Financial Crime World

Syria Sanctions Program Undergoes Significant Updates Amid Ongoing Crisis

The United States has implemented a robust sanctions program aimed at countering the Syrian government’s authoritarian regime and addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country. The Syria Sanctions program, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), encompasses multiple executive orders, public laws, and United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Key Developments in the Syria Sanctions Program

The Syria Sanctions program has undergone significant updates to address the evolving crisis in Syria. Some key developments include:

  • Executive Orders: The President has issued several executive orders targeting the Syrian government’s human rights abuses, including:
    • EO 13572: Blocks property of certain individuals involved in human rights abuses
  • Public Laws: The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (Section 7404-7438 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020) aims to prevent further atrocities by the Syrian government and address the humanitarian crisis.
  • United Nations Security Council Resolutions:
    • UNSCR 1636: Reaffirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to peace and security.

Recent Updates to the Syria Sanctions Program

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has made several updates to the Syria Sanctions program, including:

  • General Licenses: OFAC has issued general licenses, such as General License 22, which authorizes activities in certain economic sectors in non-regime-held areas of northeast and northwest Syria.
  • Web General Licenses: The department has also published web general licenses related to the Syria sanctions regulations, Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations, global terrorism sanctions regulations, and Venezuela sanctions regulations.

Conclusion

The Syria Sanctions program remains a critical tool in addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country. As the situation continues to evolve, the U.S. government will continue to update and refine the program to ensure its effectiveness in countering the Syrian government’s authoritarian regime.