Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | February 9, 2023 – ADC welcomes the decision by the U.S. Department of Treasury issue General License Number 23 which eases sanctions on Syria, and will allow for the additional flow of much needed humanitarian aid into the country. The decision to grant a 180 Day General License eases restrictions on humanitarian aid and support going into Syria. The License expires on August 8, 2023.
ADC National Executive Director Abed Ayoub said, “The issuance of the General License is the right decision by the Department of Treasury and the Biden Administration. It is imperative that aid reach all parts of Syria, and all those who are impacted by the devastating earthquake and are provided the relief that they need. We encourage the international community to increase humanitarian aid to both Turkey and Syria. A disaster of this magnitude requires a global response.”
General License Number 23, which can be found by clicking here, reads in part:
“(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, all transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria that would otherwise be prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 542 (SySR), are authorized through 12:01 p.m. eastern daylight time, August 8, 2023.
Note 1 to paragraph (a). The authorization in paragraph (a) of this general license includes the processing or transfer of funds on behalf of third-country persons to or from Syria in support of the transactions authorized by paragraph (a) of this general license. U.S. financial institutions and U.S. registered money transmitters may rely on the originator of a funds transfer with regard to compliance with paragraph (a) of this general license, provided that the financial institution does not know or have reason to know that the funds transfer is not in compliance with paragraph (a) of this general license.”
Over the past few days ADC has been meeting with key stakeholders, government officials, representatives from humanitarian organizations, sanctions attorneys, and Syrians inside of Syria. Conversations focused on what measures the U.S. Government can take to ensure aid gets to all those in need.
If you have questions about the sanctions, or other matters pertaining to the humanitarian crisis, please email the ADC Legal Department to legal@adc.org.