U.S. wants aid to Afghanistan to continue despite sanctions on Taliban

The United States is taking steps to allow humanitarian work to continue in Afghanistan despite U.S. sanctions on the Taliban, which seized power 11 days ago.

A U.S. Treasury Department official said President Joe Biden’s administration has contacted humanitarian partners in Afghanistan in recent days about their continued ability to provide aid.

“We are taking steps to allow for humanitarian aid to continue in a way that benefits the Afghan people,” the official said, adding that Biden discussed the humanitarian assistance with fellow G7 leaders.

The Taliban are designated as a terrorist group by the United States. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets of the group and bars Americans from dealing with them, including the contribution of funds, goods or services.

While U.S. sanctions frequently allow for humanitarian exemptions, critics say heavy sanctions regimes such as those imposed on Iran and Venezuela can deter humanitarian groups from working in a country out of fear of running afoul of Washington.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Thursday that all countries must ensure that any sanctions or counterterrorism measures comply with international humanitarian and rights law, and do not impede the impartial humanitarian activities.

The United Nations has stressed that it is determined to stay and deliver humanitarian help in Afghanistan. But a U.N. appeal for $1.3 billion in aid to reach 16 million people this year is only 39% funded.

By Daphne Psaledakis and Michelle Nichols, Reuters, 26 August 2021

Read more at Reuters

Source: riskscreen.com