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
New Sanctions in Ethiopia Include Protections for Humanitarian and Other Civil Society Projects
A new Executive Order (EO) issued on Sept. 17, 2021 authorizes the Department of Treasury to impose sanctions on persons and entities responsible for the current wave of violence in Ethiopia. Although the Executive Order
Treasury Issues Two General Licenses for Humanitarian Activities in Afghanistan
September 24, 2021 On Sept. 24, 2021, the Department of Treasury issued two general licenses to allow transactions necessary to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. However, these general licenses do not include similar protections for
U.S. Treasury to Finish Sanctions Policy Review This Fall
September 10, 2021 C&SN Director Paul Carroll is quoted in this Wall Street Journal article by Mengqi Sun regarding a coalition letter signed by C&SN and 45 other organizations calling on the administration to swiftly conclude
Panel Discussion: 20 Years Later – Civil Society and the Global War on Terror
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXrvmEDhMg0 Description: In the twenty years since the 9/11 attacks, the expansive array of policies adopted in the name of waging a Global War on Terror have come with dire consequences for civil society actors
46 Organizations Call on the Administration to Implement Structural Changes to U.S. Sanctions Policy
Washington, D.C., September 7, 2021 — Today, a broad coalition of 46 humanitarian, peacebuilding, human rights and faith-based organizations sent a letter to President Biden and other key leaders in the administration calling for a
Treasury Issues Limited, Inadequate License for Afghanistan Aid
September 1, 2021 On August 25, 2021, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the bureau within the Treasury Department responsible for issuing licenses for allowing humanitarian aid in conflict zones and areas where sanctioned