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

 

Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Announces New Appointments to its Board of Directors

During the Lex Mundi Annual Connect & Collaborate Conference in London on May 10, 2024, Carlos Velázquez De León was elected as the new Chair of Lex Mundi and Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also elected Aniekan Ukpanah, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie (Nigeria), to the position of Chair-Elect and Christel Van den Eynden, Liedekerke (Belgium), as a new director. The three new members join the Foundation’s current directors in seeking to embody the highest ideals of the legal profession. By promoting and facilitating the delivery of pro bono legal services, they support those positively improving lives worldwide.

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2024 Pro Bono Foundation Annual Award Winners

The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation (the “Foundation”) was proud to recognize the following 2024 award recipients:

  • Day Pitney LLP, Lex Mundi member for USA, New Jersey
  • Deacons, Lex Mundi member for Hong Kong
  • Dudley Newman Feuerzeig LLP, Lex Mundi member for U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Shalakany Law Office, Lex Mundi member for Egypt
  • Wardyński & Partners, Lex Mundi member for Poland

 

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News on Purpose

In This Issue:

  • Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation Leading the Way in Support for Social Entrepreneurs: The Rise Ahead Pledge and Corporate Social Innovation Compass
  • Increasing Access to Assistive Technology
  • Arthur Cox, a Pro Bono Champion in Ireland
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News On Purpose

In This Issue

  • Another Banner Year, 2023 in Review
  • Activating Humanitarian Resources Near Rafah
  • Bringing Safe Water to Schools
  • New Canadian Bar Association President Leading By Example
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Legal Resources to Support those Responding to Humanitarian Needs Near Rafah

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis near Rafah, our Lex Mundi member for Egypt, Shalakany, has generously provided high-level guidance for NGOs seeking to activate resources in the area.

Find answers to the following questions:

  1. What is the regulatory framework for incorporating a foreign NGO in Egypt?
  2. What are the challenges associated with the incorporation of a foreign NGO in Egypt?
  3. What are the available alternative forms of registration?
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News on Purpose

In this Issue

  • Landmark UN Resolution on the Social Economy Passes with the Help of the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation and its Collaborators
  • Congratulations to Alfredo Silva, an Incredible Lex Mundi Member Lawyer and Champion
  • Afghan Musicians Find a New Home Thanks to Lex Mundi Member Law Firms
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