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
Nonprofits Submit Comments to UN Special Rapporteur on Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Human Rights
On June 15, 2020, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) partnered with the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to explain how U.S. sanctions impede human rights
Abstract: Report Gives Recommendations on Payment Flows for Humanitarian Aid in Syria
A new report offers advice for banks, humanitarian organizations and donors to work together to move humanitarian program funds to aid civilians in need in Syria while complying with European Union (EU), U.S., and United
Webinar – ABCs of Sanctions
The complex maze of U.S. sanctions creates significant concerns for nonprofit organizations operating internationally. Standards are inconsistent across various sanctions programs, humanitarian exemptions are limited or nonexistent and vagueness creates compliance challenges. In this webinar,
Voices from the Field: Hazem Rihawi on the Challenges of Local NPOs in Syria
By Zach Theiler Hazem Rihawi, a native from Aleppo, Syria, told me of his journey from work as a first responder in Syria, to his current home in Washington D.C. where he advocates for
70+ Nonprofit Organizations Call on Administration to Lift Sanctions to Save Lives During Pandemic
The Charity & Security Network joined over 70 organizations in an April 23, 2020 letter to President Donald Trump, Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling for relief from sanctions
U.S. Treasury, FATF Support Financial Access for Nonprofits Battling COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, both the U.S. Department of Treasury and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) issued statements that emphasize the urgent need for aid in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for