On August 8, 2023, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control published “Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to Syria.” OFAC issued the guidance to share answers to specific questions that it had received concerning humanitarian efforts in Syria and to ensure that the public knows how to provide legitimate humanitarian assistance to Syria in accordance with US sanctions laws. The guidance contains a list of exemptions and general licenses that apply to humanitarian-related activities in Syria. It also covers the types of financial institutions that are permitted to process transactions for humanitarian activities as well as non-humanitarian activities that are permitted in certain non-regime held areas of Syria.
OFAC also amended Frequently Asked Question 937 to provide a general overview of the transactions and activities in which nongovernmental organizations (“NGOs”) are permitted to engage under the general license at §542.516 of Syrian Sanctions Regulations, as amended on November 26, 2021.
Department of Treasury Recent Action | Guidance for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance to Syria | Amended FAQ 937