Senators Send Letter to Administration Requesting Ease of Sanctions Due to COVID-19 Crisis
Washington, DC- Last week, Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) organized efforts calling on the administration to ease U.S. sanctions in order to better facilitate dire humanitarian trade to sanctioned countries including Iran. The letter, co-signed by 10 U.S. Senators, seeks to improve clarity from the administration on the current regulations and ensure that U.S. sanctions do not exacerbate the domestic health crises arising from COVID-19 in sanctioned countries.
Sen. Murphy’s call to action follows PAAIA’s letter to the administration requesting clarification of allowable activities under the current guidelines. The letter also recommended changes to the current regulations, including General License E, to enhance the flow of humanitarian assistance to Iran. PAAIA also contacted members of Congress, encouraging them to urge the administration to enhance the delivery of critical humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people.
The spread of COVID-19 has been a catastrophe for the people of Iran and of great concern for the Iranian American community, many of whom have family and friends still residing in Iran. Beyond its advocacy to the administration and elected officials, PAAIA is working to bring relief to the Iranian people through its coalition, the Humanitarian Relief Coalition (HUREC). HUREC will work in collaboration with international relief organizations that are uniquely positioned to respond to the coronavirus crisis in Iran to quickly and effectively turn generous donations into needed medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to reach those in the areas most affected. HUREC needs financial support to make a significant impact in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. You can help by clicking here to make a donation.
As the world struggles with the COVID-19 epidemic, all countries must come together to prevent a human catastrophe of enormous proportions. PAAIA asks that the administration expand sanctions relief for humanitarian assistance to ease the situation in Iran and ensure lives are saved.
April 1, 2020
