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
C&SN’s Year in Review: 2023
Throughout 2023, eruptions of conflict and multiple natural disasters in regions already burdened by violence and inequity compounded the turmoil experienced by millions. Yet, because conflict zones and politically unstable regions are often subject to
Foundation for Global Political Exchange and Knight Institute Take on U.S. Treasury Department for First Amendment Violations
On Dec. 20, 2023, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed a lawsuit against the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Treasury Department, claiming that OFAC surpassed its statutory and
Event Summary: Ask an Expert: UNSCR 2664 at One Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAdcL_ZJOZw&t=15s Washington, D.C. – The Charity & Security Network (C&SN) hosted the third and final of its sanctions webinar series, Ask an Expert: UNSCR 2664 at One Year, on Dec. 6, 2023. C&SN’s
Event Summary: Ask an Expert: OFAC/BIS Licensing
Washington, D.C. – The Charity & Security Network (C&SN) hosted the second of its Ask an Expert Series: Navigating OFAC/BIS Licensing & Sanctions on Nov. 16, 2023. C&SN's Ashleigh Subramanian-Montgomery hosted leading sanctions attorneys on
OFAC Issues Compliance Communiqué: Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People
Washington, D.C. - On Nov. 14, 2023, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a Compliance Communiqué, Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to the Palestinian People. The Communiqué states that “[t]he U.S.
Afghanistan Earthquakes Exacerbates Humanitarian Crises: C&SN Calls for International Support
On Oct. 7, two 6.3 magnitude earthquakes struck the Herat Province in Afghanistan killing 2,445 people, a figure that is expected to rise as search and rescue teams reach further communities. According to eyewitness reports,