Guidance on Authorized Transactions Related to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Syria

“In response to the devastating earthquakes in Syria on February 6, 2023, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) authorized activity supporting emergency earthquake relief efforts in Syria that would otherwise be prohibited by U.S. sanctions in Syria. Specifically, OFAC issued a broad authorization in the form of a general license, General License (GL) 23, to authorize for 180 days certain transactions related to earthquake relief efforts that would otherwise be prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. This license supplements broad humanitarian authorizations already in effect under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations for nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and the U.S. government that authorize the provision of disaster relief to Syria.

Specifically, GL 23 expands upon existing humanitarian authorizations to enable foreign governments and private companies to provide support to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and provides additional assurances to financial institutions who process such transactions. This guidance responds to specific questions OFAC received related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and explains how to provide legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people in compliance with U.S. sanctions. GL 23 reflects the United States’ commitment to support the people of Syria through their ongoing humanitarian crisis—it is not a change in policy toward the Assad regime. While this authorization alone cannot remedy the many challenges of operating and providing aid in Syria, it can ensure that U.S. sanctions do not inhibit relief following the earthquake disaster.”

Read the guidance here: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/126/syria_earthquake_relief_compliance_guidance.pdf

 

Guidance on Authorized Transactions Related to Earthquake Relief Efforts in Syria

This guidance responds to specific questions OFAC received related to earthquake relief efforts in Syria and explains how to provide legitimate humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people in compliance with U.S. sanctions.

News On Purpose

In This Issue

  • 2022 in Review: Climbing Mountains and Breaking Records
  • New Blue: An Incubator for Reform-Minded Officers Reflects on Tyre Nichols
  • Mercy Corps: A Vision for Resilience in the Caribbean
  • Felix Organization: Adoptees Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and Sheila Jaffe Give Back

Lex Mundi Wins Prestigious Catalyst Business Commitment Badge at the World Economic Forum

Lex Mundi has been awarded a Catalyst Business Commitment badge at this year’s World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, following the work of the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation to support social enterprise.

News On Purpose

In This Issue:

  • Engaging Stakeholders: “Removing roadblocks between inspiration and impact”
  • Illuminating Futures: Addressing energy poverty with Solar Buddy
  • Public Health in a Time of War: Supporting SAFEMed in Ukraine
  • The Extreme Challenge of Modern Slavery: Hope for Justice/Slave-Free Alliance

Navigating Dobbs: Guidance for Companies

In light of the US Supreme Court’s recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization overturning the decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, Lex Mundi member firm Jenner & Block has issued an alert discussing risks and providing guidance on how companies can proactively respond to the changing legal landscape.

News On Purpose

In This Issue:

  • Connect, Collaborate & Celebrate (Annual Meeting Highlights)
  • Working to Address Gun Violence (Supporting Sandy Hook Promise)
  • Thought Leadership that is Making an Impact (Social Enterprise Report)
  • Coming Together for Ukraine (Crisis Resource Center)