Blocking Property of Persons in Human Rights Abuses in Iran and Syria

Apr 24, 2012

Summary

Stops people who help Iran and Syria use technology to harm their citizens from using U.S. banks or entering the country.

What problem does this solve?

The governments of Iran and Syria were using technology to monitor, track, and harm their own people. This order blocks the money and travel of any person or group that helps these governments commit these abuses.

What does this order do?

Blocks property of sanctioned persons

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to people or groups that help the governments of Iran or Syria commit serious human rights abuses using technology.

Suspends U.S. entry for sanctioned persons

Bans individuals who help the Iranian or Syrian governments with technology-based human rights abuses from entering the United States.

Defines who can be sanctioned

Includes anyone who operates or provides technology that helps Iran or Syria disrupt networks, monitor, or track people in ways that enable human rights abuses.

Prohibits donations

Forbids making or receiving donations, such as food, clothing, and medicine, to or from any person or group whose property is blocked by this order.

Authorizes Treasury Department to enforce sanctions

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury, working with the Secretary of State, the power to create rules and take actions needed to carry out the order.

Who does this affect?

Persons and entities in Iran and Syria involved in technology-based human rights abuses
U.S. persons and financial institutions
Iranian and Syrian citizens

What is the real world impact?

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Supports human rights in Iran and Syria

Aims to punish and discourage the use of technology by the Iranian and Syrian governments to suppress and harm their own people, such as by monitoring their communications or disrupting networks.

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Uses economic pressure as a foreign policy tool

Applies financial sanctions and travel bans as a way for the U.S. to influence the actions of foreign governments and associated entities without using military force.

When does this start?

This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 23, 2012.