Debevoise Sanctions Alert
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How Over-Compliance Limits Humanitarian Work on Syria Challenges of Fund Transfer for Non-Profit Organizations Working on Syria
Invisible Sanctions: How over-compliance limits humanitarian work on Syria Challenges of Fund Transfer for Non-Profit Organizations Working on Syria 1 Invisible Sanctions: How over-compliance limits humanitarian work on Syria Challenges of Fund Transfer for Non-Profit Organizations Working on Syria Principal Researcher: Dr. Joseph Daher Review and editing: Dr. Erica Moret IMPACT - Civil Society Research and Development e.V. Principal Researcher: Dr. Joseph Daher Review and editing: Dr. Erica Moret Graphic Design: Tammam Al-Omar Published by: IMPACT - Civil Society Research and Development e.V Keithstraße 10 , 10787 Berlin Not for Sale. IMPACT e.V - ©2020 All rights reserved, no part of this publication can be printed, reissued or used in any shape or form without the publisher’s prior written consent. The views and opinions expressed in this report are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect those of IMPACT e.V . Despite going to great lengths to verify the authenticity of the information contained in this report, IMPACT e.V cannot guarantee their total impartiality. Table of Contents Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................................... 2 Executive summary and Main Findings of the Research ............................................................................ 3 Added value to the literature ................................................................................................................... 4 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. -
Access Resource
The State of Justice Syria 2020 The State of Justice Syria 2020 Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) March 2020 About the Syria Justice and Accountability Centre The Syria Justice and Accountability Centre (SJAC) strives to prevent impunity, promote redress, and facilitate principled reform. SJAC works to ensure that human rights violations in Syria are comprehensively documented and preserved for use in transitional justice and peace-building. SJAC collects documentation of violations from all available sources, stores it in a secure database, catalogues it according to human rights standards, and analyzes it using legal expertise and big data methodologies. SJAC also supports documenters inside Syria, providing them with resources and technical guidance, and coordinates with other actors working toward similar aims: a Syria defined by justice, respect for human rights, and rule of law. Learn more at SyriaAccountability.org The State of Justice in Syria, 2020 March 2020, Washington, D.C. Material from this publication may be reproduced for teach- ing or other non-commercial purposes, with appropriate attribution. No part of it may be reproduced in any form for commercial purposes without the prior express permission of the copyright holders. Cover Photo — A family flees from ongoing violence in Idlib, Northwest Syria. (C) Lens Young Dimashqi TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 2 Introduction 4 Major Violations 7 Targeting of Hospitals and Schools 8 Detainees and Missing Persons 8 Violations in Reconciled Areas 9 Property Rights -
The Mineral Industry of Belarus in 2016
2016 Minerals Yearbook BELARUS [ADVANCE RELEASE] U.S. Department of the Interior February 2020 U.S. Geological Survey The Mineral Industry of Belarus By Elena Safirova Belarus’s mineral production enterprises included a potash The total value of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Belarus’s mining company, three metallurgical steel plants, a nitrogen economy in 2016 was $6.9 billion, which was a 4.3% decrease production enterprise, and two crude petroleum refineries. compared with the FDI in 2015. The mineral sector received Belarus was the third-ranked country among the world’s potash only 2.3% of the total foreign investment. Russia provided producers following Canada and Russia (Jasinski, 2018). 51.5% of the total FDI and was the main source of foreign The country’s only mineral production enterprise that played investment in 2016 (National Statistical Committee of the a major role in world markets was its potash mining firm Republic of Belarus, 2017, p. 423–438). OAO Belaruskali. Belarus does not have significant resources In 2016, Belarus exported $23.5 billion worth of goods, which of mineral fuels within its territory; however, its energy was an 11.7% decrease compared with the total export revenue infrastructure includes an extensive network of oil pipelines in 2015. Belarus also imported $27.6 billion worth of goods, and gas pipelines, which position the country as an important which was an 8.9% decrease compared with the value of imports participant in the transportation of oil and natural gas to in 2015. In 2016, Belarus exported 13.0 Mt of refined petroleum Europe from Russia. -
Won't You Be My Neighbor
Won’t You Be My Neighbor: Syria, Iraq and the Changing Strategic Context in the Middle East S TEVEN SIMON Council on Foreign Relations March 2009 www.usip.org Date www.usip.org UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE – WORKING PAPER Won’t You Be My Neighbor UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE 1200 17th Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036-3011 © 2009 by the United States Institute of Peace. The views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Institute of Peace, which does not advocate specific policy positions. This is a working draft. Comments, questions, and permission to cite should be directed to the author ([email protected]) or [email protected]. This is a working draft. Comments, questions, and permission to cite should be directed to the author ([email protected]) or [email protected]. UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF PEACE – WORKING PAPER Won’t You Be My Neighbor About this Report Iraq's neighbors are playing a major role—both positive and negative—in the stabilization and reconstruction of post-Saddam Iraq. In an effort to prevent conflict across Iraq's borders and in order to promote positive international and regional engagement, USIP has initiated high-level, non-official dialogue between foreign policy and national security figures from Iraq, its neighbors and the United States. The Institute’s "Iraq and its Neighbors" project has also convened a group of leading specialists on the geopolitics of the region to assess the interests and influence of the countries surrounding Iraq and to explain the impact of these transformed relationships on U.S. -
U.S., EU Lift Sanctions on Belarus Entities Ex-Im Renewal Still Faces
Vol. 35, No. 43 November 2, 2015 U.S., EU Lift Sanctions on Belarus Entities In response to the August release of six political prisoners in Belarus, the U.S. and European Union (EU) Oct. 29 lifted sanctions against more than 180 entities in that country. Treasury issued General License 2 authorizing transactions with nine blocked companies and any entities owned 50% or more by them. “This limited reprieve from sanctions opens the door to expanded com- mercial ties for the Belarusian economy. We encourage the government of Belarus to take additional positive steps to improve its record with respect to human rights and democracy,” said State Spokesperson John Kirby at his daily press briefing Oct. 29. At the same time, the EU suspended for four months the asset freeze and travel ban applying to 170 individuals and the asset freeze applying to three entities in Belarus. “Four persons involved in unresolved disappearances in Belarus remain subject to restric- tive measures. The arms embargo also continues to apply,” the EU said in a statement. At an April meeting with representatives of the U.S. fertilizer industry, State and Treas- ury officials promised to investigate charges that Belarus had reorganized of its potash industry to avoid sanctions (see WTTL, April 13, page 1). The industry had claimed Belneftekhim, a major potash producer, had spun off Belaruskali to circumvent U.S. restrictions. Belneftekhim was one of entities taken off the sanctions list. With the changes, Treasury will now authorize U.S. transactions with Belarusian Oil Trade House, Belneftekhim, Belneftekhim USA, Inc., Belshina OAO, Grodno Azot OAO, Grodno Khimvolokno OAO, Lakokraska OAO, Naftan OAO and Polotsk Steklovolokno OAO. -
The Mineral Industry of Belarus in 2014
2014 Minerals Yearbook BELARUS U.S. Department of the Interior December 2017 U.S. Geological Survey THE MINERAL INDUSTRY OF BELARUS By Elena Safirova Belarus’s mineral production enterprises included a potash of Belarus by far was Russia, which supplied 54.6% of goods mining company, three steel plants, a nitrogen production and services, by value. Other significant import partners were enterprise, and two crude oil refineries. Belarus was the third- Germany (6.0%), China (5.8%), Ukraine (4.1%), Poland ranked country among the world’s potash producers, following (3.8%), and Italy (2.9%) (National Statistical Committee of the Canada and Russia (Jasinski, 2016). The country’s only mineral Republic of Belarus, 2015). production enterprise that played a major role in world markets was its potash mining firm OAO Belaruskali. Although Belarus Production does not have significant sources of fuel minerals, it had oil In 2014, potash production in Belarus increased by 49% pipelines, gas pipelines, and two large petroleum refineries to about 6.3 Mt in K O equivalent. Output of steel cord, that positioned the country as an important player in the 2 which was used in tire production, increased by 12.4% to transportation of oil and natural gas to Europe from Russia 80,700 metric tons (t), cement production increased by 11.1% (Safirova, 2012). to about 5.6 Mt, and nitrogen production increased by almost Minerals in the National Economy 10% to 1.0 Mt. Rolled and crude steel output increased by 9.4% to 2.3 Mt and by 8.4% to 2.6 Mt, respectively. -
Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria
Timeline of International Response to the Situation in Syria Beginning with dates of a few key events that initiated the unrest in March 2011, this timeline provides a chronological list of important news and actions from local, national, and international actors in response to the situation in Syria. Skip to: [2012] [2013] [2014] [2015] [2016] [Most Recent] Acronyms: EU – European Union PACE – Parliamentary Assembly of the Council CoI – UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria of Europe FSA – Free Syrian Army SARC – Syrian Arab Red Crescent GCC – Gulf Cooperation Council SASG – Special Adviser to the Secretary- HRC – UN Human Rights Council General HRW – Human Rights Watch SES – UN Special Envoy for Syria ICC – International Criminal Court SOC – National Coalition of Syrian Revolution ICRC – International Committee of the Red and Opposition Forces Cross SOHR – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights IDPs – Internally Displaced People SNC – Syrian National Council IHL – International Humanitarian Law UN – United Nations ISIL – Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant UNESCO – UN Educational, Scientific and ISSG – International Syria Support Group Cultural Organization JSE – UN-Arab League Joint Special Envoy to UNGA – UN General Assembly Syria UNHCR – UN High Commissioner for LAS – League of Arab States Refugees NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization UNICEF – UN Children’s Fund OCHA – UN Office for the Coordination of UNRWA – UN Relief Works Agency for Humanitarian Affairs Palestinian Refugees OIC – Organization of Islamic Cooperation UNSC – UN Security Council OHCHR – UN Office of the High UNSG – UN Secretary-General Commissioner for Human Rights UNSMIS – UN Supervision Mission in Syria OPCW – Organization for the Prohibition of US – United States Chemical Weapons 2011 2011: Mar 16 – Syrian security forces arrest roughly 30 of 150 people gathered in Damascus’ Marjeh Square for the “Day of Dignity” protest, demanding the release of imprisoned relatives held as political prisoners. -
A Diplomatic Road to Damascus: Th E Benefi Ts of U.S
*ğĕĖġĖğĕĖğĥ 3065*/( 10-*$:3&1035 A Diplomatic Road to Damascus: Th e Benefi ts of U.S. Engagement with Syria Leon T. Hadar* October 2007 &YFDVUJWF4VNNBSZ In the spring of 2007, the Bush administration the Bush administration’s neoconservative propa- began to signal a welcome and overdue reversal ganda style. of its policy of isolating and threatening Syria. A sensible U.S. policy would involve co-opt- Since 2002 the president and his advisors have sent ing instead of isolating Syria. Constructive rela- mixed signals to Syrian President Bashar al-As- tions between Washington and Damascus could sad’s regime. Consistent with the advice of those prove useful in advancing U.S. interests on a who advocate regime change in Damascus, the number of fronts, including the future of Iraq, the Bush administration has provided assistance to long-term prospects for a viable state in neighbor- Syrian opposition groups and imposed sanctions ing Lebanon, and progress toward peace between on Syria designed to compel the Assad govern- Israelis and Palestinians. If the United States and ment to reverse course on Lebanon and its support Syria agree to put their common interests ahead for Palestinian terrorist groups. Th e Bush admin- of ideology, it could help to move the regional istration has portrayed Syria as part of an Iran-led balance of power away from Iran. Ongoing dia- regional coalition, and administration offi cials logue is also needed to ensure that Syria continues have depicted the Syrian Ba’ath regime as a lead- its cooperation with U.S. government agencies in ing regional opponent of its “Freedom Agenda” the search for al-Qaeda and its allies. -
Syria: Issues for the 112Th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions
Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress and Background on U.S. Sanctions Jeremy M. Sharp Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs April 28, 2011 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL33487 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Syria: Issues for the 112th Congress Summary This report analyzes bilateral issues between the United States and Syria. Unrest in Syria and the Asad government’s violent response are adding new complexity to the troubled U.S.-Syrian relationship. The Obama Administration’s policy of limited engagement with Syria to address areas of longstanding concern has been met with criticism from some, including some Members of Congress. Critics believe that the Administration should apply further pressure to the Syrian government and consider implementing harsher economic sanctions against it. The use of violence against Syrian protestors has been accompanied by calls for new U.S. sanctions but also some expression of concern by experts that political unrest in Syria could evolve into a broader civil conflict that in turn could destabilize Syria’s neighbors. Despite its weak military and lackluster economy, Syria has leveraged its geographic location and its foreign policy alignment to remain relevant in Middle Eastern politics. At times, Syria has participated in substantive negotiations with Israel, from whom it seeks the return of the occupied Golan Heights. However, Syria also acts at times as a “spoiler” by hosting U.S.-designated Palestinian terrorist groups such as Hamas and facilitating the rearmament of Hezbollah in neighboring Lebanon. Syria’s long-standing relationship with Iran is of great concern to U.S. -
Belarus: Background and U.S. Policy Concerns
Belarus: Background and U.S. Policy Concerns Steven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs February 12, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RL32534 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Belarus: Background and U.S. Policy Concerns Summary Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko snuffed out Belarus’s modest progress toward democracy and a free market economy in the early 1990s and created an authoritarian, Soviet- style regime. Belarus has close historical and cultural ties to Russia. Russian policy toward Belarus appears to be focused on gaining control of Belarus’s key economic assets while reducing the costs of subsidizing the Lukashenko regime. For many years, the United States has limited ties to the regime while providing modest support to pro-democracy organizations in Belarus. The United States and the European Union also imposed sanctions on Belarusian leaders. In March 2008, Belarus withdrew its ambassador from Washington and forced the United States to recall its ambassador from Minsk, in response to what Belarus perceived as a tightening of U.S. sanctions against Belneftekhim, the state-owned petrochemicals firm. Belarus also limited the number of U.S. diplomats in Belarus to five persons. From 2008 to 2010, the United States and European Union suspended some sanctions in exchange for very modest improvements on human rights issues. This policy suffered a setback in December 2010, when Belarus held presidential elections that observers from the OSCE viewed as falling far short of international standards. Moreover, in response to an election-night demonstration against electoral fraud in a square in central Minsk, the Lukashenko regime arrested over 700 persons, including most of his opponents in the election, as well as activists, journalists, and civil society representatives. -
The Mineral Industry of Belarus in 2013
2013 Minerals Yearbook BELARUS U.S. Department of the Interior December 2016 U.S. Geological Survey THE MINERAL INDUSTRY OF BELARUS By Elena Safirova Belarus’ mineral production enterprises included a potash major import partner of Belarus was Russia, which supplied mining company, three metallurgical steel plants, a nitrogen 53.2% of goods and services, by value. Other significant import production enterprise, and two crude oil refineries. Belarus was partners were Germany (7.1%), China (6.6%), Ukraine (4.8%), the third-ranked country among the world’s potash producers Poland (3.7%), and Italy (2.6%) (National Statistical Committee following Canada and Russia (Jasinski, 2014). The country’s of the Republic of Belarus, 2014a, b). only mineral production enterprise that played a major role in world markets was its potash mining firm OAO Belaruskali. Production Although Belarus does not have significant sources of fuel minerals on its territory, it had a number of energy infrastructure In 2013, Belarus reduced production of all steel products— establishments (oil pipelines, gas pipelines, and two large oil output of steel cord decreased by 18% to 71,800 metric tons (t); refineries) that positioned the country as an important player in that of crude and rolled steel decreased by 17% each to 2.40 Mt the transportation of oil and gas to Europe from Russia. and 2.16 Mt, respectively; and that of steel pipe decreased by 1.3% to 242,500 t. Peat production decreased by about 17% Minerals in the National Economy to 2.43 Mt; potash production decreased by 12% to 4.2 Mt in K2O equivalent; and sulfuric acid output decreased by 8.7% In 2013, the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) to 710,000 t. -
Jordan's Quandary Over Syria
Foreign Policy Research Institute E-Notes A Catalyst for Ideas Distributed via Email and Posted at www.fpri.org November 2011 ~MIDDLE EAST MEDIA MONITOR~ JORDAN’S QUANDARY OVER SYRIA By Tally Helfont Middle East Media Monitor is an FPRI E-Note series, designed to review once a month a current topic from the perspective of the foreign language press. These articles will focus on providing FPRI’s readership with an inside view on how some of the most important countries in the Middle East are covering issues of importance to the American foreign policy community. Tally Helfont is a Research Fellow and the Coordinator of FPRI's Program on the Middle East . Her research focuses on Jordan, strategic issues in the region, and radical Islamic movements. She has also instructed training courses in Civil Information Management to U.S. Military Civil Affairs Units and Human Terrain Teams assigned to Iraq and Afghanistan. In recent weeks, a contentious debate has arisen in Jordan over what should be done about the country’s troublesome northern neighbor, Syria. Though the Jordanians, like many others in the region, were mostly preoccupied with their own internal troubles over the past eight months, there has been a palpable change in the discourse on Syria in the kingdom. Indeed, the recent slew of activities by the Arab League has brought the Syrian troubles to the fore. However, it was two other major events that sparked the intensification of this debate in Jordan—namely, King Abdullah II’s recent BBC interview in which he conceded that Bashar al-Assad had lost the legitimacy to rule and the subsequent attack on the Jordanian embassy in Damascus by pro-Assad, Syrian protesters.