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
Charity & Security Network Applauds Landmark UN Security Council Resolution on Sanctions, Urges U.S. Government to Follow Suit
Washington, D.C., Dec 9, 2022 — The Charity & Security Network (CSN) applauds the vote taken today at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that establishes broad protections for life-saving humanitarian aid and programs in
Human Rights Commission Hearing Examines the Collateral Effects of Sanctions
On Oct. 4, 2022, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing co-chaired by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), entitled Considerations on Economic Sanctions, to address the “collateral effects of
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
By Ashleigh Subramanian-Montgomery 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
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,