Imposing Sanctions on Persons in the Human Rights Crisis in Ethiopia

Sep 21, 2021

Summary

Allows the U.S. to punish people and groups who cause violence, block aid, or hurt human rights in northern Ethiopia to encourage peace.

What problem does this solve?

A violent conflict in northern Ethiopia has caused a major humanitarian crisis with widespread violence and human rights abuses. This order allows the U.S. to place financial and travel restrictions on those responsible to pressure them to stop.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

States that the conflict in northern Ethiopia is an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

Authorizes sanctions on responsible parties

Gives the Secretary of the Treasury power to punish any foreign person or group involved in prolonging the crisis, committing human rights abuses, or blocking aid.

Blocks property and financial transactions

Freezes all property and assets in the U.S. belonging to sanctioned persons and prohibits U.S. persons from investing in or giving loans to them.

Suspends entry into the United States

Bans sanctioned individuals from entering the U.S. as immigrants or nonimmigrants, with limited exceptions for law enforcement purposes.

Identifies specific groups for potential sanctions

Names the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and Amhara regional forces as potential targets for sanctions.

Who does this affect?

Ethiopian and Eritrean government officials and military forces
Political parties and armed groups in northern Ethiopia
U.S. persons and financial institutions

What is the real world impact?

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Pressures warring parties to end the conflict

Uses financial and travel punishments as a tool to push the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Tigray People's Liberation Front, and other groups toward a ceasefire and peace process.

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Asserts U.S. foreign policy influence

Shows the U.S. is committed to addressing human rights crises and uses its economic power to influence the outcome of a foreign conflict, which some may see as interference.

When does this start?

This executive order became effective on September 17, 2021.