OFAC Amends Syria Sanctions Regulations To Authorize Certain NGO Activities

OFAC adopted a final  rule amending a General License ("GL") in the Syrian Sanction Regulations ("CFR Part 542"). The final rule expands the existing license to continue allowing NGOs to engage in certain assistance-related activities in support of humanitarian activities (at Section 542.516), including:

• healthcare and health-related services;
• educational support and training services;
• agricultural-related services; and
• activities related to shelter and settlement assistance, and clean water assistance.

Consistent with the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, the final rule also amends the GL "to reflect that it does not apply to any foreign person that has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization" pursuant to Section 219 ("Designation of foreign terrorist organization") of the Immigration and Nationality Act. OFAC issued two related FAQs (see FAQs 937 and 938).