Sanctions of the United States Against Belaru

The U.S. government, through the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has imposed sanctions on Belarus. These sanctions are based on Executive Orders first issued in 2006 and expanded in the following years. They target Belarusian officials and institutions accused of undermining democracy, committing human rights abuses, and engaging in corruption.

Here are the key measures in simple terms:

1. Asset freeze

   • All property and assets of listed Belarusian officials and entities in the U.S. are blocked.

   • U.S. persons cannot transfer, use, or deal with these assets.

2. Ban on financial dealings

   • U.S. persons are prohibited from providing funds, goods, or services to sanctioned individuals or entities.

   • They cannot receive money, goods, or services from them either.

3. Targeting political repression

   • Sanctions apply to those responsible for undermining democratic institutions in Belarus.

   • This includes involvement in unfair elections, political detentions, or disappearances.

4. Targeting corruption

   • Officials and their close associates accused of misusing public assets or engaging in corruption can be sanctioned.

5. Support and facilitation ban

   • Anyone who materially assists, sponsors, or supports sanctioned persons can also be added to the list.

   • This includes financial, material, or technological support.

6. Family and associates

   • Family members and close associates of senior officials involved in abuses or corruption may also be sanctioned.

7. No donations allowed

   • Even donations of goods to sanctioned persons are prohibited, as they could weaken the effectiveness of the sanctions.

8. Broad scope

   • Sanctions cover individuals, companies, groups, and any other type of entity.

   • U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S.-based companies must comply, even when operating abroad.

9. Evasion is prohibited

   • Attempts to avoid or help others avoid these sanctions are also illegal.

10. Immediate effect

    • Designations can be made without prior notice, to prevent sanctioned persons from moving assets before they are frozen.

Exceptions

• OFAC may issue specific licenses or authorizations in certain cases.

• The Treasury Secretary, in consultation with the State Department, may remove individuals or entities from the sanctions list if circumstances change.