
Report Summary: Checking the President’s Sanctions Powers
June 10, 2021 In Checking the President’s Sanctions Power, a June 2021 report published by the Brennan Center for Justice, Andrew Boyle addresses many of the problems stemming from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act
Negative Impacts of Sanctions on Civil Society
U.S. sanctions have created significant challenges for civil society organizations operating in sanctioned countries or in areas controlled by sanctioned groups. This issue brief offers an overview of the negative impacts of sanctions on civil
House Hearing on Sanctions in Africa: Witnesses Cite Need for Changes
May 26, 2021 The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Global Human Rights held a hearing May 25, 2021 to hear from experts, including Bridget Moix of Peace Direct and Noah Gottschalk
C&SN Joins 40+ Groups in Letter to Biden Administration Urging Humanitarian Relief for Iran to Improve COVID Response
April 21, 2021 In a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, C&SN and over 40 organizations urged the administration to relieve sanctions