The changes implemented today, led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, are a tremendous step forward in removing impediments to the flow of aid to help provide life-saving assistance to people in need. With them, the United States has taken historic steps to enable the delivery of essential aid while preventing abuse by malign actors. The package of general licenses announced today implements and builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2664 – adopted on December 9 and co-drafted by the United States and Ireland – helping us and our partners get vital food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid without disruption to those in dire conditions, while having robust measures in place so that assistance is not diverted.
Today’s actions will mitigate the legal risks our partners face when working in conflict-plagued regions and will provide assurance to financial institutions and other private sector actors that they can continue supporting legitimate humanitarian programs without fear of running afoul of U.S. sanctions. USAID will continue to require that our partners have proper safeguards and robust risk mitigation systems in place so that our assistance reaches those it is intended to benefit.
The U.S. government will continue to lead efforts to reach people with overwhelming needs in places like Syria, Somalia, and Afghanistan, where sanctions have been imposed against the perpetrators of those who violate international humanitarian and human rights law. Today’s action reinforces our humanitarian leadership and enhances our ability to swiftly deliver urgently needed assistance to fragile and crisis-affected communities worldwide.