Blocking Property of Certain Persons Contributing to the Situation in Burundi
Nov 25, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 22, 2015
Published on: Nov 25, 2015
Nov 25, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Nov 22, 2015
Published on: Nov 25, 2015
Summary
Freezes the assets and bans U.S. entry for people who threaten peace, commit human rights abuses, or undermine democracy in Burundi.
What problem does this solve?
Violence, political repression, and unrest in Burundi threaten its peace and stability, which is a national security concern for the United States. This order imposes financial sanctions and travel bans on individuals responsible for the conflict to pressure them to stop their harmful actions.
What does this order do?
Reference
Text:
Declares a national emergency
States that the situation in Burundi is an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
Blocks property and assets
Freezes all property and financial interests in the U.S. for individuals and entities identified as contributing to the conflict in Burundi.
Suspends U.S. entry
Bans individuals who meet the criteria for sanctions from entering the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants.
Identifies sanctionable activities
Lists actions that can lead to sanctions, including threatening peace, undermining democracy, committing human rights abuses, and attacking peacekeepers.
Prohibits donations
Forbids making or receiving donations of items like food, clothing, and medicine to or from any person whose property is blocked by this order.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury
Gives the Secretary of the Treasury, working with the Secretary of State, the power to implement the order, add people to the sanctions list, and issue rules.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals and entities in Burundi involved in the conflict
- U.S. persons and financial institutions
- The government of Burundi
What is the real world impact?
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Uses economic pressure to influence foreign events
Applies financial sanctions and travel restrictions as a tool of foreign policy to discourage violence and political instability in Burundi without direct military involvement.
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Deters human rights abuses
Aims to hold individuals accountable for violence against civilians and other human rights violations by cutting off their access to the U.S. financial system and travel.
When does this start?
This order became effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 23, 2015.