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
The Biden Administration’s Sanctions Review is a Joke – The Nation
October 22, 2021 C&SN Director Paul Carroll is quoted in this story by Aída Chávez in response to the administration's release of its sanctions policy review, explaining that "we're still trying to really understand what
Treasury Sanctions Review Fails to Address Civil Society Concerns, Punts on Key Questions
October 19, 2021 The Department of Treasury released its much-anticipated review of economic sanctions in a nine-page document on Oct. 18, 2021 that, while noting the need to address “unintended consequences of current sanctions regimes
Biden’s Sanctions Policy Review Fails to Deliver: No Concrete Policy Solutions to Address the Many Harmful Impacts of Sanctions
Washington, D.C., October 18, 2021 — Today, the Treasury Department released its long-awaited policy review of U.S. sanctions. The review, first announced by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in early 2021, is the culmination of a
US Sanctions Policies Desperately Need Accountability – Responsible Statecraft
October 18, 2021 Dan Jasper of the American Friends Service Committee and Gabe Murphy of C&SN share their support for an amendment introduced by Rep. Chuy García requiring impact assessments on sanctions. Read their take
C&SN Endorses Broadening General Licenses for Afghanistan
October 14, 2021 On October 13th, 2021 the Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP), a network of 150+ member organizations working in 181 countries to end violent conflict and build sustainable peace, sent a letter to Secretary
Senate Committee Hearing on Afghanistan Unpacks Challenges Created by Sanctions
October 6, 2021 With Afghanistan facing major economic and humanitarian crises in the wake of the Taliban’s rise to power, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs held a hearing on October 5,