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
Treating Frozen Reserves as Leverage, Biden Administration Continues to Fuel Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis
Washington, D.C., Aug. 15, 2022 — In response to reports that the U.S. will not consider releasing any of Afghanistan’s frozen foreign reserves in the near-term, Paul Carroll, Director of the Charity and Security Network,
Synopsis: Unpacking Treasury’s 2022 National Strategy for Combatting Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing
On May 13, 2022, the Treasury Department published their 2022 National Strategy for Combatting Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing (2022 Strategy) and accompanying Press Release. The 2022 Strategy aims to enhance the United States (U.S.)
Unpacking Treasury’s 2022 National Strategy for Combatting Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing
By Ashleigh Subramanian-Montgomery Background On May 13, 2022, the Treasury Department published their 2022 National Strategy for Combatting Terrorist and Other Illicit Financing (2022 Strategy) and accompanying Press Release. The 2022 Strategy aims to enhance
Treasury Issues General License to Protect NGO Activities in Russia
On April 19, 2022, Treasury issued Russia-related General License (GL) 27, authorizing “Certain Transactions in Support of Nongovernmental Organizations' Activities.” Alongside this, Treasury issued an accompanying Fact Sheet on “Preserving Agricultural Trade, Access to Communication,
Broad-Based Sanctions on Russia Undercut Russian Civil Society When It Is Needed Most
By Gabe Murphy Coverage of the war in Ukraine has rightly emphasized the critical role of civil society in responding to this moment. Both local civil society groups and international nongovernmental organizations have mobilized to
You Get a Sanction, and You, and You – Things That Go Boom
C&SN Director Paul Carroll spoke with Laicie Heeley, the host of Inkstick Media's podcast Things That Go Boom, about sanctions—addressing their sometimes harmful impacts, and calling for greater transparency, accountability, and clarity on the goals