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Economics

The Legal Implications of Economic Sanctions on Humanitarian Aid Delivery

Quick fact

Even though most UN sanctions include humanitarian exemptions, aid organizations often over-comply, delaying or cancelling deliveries because they fear legal penalties. For instance, in Syria, the fear of US sanctions has caused some banks to block transfers to humanitarian groups, indirectly harming aid efforts.

Why this is interesting

Sanctions are meant to pressure governments, but they can also prevent life-saving medicine and food from reaching children. How can a legal tool meant to hurt regimes end up hurting the most vulnerable people?