On February 2, 2022, the US Office of Foreign Assets Control issued seven counterterrorism-related frequently asked questions (FAQs 957-963), several of which were developed in consultation with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), to provide further clarity on the authorizations provided in General Licenses 14 – 19 in an effort to facilitate humanitarian aid and commercial activity in Afghanistan. The seven new FAQs build upon OFAC’s December 22, 2021 Fact Sheet, that was issued to provide parties interested in providing aid in Afghanistan with an overview of all Afghanistan-related OFAC general licenses aimed at fostering humanitarian aid.
On the same day, Brian Nelson, the Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, spoke with several leaders of NGOs operating in Afghanistan to discuss the new FAQs and address questions related to cash shipments and the shipping of food and agricultural items, support provided to public hospitals and municipal water systems, and direct payments to Afghan teachers and healthcare workers. Nelson also reiterated that the US remains committed to supporting the Afghan people and finding solutions that ease the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations and prevent the flow of funds to illicit actors and terrorist organizations.
Department of Treasury Recent Actions | FAQs 957 – 963 | Department of Treasury Press Release